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The consistently great, almost always in the playoff mix franchises of the last two decades before we came along, were basically the Steelers, Patriots and Ravens
And they all shared a few common traits, with a few exceptions
Consistency at head coach
A franchise or borderline franchise QB
They all primarily drafted and developed their talent
And they were never afraid to cut an aging, expensive star
Pats and Steelers had the coaching consistency, Baltimore less so but it wasn't a total revolving door with them
Steelers didn't always have Big Rape, but they were still in the hunt every damn year with guys like Kordell Stewart, Charlie Batch etc
Ravens had Flacco for the second SB, a borderline franchise guy at his peak
Bill had Brady of course, but Bledsoe got things started for them
And ALL of those franchises were never too sentimental about ditching long in the tooth stars who priced themselves off the roster
Now we have all of those same traits that produce dynastic results
Coaching stability
Elite quarterback
Savvy drafting and roster mgmt
Never overpay an aging superstar, unless he's your QB
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