I've made this point numerous times, but it's worth repeating. You look at the 20 year dynasty, and there wasn't a single down year in the bunch. Not one. Every other team that's been really good during these 20 years has had one or two (at least) years where they were bad, and got to draft much higher up each round. New England never ever got that. Moreover, the Pats had two first rounders and a fourth rounder stolen from them by the NFL.
Well, the 2020 Pats weren't good and that was the chance to draft high. What did they do? Oh they only snagged what looks like a franchise QB, a franchise DT, and an outstanding RB, and that's not even considering what the other guys in the draft might contribute. This is year 1 after all.
Every other team got at least one or two reset years. New England never ever had it until now. This makes it even more impressive what they did all that time.
Thought I would take a deeper dive into the details:
The following franchises won at least one Super Bowl since Belichick became HC of the NEP:
Ravens (2 wins, 2 appearances): 8 playoff DNQ's, 3 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Tampa (2 wins, 2 appearances): 15 playoff DNQ's, 9 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Pittsburgh (2 wins in 3 appearances): 7 playoff DNQ's, 1 season of 6 or fewer wins
Colts (1 win in 2 appearances): 6 playoff DNQ's, 3 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Giants (2 wins in 3 appearances): 13 playoff DNQ's, 8 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Saints (1 win in 1 appearance): 11 playoff DNQ's, 1 season of 6 or fewer wins
Packers (1 win in 1 appearance): 6 playoff DNQ's, 3 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Seahawks (1 win in 2 appearances): 7 playoff DNQ's, 3 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Broncos (1 win in 2 appearances): 12 playoff DNQ's, 4 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Eagles (1 win in 2 appearances): 8 playoff DNQ's, 3 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Chiefs (1 win in 2 appearances): 11 playoff DNQ's, 5 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
These teams represent the elite of the league. In comparison, the Pats have had 3 playoff DNQ's during that period, half of the most successful teams in the above list, and 1 season of 5 wins (Belichick's first).
49ers (2 appearances): 15 playoff DNQ's, 10 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Rams (2 appearances): 14 playoff DNQ's, 7 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Falcons (1 appearance): 13 playoff DNQ's, 6 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Panthers (2 appearances): 14 playoff DNQ's, 6 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Cardinals (1 appearance): 17 playoff DNQ's, 10 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Bears (1 appearance): 15 playoff DNQ's, 10 seasons of 6 or fewer wins
Raiders (1 appearance): 17 playoff DNQ's, 7 seasons of 6 or fewer wins