The streak is the best, but not the team.(NFL)

First, it was two Super Bowls in three years. Now it's a record 19 straight wins. These Patriots certainly are demanding our attention in a historical sense. Here's one conclusion: They could emerge as the best team in this era of the free agent market and the salary cap. But are they among the best ever? Not quite yet.

Maybe if they go undefeated this season. Maybe if they win another Super Bowl this February. Maybe then it will be proper to mention them in the same sentence as the 1940s Bears, the '50s Browns, the '60s Packers, the '70s Steelers and Dolphins, the '80s 49ers and the early-'90s Cowboys.

Still, the Patriots will remain the least talented of these fabled clubs. And their command of the field hardly generates the fear and dominance of the truly terrific franchises. Consider this: During the winning streak, almost half the Patriots' victories have been by six points or fewer. They've won four games by three points. The Patriots are a tribute to teamwork and diligence and the masterful personnel work of coach Bill Belichick and vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli. But overpowering? Hardly.

Not even the string of 19 straight, which includes three wins in the playoffs, is generating much attention. That puts the Patriots and this achievement in perspective. No one outside of Denver recalls much about the Broncos' 18-game winning ...