What is ‘The Patriot Way’?

“The Patriot Way” isn’t a new philosophy. With 16 consecutive winning seasons under Bill Belichick and one more game between the franchise and a possible fifth Super Bowl victory, it has come to define everything about the New England Patriots’ excellence in the 21st century.

With so much success over such an extended period, everything about Belichick’s strategies and beliefs have been dissected. But it’s the win column itself that really defines what “The Patriot Way” is all about.

Former Patriots running back Kevin Faulk explained on The Players Tribune:

“Some people say it’s the way Coach Belichick runs the team, preaching accountability and placing a strong emphasis on doing your job. Some say it’s our style of play, with Tom Brady as our quarterback. But truthfully, it’s neither.

“The Patriot Way ain’t about nothing but winning, man.

“That’s it.”

Who exactly coined the term “The Patriot Way” is tough to say. Steve Sabol of NFL Films used it as far back as 2010 and the Patriots may have been using the phrase even before that.

But now it has become representative of players buying into the coaching and philosophies of Belichick — which isn’t a tough sell, considering his track record.

“Honestly, there is no definition of the Patriot way. There is not a word or phrase we could use,” linebacker Dont’a Hightower said, via the Houston Chronicle. “It is just more about the way you carry yourself, about the way you manage expectations, and know what expectations are. Guys come in not knowing what it is and guys go out not being able to explain what the Patriot way is, but when you are there, you know what it is- guys buy in.”

After a 5-11 record in Belichick’s first season in New England, the team posted a 196-60 record in the 16 years that followed, with a 24-9 mark in the postseason. In each of the last 14 seasons, the Patriots have finished with double-digit wins.

Even if there’s no real definition of “The Patriot Way,” whatever the team is doing is working.