You have the tuck rule in 1999 that started everything. The pats should not have even been in that super bowl (also Vinatieri's 45 yard kick in the blizzard was key).

Vinatieri also kicked a 48 yard field goal to beat the Rams, and a 41 yarder to beat the Panthers. Contrast this with say, Vanderjagt who missed a 49 yarder to Miami in the playoffs, as well as a 46 yarder (in perfect conditions) to lose a game to the Steelers that would have sent the colts to the super bowl.

Then there was the benefit of stupid opposing coaching against both the Falcons and the Seahawks. Passing instead of running up the middle, and then Kyle Shanahan literally curling up in a ball and giving the Pats the comeback also helped.

Again, I think Tom is great. I just think his legend is a little bit inflated due to playing with the greatest coach of all time, the greatest clutch kicker of all time, and benefiting by some very beneficial bounces/calls.