I was reading the latest USA Today Sports Weekly, and I have to admit, I was having trouble maintaining my composure. I know that sounds silly, but I have to explain why this team has captured my heart so thoroughly – 1) teamwork at its finest and 2) the talent and foresight of the coaching staff.

As I’ve stated in my first article, I grew up in Dallas in the ‘70s…a time when the team and coaching meant EVERYTHING. And, as a huge fan of Tom Landry, a coach I consider one of the best in NFL history (for his record, as well as his leadership qualities and dignity under pressure), I judge all who follow by the standards he set.

Tom Landry was Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1988 (29 Seasons). Here’s a synopsis of the team’s record and accomplishments under his leadership:

• 250 Wins-162 Losses-6 Ties (60% of all games played are wins)
• 13 Divisional Championship Appearances (45% of his 29-year career with the Cowboys)
• 20 Consecutive Winning Seasons (69% of all seasons under his leadership)
• 200 Regular Season Victories by 1982
• 200 Victories for Landry by 1980
• 5 Super Bowl Appearances
• 2 Super Bowl Wins (40% win rate)
• Tony Dorsett Rushes for 12,000 Yards in 9 Years

Now, I don’t know about anyone else, but that’s a pretty phenomenal record for a head coach.

Bill Belichick has been Head Coach of New England Patriots since 2000 (4 Years). His career in Cleveland aside, here’s a synopsis of the team’s record and accomplishments under his leadership:

• 45 Wins-25 Losses-0 Ties (64% of all games played are wins)
• 2 Divisional Championship Appearances (50% of his 4-year career with the Pats)
• 3 Consecutive Winning Seasons (75% of all seasons under his leadership)
• 39 Regular Season Victories
• 2 Super Bowl Appearances
• 2 Super Bowl Wins (100% win rate)
• Antowain Smith Rushes for 5, 713 Years in 7 Years (2,781 with the Pats)

Now, I know it’s really too soon in Belichick’s career to predict how successful he will be with the Patriots, but I think the comparison is worth the effort. Comparing a relatively new Head Coach to one with a stellar career can be considered sheer folly, but I think the numbers speak for themselves. Belichick, if he can continue along this path, has the potential to be one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

But the statistics alone don’t convince me of his talent and ability to maintain such a high level of performance. The most important reason I admired Tom Landry as a Head Coach was his dignity, integrity, persistence, and strength under incredible pressure. Landry never discussed internal issues to the press, never allowed his emotions to cloud his judgment, and treated his team fairly but firmly. I see those same qualities in Belichick.

A good example of this is the Lawyer Milloy negotiations last summer. Belichick could have broached the situation to the media, explaining that Milloy was offered $3 million to stay on the Pats (he’s been the highest-paid safety in the NFL), but Milloy would not budge from his $3.6 million expectations. He didn’t – Milloy revealed that information to public freely. The fact that Belichick does not use the press to his advantage reveals his determination to focus on the team and the season, as well as his lack of petty vindictiveness. He obviously understands the importance of looking ahead and preparing for any obstacle that may exhibit itself.

As a self-proclaimed skeptic of hiring Belichick in 2000, I have become a complete convert. I am optimistic that regardless of the annual outcome (playoffs or no), Belichick will be able to continue to inspire this team to ultimate greatness. And not necessarily in number of wins, but greatness as a well-oiled machine that looks to pursue the ultimate prize, the Lombardi trophy, and eliminate the individual ego that’s unfortunately so prevalent in the NFL today. I wouldn’t watch them under any other circumstances.