Top 10 Teams of the Decade

The Decade Series is back! This week our list focuses on the Top 10 Teams of the Decade. These aren't single-season teams, but rather the best franchises of the past 10 years. These teams have a "Commitment to Excellence" that Al Davis would be proud of, if he's still awake. To make such a prestigious list you have to have won multiple championships and be the epitome of greatness in the sports world. These franchises are simply the best.

10) Pittsburgh Steelers - Winners of SB XL and XLIII, 5 Division Titles, 6 Playoff Appearances

With first Bill Cowher and now Mike Tomlin at the helm, this is the model of a stable, successful franchise. Behind the QB play of Ben Roethlisberger and heroics from Willie Parker and Santonio Holmes, they won 2 titles this decade. Something only surpassed by a team later in the countdown. Throughout the decade, they have consistently been at the top of the NFL and have one of the nation's largest fanbases. In a league of supposed parity, the Steelers are always good.

9) San Antonio Spurs - 2003, 2005, 2007 NBA Champions, 10 Playoff Appearances

If there is one team on our list that can have a beef, it's San Antonio. 3 titles in a decade is quite the accomplishment, not to mention making the playoffs every single year in the 00's. Led by the unflappable Big Fundamental Tim Duncan and Coach Pop, the Spurs are the epitome of a consistent winner. But, if there is one thing holding back the Spurs it is there utter lack of interest, pizazz, or excitement which makes them the most boring team in the countdown.

8) #48 Jimmie Johnson - 2006, 2007, 2008 Nascar Champion, 2006 Daytona 500 Winner, 2006, 2008, 2009 Brickyard 400 Winner

Wait a minute, a racecar driver... that's not a team! Oh contraire mon frere as the French say. Jimmie Johnson's success is in large part due to the fantastic team around him. As has been documented here before, car owner Rick Hendrick is perhaps the best owner in all of sports, and Crew Chief Chad Knaus has been with Jimmie through every step of his likely 4 straight titles. The #48 team never puts a foot wrong seemingly, and the entire crew deserves credit.

7) Ferrari F1 - 6 Drivers Championships (2000-2004, 2007) and 7 Constructors Titles (previous and 2008)

Wait, 2 racing teams! But of course! In the world of racing, only the legendary red cars of Ferrari can match NASCAR's #48 team. Their dominance in the early part of the decade led by Michael Schumacher is one of the most impressive runs in sport across the world. They then showed in 2007 and 2008 that they weren't totally dependent on Schumi's excellence by winning a Team title in 2008 and Kimi Raikkonen's triumph in 2007.

6) Boston Red Sox - 2004 and 2007 World Series Titles, 6 Playoff Appearances

The Red Sox make a ceremonial appearance on the countdown due to their 2 World Series triumphs in 2004 and 2007. The '04 title win that broke the curse of that one guy is enough to put them on the list, but the comeback against the Yanks will be talked about forever. Even though the Yankees might have won more division titles this decade, the Sox won most when it counts - October. But, if the Yanks go on and win the 2009 World Series, consider this Sox/Yanks decision reversed!

5) Florida Gators - 2oo6 and 2007 NCAA Bball Titles, 2006 and 2008 BCS titles

In the college realm, Florida has been Titletown USA. Their 2006 Football and Basketball titles is an unprecedented accomplishment that might not be seen again in major college athletics. Stars such as Noah, Brewer, Tebow, and Harvin have led the Gators on the field while Billy Donovan (the Magic flirtation aside) and Urban Meyer have provided outstanding leadership for each program. Florida football might even add to the trophy cabinet in January, would that count for this decade or the next though.... ummm... next?

4) UConn Basketball - 5 NCAA Championships (2000, '02-'04, 2009) 39-0 in 2002 and 2009

The UConn Women's basketball team is the best. The program that Geno Auriemma built in Storrs won their eternal rivalry with Tennessee this decade. They had 3 more NCAA titles and also an incredible feat of 2 perfect 39-0 seasons 7 years apart! The only reason UConn isn't at the top is the total lack of depth in Women's Bball. Every year there might only be 6-7 teams capable of winning a title and one of them is UConn. I guess that's not Geno's fault though...

3) Manchester United - 12 Total Trophies including 5 EPL Titles, 1 Champions League, and 1 Club World Cup

We go back to the world stage for our #3 team and the most accomplished soccer club in the world. Glory, Glory Man United indeed. Their trophy rack has increased greatly this decade with 5 EPL titles (now in a tie with Liverpool for the most ever) and their unique international double of winning the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup. Throughout the decade, Fergie's troops have been the most consistent soccer power throughout the world, and they show no signs of slowing down.

2) Los Angeles Lakers - 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2009 NBA Champions, 2004 and 2008 Finals Appearance

If only Kobe and Shaq were kept together! They would be a solid #1 on our list, but the breakup of the LA dynasty meant they only won 4 titles this decade, yea, only 4. The 2004 team beating the Pistons would have easily put the Lakers at #1, but that was instead the end of an era. Kobe, Shaq, and Phil broke up and the Lakers were never the same... at least until 2008. Surprisingly, Phil came back as Kobe was the lone wolf in leading LA to a 2008 Finals appearance and a 2009 victory.

1) New England Patriots - Super Bowl XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX Champions, 16-0 regular season in 2007.

The team of the decade. However, their image has gone from that of underdog heroes in 2001 (remember the team introduction at the Super Bowl?) to obnoxious, cheating villains with guys like Belichick and Brady that you love to hate (don't forget Spygate either). Nevertheless, their acheivements this decade are unmatched in sports. They are the dynasty in a dynasty-proof league. Plus, they are only the second team in league history to have an undefeated regular season, don't ask about what happened in the Super Bowl that year though. With their unmatched success, this team has been the flagship bearer in the world of sports throughout the 2000's.

That's our list, what's yours? Don't forget to leave us your feedback (you can be critical, or positive... don't forget you can actually agree!) on the Top 10 Teams of the Decade. Who's #1? Who belongs and who doesn't? Who would you move up and down the list or on and off the list? The decade series will return with our extended countdown and profiles of the Top 10 Games of the Decade. Till then, it's bye for now!