Although many fans are calling the New England Patriots a dynasty, three retired longtime players aren't quite so sure.

Yet.

Former quarterback Steve Grogan, linebacker Steve Nelson and center Bill Lenkaitis say tonight's Super Bowl XXXIX will determine for them whether the Patriots deserve that label.

`` Just quantitatively, the label seems to go on guys who won three,'' says Lenkaitis, a Foxboro dentist who played for New England from 1971 to 1981.

`` It seems like the magic number is three in not too long a distance.'' Grogan, a Foxboro resident, agreed. `` I think if they win this week, I definitely would consider them a dynasty,'' says Grogan, who played for New England from 1975 to 1990.

`` I don't think I put them in that category if they don't win.''

`` Three of the last four gets to be a dynasty team. Two of three is close, but not.''

Nelson says salary cap and free-agent restrictions make the current run of three Super Bowl berths, including two titles in the last four years impressive.

`` When you take a step back and really look at the accomplishments of this team the last few years, they will go down as one of the greatest teams in NFL history,'' says Nelson, a Wrentham resident who played for the team from 1974-1987.

`` I think everybody realizes in football they're the best-run franchise in the league.''

Grogan attributes New England's recent stardom to the standards set by the leadership.

`` I think it all starts at the top with (Coach Bill) Belichick, No. 1, and a solid core of veteran players who know how difficult it is to get there and have been able to pass that along to everybody else,'' says Grogan, the co-owner of Grogan-Marciano Sporting Goods in Mansfield.

Nelson notes that people compare Belichick to legendary coach Vince Lombardi, and quarterback Tom Brady to Hall of Famer Joe Montana.

Grogan says Brady has silenced critics who said he couldn't throw deep passes. Brady also has handled his success gracefully, Grogan says.

`` I think the good thing is he hasn't changed much,'' Grogan says. `` He seems to have his head on straight.''

Nelson says the current squad is more well rounded than last year's team. The addition of star running back Corey Dillon this season has been a big plus.

`` The Patriots have got it all, a good running game, good bunch of receivers, an under-appreciated offensive line,'' says Nelson, the athletic director at Curry College in Milton.

Lenkaitis praises New England's defensive backfield, which has been good despite being affected by injuries all year.

`` It's a credit to the coaches and the personnel guys, (player personnel director Scott) Pioli, that they pick up guys they can put in there,'' Lenkaitis says.

Nelson says the fans have embraced the team.

`` I think the fans really appreciate what this team's all about,'' Nelson says.

`` They play as a team; there are no individuals. They're kind of a throwback team, and I think the fans like that.''