Even though the modern NFL is based on offense, the debate over the most excellent NFL defense of all time is more pertinent than ever. After all, while the offense sells seats, the defense wins championships, which is why so many Super Bowl champions have been led by their defense. Of course, selecting the finest NFL defense in history is a complex undertaking. Top-tier defenses were once much more common than they are today. As a result, many clubs have assembled elite defensive units that include some of the best NFL players of all time. In other words, we had a lot of choices to make.
Looking back at last season, the San Francisco 49ers’ defense was outstanding all season. DeMeco Ryans’ team handled the Eagles’ attack until late in the second quarter, when reckless play by players prolonged the drive. Don’t let one game damage Ryan’s legacy; he’s a fantastic coach who spent two years as the coordinator of the best NFL defense. However, I’m afraid they wouldn’t get close to the defenses below.
As the saying goes, if you like to bet on NFL games, it’s always a safe bet to back the best defense, and these are certainly among those. These defenses are partially included based on statistics ranging from points and yards allowed to sacks and turnovers. Of course, everything is adjusted for the era, so this isn’t just a list of defenses from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Playoff domination is also essential, as is impact: Teams that changed football strategy or fielded a slew of Hall of Famers have a leg up on teams that put up significant statistics for a year or two. Lastly, teams from before the AFL-NFL merger (1960) were excluded from this list. So let’s meet some of the best defenses of all time without further ado.
1. Chicago Bears (1985) – Under the command of fearsome middle linebacker Mike Singletary, the squad is remembered for Buddy Ryan’s tough defense. The wreaking havoc resulted in 64 sacks and a league-high 34 interceptions. “We don’t have much without Ryan,” Singletary remarked at the time. “I consider myself fortunate to have been coached by him.” During three playoff games, Chicago allowed an NFL-low 12.4 points per game and only ten total points, including a 46-10 thrashing of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (1976) – The Steel Curtain struck differently. In 1976, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense was unrivaled. Choosing their best player is difficult because they have so many greats. Mean Joe Green had six sacks, Jack Lambert eight fumble recoveries, and Mel Blount six interceptions. Lambert and Jack Ham were named to the All-Pro first team. With a 1-4 record, this club faced difficulties. The defense could have been better during that span. Pittsburgh won their final nine games while allowing only 26 points. That equates to fewer than 3.0 points each game. The Steelers recorded five shutouts and went 22 quarters without conceding a touchdown. Consider how low their points per game could have been if they hadn’t given up 110 in their first five games.
3. New York Giants (1986) – The 1985 Bears overshadowed the Big Blue Wrecking Crew, but Lawrence Taylor was the best defensive player in history, and as such, this team deserves a place on the list. The game-breaker, known as “L.T.,” piled up 20.5 sacks and became the league’s second defensive MVP (Alan Page, 1971). However, the Giants allowed only 80.2 yards per game and 14.8 points per game. New York surrendered 23 points in the playoffs on its path to capturing Super Bowl XXI.
4. Baltimore Ravens (2000) – Only one defense has allowed fewer than 11 points a game in the last quarter-century. Ray Lewis’ Ravens are that team. In a 16-game season in 2000, Baltimore achieved NFL records for the fewest points allowed (165) and fewest yards rushing allowed (970). Baltimore’s defense featured safety Rod Woodson, who was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, and Lewis, who was voted Super Bowl MVP. The Ravens shut out four opponents during the regular season, then improved in the playoffs, allowing just 23 points in four games, including a 34-7 victory over the Giants in the Super Bowl. Despite having a relatively easy regular-season schedule, they performed admirably in the playoffs.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (1991) – People unfamiliar with the Eagles’ defense in the early 1990s may mistake this for an error. After all, the Eagles finished 10-6 in 1991, Randall Cunningham tore his ACL in the first game of the season, the subsequent offense was terrible, and the team failed to make the playoffs. But that defense, my gosh, that was incredible. The 1991 Eagles defense’s most noteworthy figure was that six players had at least 100 tackles that year. The defense allowed less than four yards per snap and had a great completion percentage of 44%. Over the whole season, opposing offenses scored four rushing touchdowns against the Eagles’ defense!
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