NFL’s Top Defenses Since 1980 Statistically Ranked By Greatness

4. 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 75 Points

Tampa Bay’s average of 0.6 passing touchdowns allowed per game, was simply off the charts, in a year where the league average was 1.4. Opposing quarterbacks posted a Quarterback Rating of 48.4 in 2002, a league low. In addition to their great pass defense, Tampa gave up 3.8 yards per rush, tied for second in the NFL.

Jon Gruden’s 2002 Buccaneers featured some of the most fierce athletes to ever play on the defensive side of the ball. Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp headline this time, but another future Hall member, John Lynch, is arguably one of the greatest safeties to ever play in the NFL as well. Brooks was named AP Defensive Player of the Year as well in ’02.

Icons: Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice

3. 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers: 80 Points

Pittsburgh teams of the “Steel Curtain” Era are more widely considered in the greatest defense of all-time discussion, but the 2010 Steelers were pretty talented as well. Their tough-as-nails run defense gave up the least amount of rushing touchdowns per game (0.3), as well as the fewest yards per rush (3.0). This team also led the league in passing yards per attempt allowed (5.3).

The most important stat though is of course points allowed, which again Pittsburgh led the league in, giving up 14.5 points per game. Although the Steelers lost a close game in the Super Bowl, it was a toss-up game, and this defense did pretty much everything they could to stop a high-powered Aaron Rodgers-led Packers team.

Icons: James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, James Farrior

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