NFL’s Top Defenses Since 1980 Statistically Ranked By Greatness
By Matt Reed
20. 1981 Philadelphia Eagles: 45 Points
Cracking the list at number 20 are the Philadelphia Eagles of 1981. Most people don’t associate talented defenses with Philly, at least not until more recent years when Jim Johnson was the defensive coordinator, but the Eagles had very talented defenses in the 1980s. In 1981, the team led the league in points allowed per game, conceding 13.8, while the league average was 20.7.
Dick Vermeil’s team ultimately lost in the first round of the playoffs that year, but to no fault of the defense. Philadelphia conceded 4.3 yards per play in ’81, which was only second to division rival New York. This won’t be the only Vermeil-coached Eagles squad on the countdown.
Icons: Charlie Johnson, Jerry Robinson, Roynell Young
19. 1996 Green Bay Packers: 45 Points
When you think about the Green Bay Packers, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, there’s one name that comes to mind. Reggie White. Arguably the greatest pass rusher of all-time, White and his Packers put together some solid years together, especially in 1996. Green Bay led the league in points per game allowed (13.1) and passing yards per attempt (4.7). The team’s 13.1 points allowed was over a full touchdown less than the league average, 20.4.
En route to winning the Super Bowl, the team boasted the stingiest defense, giving up 4.2 yards per play. In addition to that, they caused 39 turnovers, ranking them third behind the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Icons: Reggie White, LeRoy Butler, Eugene Robinson
Next: One of the most physical defenses lands 17th