NFL’s Top Defenses Since 1980 Statistically Ranked By Greatness

16. 1984 San Francisco 49ers: 50 Points

The 1984 San Francisco 49ers were known for their offense, which featured quarterback Joe Montana and wide receiver Dwight Clark, but they did boast the league’s best defense this season as well. Their 14.2 points per game was an NFL best, as well as their stingy passing defense, who gave up 0.9 touchdowns per game through the air.

San Francisco’s defense certainly benefitted from their offense’s success, but make no mistake, they were shut down when they needed to be, which is why they went on to win the Super Bowl after going 15-1 in the regular season.

Icons: Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, Louie Kelcher

15. 1989 Denver Broncos: 50 Points

In a weakened AFC, the Broncos were the clear class of the conference in 1989. They held the conference’s best record, 11-5, but they were completely deserving when it came to representing the AFC in the Super bowl. Denver forced 43 turnovers, second to only Philadelphia. The Broncos gave up 14.1 points per game, a league best, and over six points better than the NFL average (20.6).

What was truly amazing about this defense was that there weren’t really any household names on it. Safety Dennis Smith is featured in the team’s Ring of Honor, but outside of Denver, most people didn’t know much about him. Had they gone on to defeat San Francisco in the Super Bowl, maybe that would have changed.

Icons: Karl Mecklenburg, Dennis Smith, Tyrone Braxton

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