NFL’s Top Defenses Since 1980 Statistically Ranked By Greatness
By Matt Reed
8. 1991 New Orleans Saints: 70 Points
The Saints make their second appearance on the countdown. This team featured many of the same players as the ’92 squad, which attributed to its success. New Orleans boasted a strong pass defense, who led the league in interceptions (29). They only allowed 13.2 points per game that season as well, which helped them get into the playoffs with a record of 11-5.
Pat Swilling, most likely the best defensive player in Saints history, was named AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1991 and was a two-time All-Pro selection (1991 and 1992).
Icons: Pat Swilling, Sam Mills, Rickey Jackson
7. 1985 Chicago Bears: 70 Points
No. 7? That’s right. Despite the notion that this was the best defense of all-time, they weren’t as dominant as many think. That being said, this was one of the greatest defensive units ever. They just weren’t as talented as the following year’s defense, or at least as far as statistics go. The ’85 team forced a league high 54 turnovers, in addition to giving up the fewest rushing touchdowns per game (0.3).
This team received all the glory, going on to win the Lombardi trophy in the process. Linebacker Mike Singletary was also rewarded for an excellent season with the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Icons: Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Steve McMichael
Next: The Legion of Boom crack the list