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The 10 best defensive teams in the NFL

By Lyle Graversen

Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor (31) celebrates with linebacker Malcom Smith (53) and safety Earl Thomas (29) and cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor (31) celebrates with linebacker Malcom Smith (53) and safety Earl Thomas (29) and cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; General view of Denver Broncos fans holding defense signs during the game against the New England Patriots in the first half of the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; General view of Denver Broncos fans holding defense signs during the game against the New England Patriots in the first half of the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 8: Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos had the worst defensive numbers of any team on this top ten list last season. They were an unimpressive 22nd in points allowed and 19th in yards. Last season the Broncos defense was more “good enough” than “good”, but when you have the most prolific offense in the history of the NFL you still win a lot of games. However, after Denver failed to win the ultimate game at the end of the season they went out of their way to bolster their defense this offseason.

They added another pass rusher in DeMarcus Ware, a strong cover cornerback in Aqib Talib, and a physical presence at safety in T.J. Ward through free agency. They also drafted another corner in the first round in Bradley Roby. Finally, Denver was without star OLB Von Miller for half the season and the playoffs. So when Denver takes the field in 2014 they will have a drastically different look than last season. They may still struggle with physical offensive lines, but this is a defense built to put pressure on teams as they try to keep up with Peyton Manning and their high-powered offense. Look for Denver to be dramatically improved this season.

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