NFL: Ranking the Top 5 Defenses on paper right now

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates with cornerback Richard Sherman (25) during the third quarter New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates with cornerback Richard Sherman (25) during the third quarter New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) celebrates with Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) after a third quarter sack by Avril against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) celebrates with Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) after a third quarter sack by Avril against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Seattle Seahawks

Until somebody proves otherwise, the Seattle Seahawks are the best defense in the NFL.

It doesn’t matter that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn took his coaching talents to the Atlanta Falcons. It doesn’t matter that the squad might question themselves after a porous fourth quarter against Tom Brady in the Super Bowl.

These guys are too talented and too young to not be picked No. 1. Even the loss of one of their starting cornerback (Byron Maxwell) cannot phase these guys.

The Legion of Boom is, of course, the heart and soul of the unit. In a league that is so pass heavy, having excellent safeties and corners can be the dominating force of a defense.

Until further notice, Earl Thomas is the best safety in the league. His work in the middle-third of the field makes the entire scheme work.

Thomas has so much range from sideline to sideline, that it allows Sherman and the opposite corner to play the outside shoulder and funnel everything in. It is likely that no NFL defense blitzes less and plays more zone, especially Cover 3.

They are a bland, unexciting defense as far as schemes and plays are concerned. However, their talent, attitude and play speaks volumes.

We haven’t even mentioned guys like Kam Chancellor, Bobby Wagner, Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett. The Seahawks defense, who finished first in both points allowed (15.9) and yards allowed (261.9), will be near the top again in 2015.

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