30 greatest defenses in NFL history

Ranking the 30 greatest defenses in the history of the NFL.

With the emergence of fantasy football, the more restrictive rules and the advancements in the passing game, offensive football has become the name of the game. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs and even tight ends are the stars of the league, the names that everyone pay to see. Passing football is more and more prominent, as evidenced by the increased yardage of quarterbacks each and every year. However, that old adage is still true; defense wins championships, and throughout the years of pro football, many have had the pleasure of watching some great defenses.

Defense has always been fascinating to watch. The tactical battle between offense and defense is what drives this wonderful game, and while offensive stars seem to dominate the league’s media, defense plays just as big a part. Whether it be dialing up expansive blitz packages, introducing coverage techniques and inventing new formations, throughout eras, the pendulum of success has swung between the two sides of the ball. One year, an offense will look unstoppable, the next, defensive coordinators experiment, trial and exercise new ways to overcome such a system. It is the way the world of football works, and here, the greatest defenses will feature, many in reaction to some wonderful offensive football.

Some outstanding defenses have taken the field. The ’85 Bears, the Steel Curtain, the Purple People Eaters will all feature high on this list, and whatever you see as the No. 1 defense of all time, the discussion throughout the eras is always a fascinating one. Comparing across history is always tough. There are many factors that influence levels of performance that often negate the effects of time. Rules are more stringent than ever, pass interference calls are a regularity, there is more protection over quarterbacks than ever before and the concussion issue the league faces has limited the ferocity of the hits. However tough it is to rank teams across the years, it will not stop this brave writer from attempting such a feat.

Whatever your opinion from team to team, defense to defense, I hope you’ll enjoy this list, and the discussion of who is the greatest defense of all time.

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