30 greatest defenses in NFL history
21. ’63 Bears
This defense was tough. Headed up by an inventive pass defense, defensive coordinator, George Allen, invented the nickel formation, substituting an extra corner or safety for a defensive linemen in obvious passing situations. Offenses could not figure out how to throw the ball on the Bears’ nickel defense, and although opponents only threw 353 times against them, they came up with a league leading 36 interceptions. Allen’s defense truly dominated opposing passing offenses, and led the Bears to the NFL Championship that year.
Not only was this defense excellent against the pass, it also dominated up front in the run game. Such was the proficiency of this defense, they led the league in passing, rushing and total yards allowed, conceding a then NFL record 144 points. The defense was led by the linebackers, including Hall of Famer Bill George and Larry Morris, who also played at running back. Pressure came from defensive end Doug Atkins, who is also in the Hall of Fame, and the secondary was an interception machine.
Such a dominant defense held the best offense in football to 10 points to prevail in the NFL championship. Great teams influence the way the game is played, and the invention of the nickel formation was a crucial change in defensive football throughout the eras.
Next: 20. '80s/'90s Saints