30 greatest defenses in NFL history
14. ’64-’78 Cowboys
The making of America’s team. With legendary head coach Tom Landry at the helm and Roger Staubach at quarterback, the Cowboys were the most popular team in the country, and one of the most successful. However, it was not just the swashbuckling Staubach and unflappable Landry that made the Cowboys one of the greatest teams of a generation. The defense was outstanding, and came to be known as “The Doomsday Defense.”
Now, I understand that 14 years is a long period of time to class as one defense, however, the consistency and continuity of Tom Landry’s defense has blurred the distinctions over the years. Landry’s defense became a top five unit in 1964, and remained in the top 10 until 1978, displaying the consistency of such an elite unit.
The Doomsday Defense helped the Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances, winning two of them. After losing in 1970, the Cowboys won their first Super Bowl in 1971, holding Don Shula’s Dolphins to just 185 total yards and three points. After losing in ’75, the Doomsday Defense bounced back in ’77, beating the Denver Broncos 27-10 with Randy White and Harvey Martin being named co-Super Bowl MVPs, the only time in history two players have been name as co-MVP.
Members of the Doomsday Defense included five Hall of Fame players, as well as Martin and Harris who were both named in the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. Defensive lineman, Bob Lilly, was so consistently dominant up front that he was named in both the 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Teams. This defense was stacked with quality in one of the greatest eras in pro football. The Doomsday Defense is most certainly one of the greatest defenses of all time, and their placing on this list is a result of their longevity.
Next: 13. '77 Falcons