30 greatest defenses in NFL history
13. ’77 Falcons
The ’77 Falcons defense were absolutely terrifying. In all of history, they have limited opposing offenses to the least amount of points in a 14 game season since the AFL-NFL merger. Throughout the year, the Gritz Blitz surrendered only 129 points, which equates to only 9.2 points per game. That alone proves the quality of this defense. Furthermore, when factoring in the putrid Falcons’ offense, which averaged only 12.8 points per game, setting the points record allowed by a defense is even more impressive.
Due to the poor play on the offensive side of the ball, the Falcons only managed a 7-7 record in the regular season. Furthermore, the ’77 season, while incredible, was a true one hit wonder. In ’76, the Falcons allowed 22.3 point per game and in ’78, 18.1 points per game. The lack of longevity and consistency damages the value of such a defense. It becomes more of a one-hit-wonder, rather than an incredible defensive performance.
Furthermore, the offenses of the late ’70s simply weren’t accomplished and advanced enough to deal with the aggressive blitzes defensive assistant Jerry Glanville employed. Glanville even dialed up a play name the ‘Sticky Sam’, which involved nine players rushing the quarterback. In modern-day football, the quick release of the quarterback and the advanced pass protections would be able to destroy such a blitz heavy defense. Having said that, it would be wrong to not include the record points allowed defense high up this list. The accolades never came flowing for this defense, but that one record will stand forevermore.
Next: 12. '91 Eagles