30 greatest defenses in NFL history
8. ’02 Bucs
One of the greatest defenses to not have a flashy name, the ’02 Buccaneers, engineered by an impressive coaching cast including Mike Tomlin, Monte Kiffin and Jon Gruden, often feel undervalued when compared to defenses of the ages. Possibly the greatest defense against the pass in history, with the Tampa 2 scheme named after them, the ’02 Bucs rode their impressive defense all the way to a Super Bowl victory.
Lead by an impressive secondary including Ronde Barber and John Lynch, the Bucs defense was designed to bend but not break. Defensive tackle Warren Sapp is one of the greatest interior defensive linemen ever, and was as destructive as ever in the ’02 season. Added to this was Defensive Player of the Year, Derrick Brooks, at linebacker and defensive end Simeon Rice, who ranks 13th on the all time sack list with 122.
The Bucs defense led the league in points allowed, total yards allowed and interceptions. The first team to do so since the ’85 Bears. Their proficiency against the pass was displayed by limiting opposing quarterbacks to an unbelievable passer rating of 48.4. The Bucs went on to win the Super Bowl that year, but struggled against the better offenses of the era.
They conceded over 20 points to the Saints’ (twice), Raiders’ and Eagles’ offenses, which ranked 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. For however great this defense was against the pass, it did not match up as well in the run game, and the issues faced against the top offenses of the time means that it does not challenge the top five on this list.
Next: 7. '13 Seahawks