30 greatest defenses in NFL history
29. ’83 Raiders
Intimidation was the name of the game for Al Davis and his Raiders. Head coach John Madden is one of the greatest coaches of all time, and he was especially encouraging of such a physical, aggressive and intense style of play. The heart of the physical defense was players like inside linebacker Phil Vilapiano and defensive backs Jack Tatum and Willie Brown.
Nonetheless, it was possible to move the ball on this defense at times. Ranked at only 12th in the year, many would argue that this defense is not as good as many consider them to be. However, the toughness and ferocity of the Raiders won many games before they took the field. Sometimes, they simply wanted a fight, and when they got one, they were ruthless.
The only Hall of Famers on the defensive side of the ball were Ted Hendricks and Willie Brown, but many of the defensive stars do not perhaps have the recognition they deserve. Jack Tatum, known as the assassin, was a brutally brilliant safety. Alonzo Thomas, or Dr Death, was a physically dominating shutdown corner. This defense was tough to play against, and more than stats and figures, the nicknames epitomizes the fear and intimidation created.
Next: 28. '67 Rams