30 greatest defenses in NFL history
25. ’96 Packers
Led by Brett Favre at quarterback, the Packers of the ’90s struggled to perform when push came to shove. In ’94 and ’95 the Packers defense ranked at fifth and fourth in the league for points allowed. However, it was in 1996, the Super Bowl winning season, where the Packers’ defense turned up the heat. They led the league for points allowed, total yards allowed and passing yards allowed.
However, the stat that really demonstrates the quality of this defense is the 4.1 yards surrendered per play. That is outstanding production. The defense set a then record of 19 touchdowns allowed in a 16 game season, playing alongside league MVP Favre and the highest scoring offense, and were the first team to lead the league in defense and offense since Don Shula’s perfect Dolphins.
With only Reggie White and Leroy Butler making the Pro Bowl that season, and only Butler being an All Pro, the individual recognition for such a dominant defense never came. In fact, White was the only player to make the Hall of Fame, and much of his recognition was due to his explosive performances with the Philadelphia Eagles. It was not the individual success that made this defense great. While it had many great individual players, it was the team stats and accolades that merit the inclusion of the ’96 Packers.
Next: 24. '90s Cowboys