30 greatest defenses in NFL history
23. ’03 Patriots
It would be wrong to produce such a list without including one of the Patriots’ Super Bowl winning defenses. Coached by arguably the greatest defensive mind in all of football, the Patriots won three titles out of four in the early ’00s. The dynasty they created was Bill Belichick’s mastermind. Quarterbacked by a sixth round nobody, who you may or may not have heard of, the team rested on their defense and saw great success because of it.
The defense of the Patriots was one of the best in the league in all three of their Super Bowl victories. It was, however, the ’03 winning side which was the most impressive season for New England. With three All Pros and four Pro Bowlers, they led the league in points allowed, inspiring the team to a 14-2 regular season record. During the playoffs, Belichick’s squad kept opposing offenses to 14 points before surrendering 29 to the Panthers in the Super Bowl.
After being pummeled by AFC East rivals, the Bills in Week 1, conceding 31 points in the process, the Patriots defense went on to record three shutouts, including a Week 17 revenge victory against the Bills. Led by linebacker Willie McGinest and safety Rodney Harrison, the Patriots played a bend but don’t break style defense. Opposing offenses racked up 4,666 total yards, seventh in the league. However, Belichick’s defense was designed that way, and the lack of points conceded led the team to yet another championship.
Next: 22. '81 Eagles