Best Defenses of All Time

[Uptown]

We all know that Texans defense is great & deserved all the credit they received. However, they didn’t win ****, so they’ll unfortunately they’ll just become another footnote in NFL history. I’ve seen many comments throughout both social media & the media saying how they were the best defense they’ve ever seen. Now, that is a classic case hyperbole. Now don’t get me wrong, they’re clearly talented at every level of the defense, but to be honest, it’s really only the edges (Anderson & Hunter) & the secondary (Stingley, Lassiter & Pitre) that stand out. Individually, some of these players may be better than other players on great defenses at their respective positions, but wouldn’t usurp them as a total unit. While, that’s one hell of a core, it’s doesn’t hold a candle to the following units IMO:

Most obvious:

-2000 Ravens
-85 Bears
-02 Bucs
-13 Seahawks

Some of the forgotten great units:

-15 Broncos
-86 Bears (may have actually been better than the 85 unit, but didn’t win the SB)
-14-16 Seahawks
-03/04 Patriots
-06 Ravens
-08-10 Steelers
-00 Titans
-77 Falcons
-Mid/late 70s Steelers
-91 Eagles
-86 Giants
-72/82 Dolphins
-83 Redskins
-84 Seahawks
-84 49ers
-Late 60s/mid 70s Vikings
-67 Rams
-68/78/95 Cowboys
-69 Chiefs
-92 Saints
-73 Raiders

I’m sure there are others that I have forgotten, that other posters will mention. Point is, in these times of recency bias, social media & sensationalism, people often forget that there were literally many great defensive units that earned their respective monikers, reputations & won titles. That being said, it’s a shame what Stroud (& Maye ) did to those boys yesterday..

 

[TB12TheGoat]

2025 SEA defense is incredible. 2025 HOU is at -19.3%

 

[aluminum seats]

They gave up three touchdown passes to a quarterback who was having an off game

 

[p8ryts]

They gave up three touchdown passes to a quarterback who was having an off game

To be honest 2 of the three touchdowns were next level stuff. The Diggs catch hasn't gotten as much attention but that was one of the best catches I have ever seen. The ball was in between 2 defenders, great hand catch, spun around, maintained possession throughout, and survived the ground, all still clutching the ball in his hands. The Boutte catch was great. I wish he got more chances, but he is becoming my favorite Patriot. During the whole game, Drake Maye stood tall, took him punishment, made some great throws, and was thankful for his teammates at the end. The Houston Defense never had a chance. I hope we do the same thing to Denver next week. Personally, I have been underestimating this team all year. It has evolved into a very good unit.

 

[vicspats]

Exactly

To be honest 2 of the three touchdowns were next level stuff. The Diggs catch hasn't gotten as much attention but that was one of the best catches I have ever seen. The ball was in between 2 defenders, great hand catch, spun around, maintained possession throughout, and survived the ground, all still clutching the ball in his hands. The Boutte catch was great. I wish he got more chances, but he is becoming my favorite Patriot. During the whole game, Drake Maye stood tall, took him punishment, made some great throws, and was thankful for his teammates at the end. The Houston Defense never had a chance. I hope we do the same thing to Denver next week. Personally, I have been underestimating this team all year. It has evolved into a very good unit.

Exactly!! Took a lot of punishment. That kid is tough…oline was beaten a few times. This is definitely an incredible core of players to build the future around. His throws are not 2nd year player throws, they are heading if not already, at seasoned veteran. Kid definitely has moxie. Not only were those two catches incredible, the ball was put only where they could catch it.

 

[stinkypete]

The 2000 ravens gave up 1 offensive TD all postseason. The ‘85 Bears pitched two shutouts during their run.

Houston doesn’t sniff GOAT status.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Depends on who we are playing next. They automatically become the greatest defense, offense, special teams, coach, stadium , record label, etc of all time

 

[RobertWeathers]

In my football watching life 1979-2026

1. 85 Bears
2. 2000 Ravens
3. 86 Giants
4. 2013 Seahawks
5. 1991 Eagles

Honorable mention: 49ers. From 81-97 they finished top 5 in PA 13 times. That is incredible.

 

[mosi's man]

I think the '91 eagles were perhaps the most underrated unit. An unbelieveable d-line with Reggie White in his prime and Jerome Brown. Their offense was putrid but that D terrorized the NFL.

 

[TheRainMaker]

The 2000 Ravens are the most overrated defense of all time. The 2000 season was a joke as well as their schedule. Titans defense was actually better than them statistically in many categories which you didn't know because their offense was even worse than the Ravens. They would've gotten obliterated by the Rams had they not sustained injuries. The Ravens faced Brian Griese, Rich Gannon, Steve McNair and Kerry Collins led teams.

Once the league bounced back in 2001, the Ravens magic ran out.

 

[Keep Up With The Joneses]

The 1986 Giants may not have been the best defense in my lifetime, but they certainly were the most feared. They were constantly knocking QBs out of the game in a very different league back then. LT, Harry Carson, Carl Banks, Pepper Johnson were all just monsters.

The 1990 version might have been even better. Bill deserves the credit for both of these SB wins at least as much if not more than Parcells.

 

[upstater1]

You gotta have the Steel Curtain up there.

Joe Greene, LC Greenwood, Mad Dog White, Ernie Holmes, Mel Blount, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Donnie Shell.

What about the Purple People Eaters? The Vikings.

 

[p8ryts]

Giants
1956 Rosey Grier, **** Modzelewski, Andy Robustelli, Jim Katcavage
Rams
Late 60's- Rosey Grier, Lamar Lundy, Merlin Olsen, Deacon Jones. The Fearsome Foursome
Vikings
70's Alan Page, Jim Marshall, Gary Larsen, Carl Eller

 

[maust]

The 1986 Giants may not have been the best defense in my lifetime, but they certainly were the most feared. They were constantly knocking QBs out of the game in a very different league back then. LT, Harry Carson, Carl Banks, Pepper Johnson were all just monsters.

The 1990 version might have been even better. Bill deserves the credit for both of these SB wins at least as much if not more than Parcells.

I'd put the '90 Giants D ahead of '86. They weren't as flashy (Taylor's speed in '86 was other worldly) but as a complete defense they were better, they dismantled the Bears and Niners in the Playoffs. I'd put them right after the '85 Bears and maybe the '76 Steelers then it's between the Purple People Eater D and Lombardi's Packers next to round out the best 5 I've ever seen

 

[RobertWeathers]

I think the '91 eagles were perhaps the most underrated unit. An unbelieveable d-line with Reggie White in his prime and Jerome Brown. Their offense was putrid but that D terrorized the NFL.

Yes- that D was so talented and they were great the following year as well.

 

[RobertWeathers]

The 2000 Ravens are the most overrated defense of all time. The 2000 season was a joke as well as their schedule. Titans defense was actually better than them statistically in many categories which you didn't know because their offense was even worse than the Ravens. They would've gotten obliterated by the Rams had they not sustained injuries. The Ravens faced Brian Griese, Rich Gannon, Steve McNair and Kerry Collins led teams.

Once the league bounced back in 2001, the Ravens magic ran out.

2000 Raiders scored 30 a game and were held to 3 in the AFCCG. If they lost then I would agree with you.

Look at the ****ty QBs the 85 Bears faced. Their only loss was against the best they'd faced the entire year.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I'd put the '90 Giants D ahead of '86. They weren't as flashy (Taylor's speed in '86 was other worldly) but as a complete defense they were better, they dismantled the Bears and Niners in the Playoffs. I'd put them right after the '85 Bears and maybe the '76 Steelers then it's between the Purple People Eater D and Lombardi's Packers next to round out the best 5 I've ever seen

90 Giants had a better secondary than the 86 team but 86 was better up front. Toss up.

 

[TommyD4207]

90 Giants had a better secondary than the 86 team but 86 was better up front. Toss up.

Yeah I prefer the 86 version myself, it was basically the 90 team, but the front 7 was in their prime still.

 

[Vindicate]

2025 SEA defense is incredible. 2025 HOU is at -19.3%

What in the ever living **** is DVOA, I really don't get it. I've read some quick definitions of it but I'm confused as to.... I dunno, maybe I'm just dumb.

 

[Vindicate]

We all know that Texans defense is great & deserved all the credit they received. However, they didn’t win ****, so they’ll unfortunately they’ll just become another footnote in NFL history. I’ve seen many comments throughout both social media & the media saying how they were the best defense they’ve ever seen. Now, that is a classic case hyperbole. Now don’t get me wrong, they’re clearly talented at every level of the defense, but to be honest, it’s really only the edges (Anderson & Hunter) & the secondary (Stingley, Lassiter & Pitre) that stand out. Individually, some of these players may be better than other players on great defenses at their respective positions, but wouldn’t usurp them as a total unit. While, that’s one hell of a core, it’s doesn’t hold a candle to the following units IMO:

Most obvious:

-2000 Ravens
-85 Bears
-02 Bucs
-13 Seahawks

Some of the forgotten great units:

-15 Broncos
-86 Bears (may have actually been better than the 85 unit, but didn’t win the SB)
-14-16 Seahawks
-03/04 Patriots
-06 Ravens
-08-10 Steelers
-00 Titans
-77 Falcons
-Mid/late 70s Steelers
-91 Eagles
-86 Giants
-72/82 Dolphins
-83 Redskins
-84 Seahawks
-84 49ers
-Late 60s/mid 70s Vikings
-67 Rams
-68/78/95 Cowboys
-69 Chiefs
-92 Saints
-73 Raiders

I’m sure there are others that I have forgotten, that other posters will mention. Point is, in these times of recency bias, social media & sensationalism, people often forget that there were literally many great defensive units that earned their respective monikers, reputations & won titles. That being said, it’s a shame what Stroud (& Maye ) did to those boys yesterday..

Here's the homer take: 03/04 is top 5 all time. Better than 2013 Seahawks.