If you are a football fan, you will have seen that a great defense is just as important as a lethal offense. This got us thinking about what teams have excelled at shutting out the opposition. To answer this question, we created a list of the best NFL defenses of all time.
There are several aspects to account for when talking about a great defense. For starters, we considered their regular season record, including the points scored and conceded. Then we looked at where the team finished in the division and the impact their tactics had on the game. Finally, we also examined the number of players included in the Pro Bowl and any postseason success. Taking all of that into account left us with ten of the best NFL defenses in football history.
We here at Novibet are striving for perfection. That’s why we are interested in what you have to say. If you think we missed a team, be sure to let us know via social media. Remember to check back here in a few months to see how we include your suggestions. Anyway, let’s get into the greatest defenses in football.
10. Philadelphia Eagles, 1991
Starting our list of the best NFL defenses is the Philadelphia Eagles team from 1991. The franchise finished with a record that, on paper, does not look special. They completed the season with ten victories and six losses, putting them third in the NFC East division. Many of you might wonder what a team like the Eagles is doing on this list if they failed to even make the playoffs. However, in week one, they ruled out star quarterback Randall Cunningham for the entire season.
This meant the team was playing with a well below-par offense, resulting in a real lack of punch at the top end of the field. However, this takes nothing away from the incredible defensive displays they put in consistently all season. The 1991 Eagles became the first since 1975 to rank first for fewest passing yards, total yards allowed, and rushing yards in the same NFL season. Plus, they led the way for fumble recoveries and sacks.
The #Eagles 1991 Gang Green squad was named the best defense of the past 30 years by @fboutsiders.
A look back: https://t.co/BZ4wlvQTUC pic.twitter.com/m9QMkuXBLQ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 20, 2017
Five members of the defensive side represented the franchise at the Pro Bowl. They selected Clyde Simmons, Seth Joyner, Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and Eric Allen for the big game. That was the sixth time in the history of the NFL that three defensive linemen from one franchise made it to the Pro Bowl.
If you were only considering teams that finished the year with a phenomenal defensive record, you could easily overlook the Eagles. However, for a team to lose their star player and still put in record-setting defensive displays is simply remarkable. If this was an easy feat to achieve, many teams would continue to play strong after losing their first-choice quarterback. Instead, what often happens is a unit falls apart without that vocal presence calling the plays.
9. New York Giants, 1986
Next on our list of the best NFL defenses of all time is the New York Giants team from 1986. If you grew up watching football in the 80s, you would have seen some incredible franchises change how the game was played. The Giants also left their impact on the sport, becoming the team that popularised the Gatorade shower.
Jim Burt was the first player to do the shower in 1984 after he felt mistreated by the coach. The incredible performances in 1986 encouraged Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson to be creative with the endeavor. They would set up sneaky plays to keep the dousing of coach Bill Parcells a surprise. After this season, most NFL teams celebrate big wins by dousing the head coach in Gatorade to mark the start of the celebration.
𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬: Everything was on the line in 1986 🫢
Watch: https://t.co/3ZzPDhKkoA pic.twitter.com/453YXyrCDm
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 16, 2022
The Giants made it on our list of the best NFL defenses thanks to a fantastic regular season record of 14-2. This scintillating season came at a time when several NFL franchises were playing fantastic football. The Big Blue Wrecking Crew finished second in the division for fewest points conceded and yards allowed.
This season was arguably the best for Giants fans and is widely celebrated. The team ranked 12 on the 100 greatest teams of all time in the NFL’s 100th birthday list. It’s obvious to us why the Big Blue Wrecking Crew made it onto our list of the best NFL defenses. But let’s just say, it’s not just because of a great nickname.
8. Minnesota Vikings, 1971
Speaking of great nicknames, the Minnesota Vikings from 1971 had one of our favorites of all time. The Purple People Eaters went down in football history as one of the best NFL defenses ever. The team had a famous motto: “Meet at the quarterback.” Roughly translating to; give no time and space to the star man. This resulted in the team holding the opposition’s quarterback to a 40.4 passer rating, one of the lowest QB ratings ever.
The Vikings finished the season with an 11-3 regular season record. They shut out three franchises over the season, with only one team scoring over 20 points against them. That kind of defensive display earned the Vikings a place on our list of the best NFL defenses of all time. It also helped Alan Page become the first defensive player named NFL MVP.
Usually, we would love to see a team like the 1971 Vikings closer to the number one spot on our list. However, they fell short in the postseason. After finishing first in the NFC Central division, the Vikings lost the Divisional playoff against the Cowboys. The match finished 12-20, ending the Pure People Eaters’ dream of lifting a Super Bowl trophy after an outstanding defensive display that season. While they missed the big trophy in football, they achieved notoriety as a fantastic defensive unit.
7. Seattle Seahawks, 2013
The seventh-best NFL defense of all time goes to the Seattle Seahawks. When they entered the season, they were top of the power rankings to go on and finally get their first Super Bowl victory. The rankings did not lie. They finished the season with a fantastic regular season record of 13-3. The Seahawks led the league in yards allowed, points allowed, and takeaways. They became the first franchise to lead in all three categories since the Chicago Bears team in 1985.
The Seahawks continued their fine league form into the postseason, defeating the Saints and 49ers to get to the Super Bowl XLVIII final. They decimated the Denver Broncos in the final by a scoreline of 43-8. This became the first and only Super Bowl victory in the franchise’s history. The Seahawks entered the NFL in 1976, ending an almost 40-year wait for the biggest prize in football.
There is little doubt in our mind that Seattle had one of the best NFL defenses in 2013. They scored 417 points in the regular season and only conceded 231. That leaves a point differential of +186, almost as impressive as the average of allowing 14.4 points per game.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2002
Next on our list of the best football defenses is a fan favorite. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad from 2002 went down in history as one of the greatest displays from a defensive unit. They finished the regular season with a record of 12-4, including first place in the NFC South division. This season was one of the most successful for the Buccaneers, who won Super Bowl XXXVII.
The offensive side of the team was not the best. However, the defensive masterclass ensured the 2002 team went down in football history. They became the first team to lead the league in interceptions, points allowed, and total defense since the 1985 Bears. The Buccaneers also held the opposition quarterbacks to a 48.4 passer rating, another incredible achievement.
The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been ranked at No. 4️⃣5️⃣ of the NFL's greatest teams.#GoBucs | #NFL100 pic.twitter.com/MRAZtVSfsP
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) November 9, 2019
The owners built the 2002 team on an enormous gamble. They fired their head coach and went after Raiders coach Jon Gruden. The costly move saw two first-round and two second-round picks go to Oakland, plus eight million dollars. The gamble paid off as the Buccaneers faced the Raiders in the Super Bowl final. Both Gruden and his players recognized the Oakland plays and picked the team apart.
While you could argue there was a bit of luck in the Super Bowl final, the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will go down in NFL history as one of the best defensive units of all time.
5. Denver Broncos, 2015
Now that we are looking at the five best NFL defenses of all time, we can talk about some unbelievable teams. Over the years, many sporting teams have established legendary nicknames. However, a fantastic new addition is the “No Fly Zone” implemented by the Broncos defensive backfield.
For those of you who want a quick recap of the absurd performance from the No Fly Zone, there are plenty of highlight reels dedicated to the incredible plays. If you want to skip the video below, the team was ruthless. Any chance or half chance to capitalize on the opposition’s mistake, they would take it. Whether it was a clear pass into the end zone, or a lackluster attempt to gain yards, the Broncos would jump on it in a flash.
The #NoFlyZone was just different.
Catch the reunion special this Sunday » https://t.co/bLWRPMbhvhpic.twitter.com/uvnglz9yEw
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 30, 2021
Truthfully, it has been a joy for us to look back at all the old clips of the best NFL defenses. But, perhaps the most enjoyable was the 2015 Broncos. It was remarkable the ways they would attack the opposition’s offensive plays. The speed, precision, and understanding of the game needed to do what they did is second to none. They are a prime example of how to defend on the front foot.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1976
Next is the Pittsburgh Steelers team from 1976. If you are a fan of the Steelers, then you would be familiar with this year, but most likely not for the reasons we are talking about. In 1976, Pittsburgh was going for their third consecutive Super Bowl championship, but they failed to reach the final. Usually, a year like this falls out of people’s minds. However, this team will forever be remembered as one of the best NFL defenses ever.
The season started poorly, with a record of one victory and four losses in the first five games. An injury to legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw left the season hanging by a thread. However, this is when the Steel Curtain showed us all what it’s made of. They went on a nine-game winning streak to win the AFC Central division. They posted five shutouts, three of which came consecutively. During the winning streak, the Steelers did not allow a touchdown in eight games.
#OTD in 1976, we defeated the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 to win Super Bowl X. pic.twitter.com/54S4zIik0E
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 18, 2020
What put the 1976 team from Pittsburgh in the history books was the 28 points they gave away across the last nine games of the season. A convincing performance like that saw eight defensive players make the Pro Bowl team in 1976. Plus, with players like Mean Joe Green, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount, we think this team would hold up even in the modern game.
3. Miami Dolphins, 1972
A lot of football fans talking about the best defenses in the NFL always overlook the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Maybe it’s because it was only the seventh year in the franchise’s existence, or perhaps some prejudice against the Dolphins. Either way, the Miami Dolphins team from 1972 will go down in football history as the only franchise to complete a perfect season.
Other franchises went the regular season without losing, such as the 2007 New England Patriots. However, every team with a clean record either drew games or did not win the Super Bowl. The 1972 Miami Dolphins is still the only team in NHL history to win every regular season and postseason match.
The 1972 Miami Dolphins can once again toast to being the only team to ever complete an undefeated season in the NFL🥂 pic.twitter.com/pbH3WtTlGT
— King of Phinland🐬👑 (@KingOfPhinland) October 15, 2023
Like several of the best NFL defenses we have discussed already, the Dolphins had an injury to their star quarterback, Bob Griese. They still proved too hot to handle on the offensive, thanks to Earl Morrall. They finished the season with some incredible NFL defense stats. Miami was the league leader for total offense and defense, as well as scoring offense and defense. They are the only team in NFL history to do so.
The stats don’t lie, and a team like the 1972 Miami Dolphins will go down in football history. Not just for their defensive stats, but also for the complete domination they inflicted in the league. We may never see another franchise win every game in a regular season and postseason.
2. Baltimore Ravens, 2000
Sometimes football can surprise you, and that’s exactly what the Baltimore Ravens did in 2000. They finished the regular season second in the AFC Central, qualifying for the playoffs as a wild-card team. The regular season saw them post a 12-4 record, their first winning season in the franchise’s fifth year in the NFL.
The Ravens became one of the best NFL defenses of all time thanks to the stats. They set a record for the lowest number of points conceded in a 16-game campaign. They allowed, on average, 10.3 points per game, including four shutouts across the season. Some other impressive defensive stats include the fewest rushing yards given and the fewest points allowed in a 16-game season. They also forced 49 turnovers that year, with ten interceptions from the cornerbacks, and Rob Burnett contributing 10 sacks.
GET READY 🍿
Go inside the world of the 2000 Ravens in the newest @30for30, “Bullies of Baltimore.” Tonight at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN 📺 pic.twitter.com/hnzavsL83z
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 5, 2023
A team like the Baltimore Ravens showed everyone how the game could be played. Having an outstanding defensive line meant the opposition overlooked their lack of offensive firepower. Not only did they win the Super Bowl 34-7 against the Giants, but they set records along the way. Being difficult to beat and stopping the opponent from scoring are two aspects not as prized in the modern game. Thankfully, this list of the best NFL defenses ever highlights different aspects of why we love football.
1. Chicago Bears, 1985
In 1985, the Chicago Bears delivered the most exceptional defensive display in NFL history. They started the season with a 12-game winning streak before suffering their only defeat that season to the Dolphins. They finished the regular season with 15 victories and one defeat, before embarking on Super Bowl success against the Patriots.
The Bears’ defensive stats were second to none, allowing 198 points all season. That averages out at 12.4 per game. They were the first team to lead the league in points allowed, yards allowed, and takeaways, something that remained untouched until the Seahawks in 2013. The Bears are up there with the best point differentials by any NFL team in a single season. They sit eight on the list behind the monumental 2007 Patriots team and even the 1942 Bears’ side.
The 1985 Chicago Bears defense was not messin' around!!!
🏈 (via @nflthrowback) pic.twitter.com/9RQT3cR82o
— #RingerNFL (@ringernfl) May 13, 2021
The “46 defense” promoted an extremely aggressive tactic of attacking from all angles. With one of the best linebacking units football has ever seen, coupled with a backfield of dependable safeties, the Bears proved lethal. They would try to get to the quarterback early to disrupt any offensive plays by the opposition. This may sound straightforward, but the ferocity with which the Bears attacked is still outrageous, even by today’s standards. Wilber Marshall’s hit on Lions’ quarterback John Ferguson remains one of the most iconic tackles in football history.
Best NFL Defenses Conclusion
There you have it, the best NFL defenses of all time listed in order of greatness. Now, there are a few teams we would like to take the time to celebrate as they narrowly missed out on being included. Below are some outstanding defensive teams we will add to our list soon. If you think we have missed a team, let us know!
- New England Patriots, 2007
- Chicago Bears, 1942
- St. Louis Rams 1999
- Green Bay Packers, 1962
- Kansas City Chiefs, 1969
- Buffalo Bills, 2004
