About a month ago I created a statistical system to look at the greatest defense in NFL history. It basically looks at how much better the team was in comparison to their peers, and also what they managed to accomplished. I was given a lot of feedback from the community which I appreciate tremendously. I used ideas given forth to help make the system more respectable. Of course, there will always be flaws, but I do agree that stats never lie.
Best Defense in NFL History? (My Project)
Going into my second project, I honestly had less idea of who I would assume would be the top teams. Offense is so individualized that you hear more about players than teams as opposed to a defensive unit. I had a feeling modern teams would dominate... but hopefully in the end I'd have a better idea about all the teams.
The Formula
Honorable Mentions
25. 1996 Green Bay Packers
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +29.5
Points Difference: +8.1
24. 1966 Kansas City Chiefs
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +66.1
Points Difference: +10.3
23. 1976 Oakland Raiders
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +68.0
Points Difference: +5.8
22. 1966 Dallas Cowboys
Accomplished: Lost NFC Championship
Yards Difference: +68.3
Points Difference: +10.1
21. 1983 Washington Redskins
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +49.3
Points Difference: +12.0
The Top NFL Offenses of All Time
20. 1982 San Diego Chargers
Accomplished: Lost Divisional Playoff Game
Yards Difference: +132.6
Points Difference: +11.8
Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, and John Jefferson were phenomenal during the late 70's and early 80's. Their offense peaked in a year when seven games were cancelled. They have the largest yards difference (though in just nine games), but they could never go deep in the playoffs.
19. 2011 New Orleans Saints
Accomplished: Lost Divisional Playoff Game
Yards Difference: +81.2
Points Difference: +12.0
Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, and Marques Colston were phen- that seemed familiar. The modern day Saints break passing records like it's nothing, and draw a lot of similarities to the 80's Chargers. This year was example of that.
18. 1998 Minnesota Vikings
Accomplished: Lost NFC Championship
Yards Difference: +73.8
Points Difference: +13.5
Randy Moss' rookie year helped spark the powerful Vikings. Only losing one game in the regular season, they fell short of the Super Bowl. However, their points difference ranks third best all time.
17. 1997 Denver Broncos
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +52.9
Points Difference: +8.8
Led by numerous Canton members, the Broncos won their first of their two championships. This was just the start of Shanahan's impressive offensive show outs.
16. 1967 Oakland Raiders
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +65.6
Points Difference: +11.6
The original Raiders are usually thought of as defensive teams. However, this list proves that point otherwise. The early Raiders couldn't get it done for awhile, but they were dominant in the regular season.
15. 2011 New England Patriots
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +81.2
Points Difference: +9.9
If Welker had caught that pass this team would be top eight easily. However, Brady failed to get it done against the Giants even with an impressive march to the finals.
14. 1991 Buffalo Bills
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +84.0
Points Difference: +9.6
A higher ranked offense out shot this great offensive unit led by Reed, Thomas, and Kelly. Very similar to the Patriots later on. This team was four wins from being known as the greatest dynasty ever.
13. 1984 San Francisco 49ers
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +60.9
Points Difference: +11.3
Montana - Rice and Company didn't put up flashy numbers like assumed. However, if I need to explain how good they were than there are bigger problems. The West Coast offense revolutionized the game helping put up big numbers and win several rings.
12. 1968 Oakland Raiders
Accomplished: Lost AFC Championship
Yards Difference: +111.6
Points Difference: +11.5
This Raiders team debunked my fear of the modern day offense bias in this system as they had the fourth greatest yards difference ever. Their numbers are astounding. Ken Stabler shined behind a Hall of Fame worthy offensive line.
11. 1972 Miami Dolphins
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +68.3
Points Difference: +7.2
It's funny how the only undefeated team is not considered the greatest offense or defense ever. This similar rank (to their defense) goes to show balance is what wins games. Griese and Morris complimented the No Name Defense to 17 wins and 0 losses.
10. 1998 Denver Broncos
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +63.1
Points Difference: +10.0
The more impressive statistical team of the Super Bowl pairs. One of the greatest QB's, coach, running back, tight end... you get the point. They were great players in a great system.
9. 1984 Miami Dolphins
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +104.1
Points Difference: +10.9
One of only seven teams to have differences of +100 and +10, Marino showed in his prime that he was one of the best ever. They lost to the number thirteen offense (1984 San Francisco 49ers) 38-16 in the big one.
8. 2001 St. Louis
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +100.5
Points Difference: +11.2
The finale to perhaps the greatest offensive run ever. The 2001 Rams attempted to win another Super Bowl with their best numbers yet. However, they fell short.
7. 1991 Washington Redskins
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +52.0
Points Difference: +11.3
The '91 Redskins made it over '83 Redskins? Hmm. That's how it came out. Though their yards difference is alright in comparison they did score a lot... which is the point of the offense. Mark Rypien is in unfamiliar territory with the other quarterbacks here.
6. 1994 San Francisco 49ers
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +60.9
Points Difference: +11.3
The 49ers made it back on the list with Steve Young. This team was well coached and full of talent and experience. This explained their dominance on both sides of the ball.
5. 1971 Dallas Cowboys
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +73.8
Points Difference: +9.6
Staubach proved his greatness as he efficiently led America's team to the Super Bowl. The defense and experience were key in their ultimate success. I think having Tom Landry in charge helped things too.
4. 2009 New Orleans Saints
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +68.7
Points Difference: +10.4
The '09 Saints can break the Chargers comparison because they won it all. The modern day air raid did indeed work and paid off tremendously in a ring and taking the Lombardi back to New Orleans. Who dat!
3. 2007 New England Patriots
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +86.0
Points Difference: +15.1
Arguably the greatest team not to win a Super Bowl, it goes unsaid that if Tyree didn't call the football, the record breaking duo of Moss and Brady would be an even larger legend. However, the Giants did them right even though they had the greatest points differential ever.
2. 2013 Denver Broncos
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +108.8
Points Difference: +14.5
People can talk about the smacking at the Super Bowl all they want. The 2013 Broncos ate records and crapped them out. The defense was also not favorable either. The number four defense of all time whooped them in the big game... there is no doubt. Manning let it fly.
1. 1999 St. Louis Rams
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +82.0
Points Difference: +12.1
I am glad to say that the Greatest Show on Turf (and grass for that matter) lived up fully. They easily were the greatest offense in the history of the NFL. Warner and Faulk were deadly, especially in a stretch with legendary defenses coming at them. Their numbers speak, their accomplishments speak, the 1999 St. Louis Rams are the best.
Extra Awards
Most Underrated
1967/1968 Oakland Raiders - Just like the last time, I have found a new respect for an old team. They are rarely talked about with few to any Hall of Famers outside the box. Their numbers were put up in a time where defense ran the show.
Most Overrated
1995 Dallas Cowboys - When I say overrated, it's more in the sense that the offense got too much credit. Winning three Super Bowls is definitely legendary... however, the offense did not produce like a Hall of Fame studded O would... especially in a weaker defensive era.
Unsung Hero
2004 Kansas City Chiefs - This team did not make the playoffs nor have a winning record. They did have the ninth greatest yards difference ever (91.2). They were loaded with talent like Trent Green and HOF tight end Tony Gonzalez. Not too mention a great backfield with Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes. Turnovers and a sad defense ruined this culmination of talent.
Best Decade
1990's - Not a surprise that the worst decade for defense is the best for offense. Offensive legends and dynasties were built in a time of free agency. Records were slayed as well as the greatest of all time being named.
Best Run
Late '90s/Early '00s St. Louis Rams - This may be controversial as the '80s/'90s San Francisco 49ers accomplished more. However, offensively the Greatest Show on Turf out performed any other offense in a three year period. It's sad that it was short lived compared to others. Luckily, it did produce the greatest offense ever.
Afterthoughts
I believe this resulted better than the first. I do appreciate the tips given because I think they directly affected the results positively. I find it funny that the system was changed to help teams who won the Super Bowl yet the Top Ten was riddled with many more Lost Super Bowl teams. Goes to show defense is what matters in crunch time. If you guys have anymore thoughts or ideas please share. I'm not soft on criticism. Thanks!
Best Defense in NFL History? (My Project)
Going into my second project, I honestly had less idea of who I would assume would be the top teams. Offense is so individualized that you hear more about players than teams as opposed to a defensive unit. I had a feeling modern teams would dominate... but hopefully in the end I'd have a better idea about all the teams.
The Formula
Spoiler
Honorable Mentions
25. 1996 Green Bay Packers
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +29.5
Points Difference: +8.1
24. 1966 Kansas City Chiefs
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +66.1
Points Difference: +10.3
23. 1976 Oakland Raiders
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +68.0
Points Difference: +5.8
22. 1966 Dallas Cowboys
Accomplished: Lost NFC Championship
Yards Difference: +68.3
Points Difference: +10.1
21. 1983 Washington Redskins
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +49.3
Points Difference: +12.0
The Top NFL Offenses of All Time
20. 1982 San Diego Chargers
Accomplished: Lost Divisional Playoff Game
Yards Difference: +132.6
Points Difference: +11.8
Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, and John Jefferson were phenomenal during the late 70's and early 80's. Their offense peaked in a year when seven games were cancelled. They have the largest yards difference (though in just nine games), but they could never go deep in the playoffs.
19. 2011 New Orleans Saints
Accomplished: Lost Divisional Playoff Game
Yards Difference: +81.2
Points Difference: +12.0
Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, and Marques Colston were phen- that seemed familiar. The modern day Saints break passing records like it's nothing, and draw a lot of similarities to the 80's Chargers. This year was example of that.
18. 1998 Minnesota Vikings
Accomplished: Lost NFC Championship
Yards Difference: +73.8
Points Difference: +13.5
Randy Moss' rookie year helped spark the powerful Vikings. Only losing one game in the regular season, they fell short of the Super Bowl. However, their points difference ranks third best all time.
17. 1997 Denver Broncos
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +52.9
Points Difference: +8.8
Led by numerous Canton members, the Broncos won their first of their two championships. This was just the start of Shanahan's impressive offensive show outs.
16. 1967 Oakland Raiders
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +65.6
Points Difference: +11.6
The original Raiders are usually thought of as defensive teams. However, this list proves that point otherwise. The early Raiders couldn't get it done for awhile, but they were dominant in the regular season.
15. 2011 New England Patriots
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +81.2
Points Difference: +9.9
If Welker had caught that pass this team would be top eight easily. However, Brady failed to get it done against the Giants even with an impressive march to the finals.
14. 1991 Buffalo Bills
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +84.0
Points Difference: +9.6
A higher ranked offense out shot this great offensive unit led by Reed, Thomas, and Kelly. Very similar to the Patriots later on. This team was four wins from being known as the greatest dynasty ever.
13. 1984 San Francisco 49ers
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +60.9
Points Difference: +11.3
Montana - Rice and Company didn't put up flashy numbers like assumed. However, if I need to explain how good they were than there are bigger problems. The West Coast offense revolutionized the game helping put up big numbers and win several rings.
12. 1968 Oakland Raiders
Accomplished: Lost AFC Championship
Yards Difference: +111.6
Points Difference: +11.5
This Raiders team debunked my fear of the modern day offense bias in this system as they had the fourth greatest yards difference ever. Their numbers are astounding. Ken Stabler shined behind a Hall of Fame worthy offensive line.
11. 1972 Miami Dolphins
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +68.3
Points Difference: +7.2
It's funny how the only undefeated team is not considered the greatest offense or defense ever. This similar rank (to their defense) goes to show balance is what wins games. Griese and Morris complimented the No Name Defense to 17 wins and 0 losses.
10. 1998 Denver Broncos
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +63.1
Points Difference: +10.0
The more impressive statistical team of the Super Bowl pairs. One of the greatest QB's, coach, running back, tight end... you get the point. They were great players in a great system.
9. 1984 Miami Dolphins
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +104.1
Points Difference: +10.9
One of only seven teams to have differences of +100 and +10, Marino showed in his prime that he was one of the best ever. They lost to the number thirteen offense (1984 San Francisco 49ers) 38-16 in the big one.
8. 2001 St. Louis
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +100.5
Points Difference: +11.2
The finale to perhaps the greatest offensive run ever. The 2001 Rams attempted to win another Super Bowl with their best numbers yet. However, they fell short.
7. 1991 Washington Redskins
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +52.0
Points Difference: +11.3
The '91 Redskins made it over '83 Redskins? Hmm. That's how it came out. Though their yards difference is alright in comparison they did score a lot... which is the point of the offense. Mark Rypien is in unfamiliar territory with the other quarterbacks here.
6. 1994 San Francisco 49ers
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +60.9
Points Difference: +11.3
The 49ers made it back on the list with Steve Young. This team was well coached and full of talent and experience. This explained their dominance on both sides of the ball.
5. 1971 Dallas Cowboys
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +73.8
Points Difference: +9.6
Staubach proved his greatness as he efficiently led America's team to the Super Bowl. The defense and experience were key in their ultimate success. I think having Tom Landry in charge helped things too.
4. 2009 New Orleans Saints
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +68.7
Points Difference: +10.4
The '09 Saints can break the Chargers comparison because they won it all. The modern day air raid did indeed work and paid off tremendously in a ring and taking the Lombardi back to New Orleans. Who dat!
3. 2007 New England Patriots
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +86.0
Points Difference: +15.1
Arguably the greatest team not to win a Super Bowl, it goes unsaid that if Tyree didn't call the football, the record breaking duo of Moss and Brady would be an even larger legend. However, the Giants did them right even though they had the greatest points differential ever.
2. 2013 Denver Broncos
Accomplished: Lost Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +108.8
Points Difference: +14.5
People can talk about the smacking at the Super Bowl all they want. The 2013 Broncos ate records and crapped them out. The defense was also not favorable either. The number four defense of all time whooped them in the big game... there is no doubt. Manning let it fly.
1. 1999 St. Louis Rams
Accomplished: Won Super Bowl
Yards Difference: +82.0
Points Difference: +12.1
I am glad to say that the Greatest Show on Turf (and grass for that matter) lived up fully. They easily were the greatest offense in the history of the NFL. Warner and Faulk were deadly, especially in a stretch with legendary defenses coming at them. Their numbers speak, their accomplishments speak, the 1999 St. Louis Rams are the best.
Extra Awards
Most Underrated
1967/1968 Oakland Raiders - Just like the last time, I have found a new respect for an old team. They are rarely talked about with few to any Hall of Famers outside the box. Their numbers were put up in a time where defense ran the show.
Most Overrated
1995 Dallas Cowboys - When I say overrated, it's more in the sense that the offense got too much credit. Winning three Super Bowls is definitely legendary... however, the offense did not produce like a Hall of Fame studded O would... especially in a weaker defensive era.
Unsung Hero
2004 Kansas City Chiefs - This team did not make the playoffs nor have a winning record. They did have the ninth greatest yards difference ever (91.2). They were loaded with talent like Trent Green and HOF tight end Tony Gonzalez. Not too mention a great backfield with Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes. Turnovers and a sad defense ruined this culmination of talent.
Best Decade
1990's - Not a surprise that the worst decade for defense is the best for offense. Offensive legends and dynasties were built in a time of free agency. Records were slayed as well as the greatest of all time being named.
Best Run
Late '90s/Early '00s St. Louis Rams - This may be controversial as the '80s/'90s San Francisco 49ers accomplished more. However, offensively the Greatest Show on Turf out performed any other offense in a three year period. It's sad that it was short lived compared to others. Luckily, it did produce the greatest offense ever.
Afterthoughts
I believe this resulted better than the first. I do appreciate the tips given because I think they directly affected the results positively. I find it funny that the system was changed to help teams who won the Super Bowl yet the Top Ten was riddled with many more Lost Super Bowl teams. Goes to show defense is what matters in crunch time. If you guys have anymore thoughts or ideas please share. I'm not soft on criticism. Thanks!
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