The Best Defense in NFL History? (My Project)

[SPTO]

Quote: Originally Posted by swaldo

The 46 was first used in 1981 - "46" was named from the jersey number of safety Doug Plank. You are right, it took awhile to perfect. When it woke up the league and was viewed as "the real deal" it took offenses time to adjust. Those who rigidly stuck to their pro-set game plan got destroyed.

Yep '81 that was a booboo on my part. I have the game where the 46 was used for the first time as the primary defense against the Chargers.

[swaldo]

Cool man, the first appearance of the 46 vs Air Coryell is definately a keeper! Dan Fouts was the man, it felt like an automatic touchdown every time he stepped on the field.

I have a tape of the '82 Niners vs Chargers. Montana & Fouts threw for 800 yards combined with over 1000 yards gained total. The Chargers won 41-37. Somewhere around 100 pass attempts with 0 sacks

[SPTO]

Quote: Originally Posted by swaldo

I have a tape of the '82 Niners vs Chargers. Montana & Fouts threw for 800 yards combined with over 1000 yards gained total. The Chargers won 41-37. Somewhere around 100 pass attempts with 0 sacks

Yeah that's another great game in my collection as well. It was magical seeing two great masters at the craft dueling it out in such fashion.

[footbrawl]

Quote: Originally Posted by swaldo

I don't see the 86 Giants listed, and you "hated" putting the 1990 team on the board?

Not too fond of them beating my Bills in the Super Bowl

[SPTO]

Quote: Originally Posted by footbrawl

Not too fond of them beating my Bills in the Super Bowl

I've seen enough of the '86 Giants to know their defense was better than the '90 team. The Giants didn't win SB XXV based on their defense but rather based on killing the clock with time consuming drives.

[swaldo]

True, the whole game plan was all about keeping Buffalo's offense off the field and the Giants executed perfectly. I do remember a lot of people thinking the Bills had a big advantage because the secondary was the Giants biggest weakness and they would be forced into a nickel & dime defense. Still, they made the Bills punt 6 times which was impressive, nobody even knew who the punter was because he rarely had to show himself that year.

And I think you're right, the 86 team was better, here's a video of a typical play from them...


Herb Welch picks off Schroeder by mattinsgs

[swaldo]

I feel like the Dallas "Doomsday Defense" deserves a spot on the list as well. Dallas fans will tell you there was a DD I, II and III. The 2nd version (1977 team) embarrassed the Broncos in Super Bowl 12. They had pro bowlers everywhere: Harvey Martin, Too Tall Jones and Randy White on DL. Thomas Henderson & Bob Breunig at LB and safeties Charley Waters and Cliff Harris.

They always seemed to be playing big games and the Cowboys were a tough nut to crack. Either the offense was blowing you out or the D was destroying you. If those weren't happening then Roger Staubach would mount a last minute drive. If all else failed they'd just toss up a Hail Mary for an easy TD. God I hated the Cowboys especially in the 70's.