I’m sure everyone remembers the ‘84 Bears, that legendary football defense that absolutely dominated pre-Super Bowl days. Even 30 years later, it still reigns atop the NFL defense rankings as one of the best defenses in the history of the league. So, it’s always been a point of contention among NFL fans: who are the best defenses today?
Most people would hop on the Patriots’ bandwagon when it comes to the current list of top defenses. But I think playing devil’s advocate for a bit, the Chargers deserve the title just as much as the Patriots. Sure, the Patriots have the stats and rings to back it up, but the Chargers have more than just the numbers; they have heart. I mean, have you seen them play? Those guys are machines out on that field. It’s like they have a sixth sense when it comes to predicting plays.
On one hand you have the Patriots, who are relentless and seem to never run out of gas. They have persistent, pressure-filled blitzes regardless of the quarterback’s decision making. But on the other hand, you have the Chargers with their tenacity and work ethic. While the Patriots might give up more points than the Chargers, they’re capable of changing a game with one big play.
I’m sure everyone’s heard the phrase “defense wins championships”—I think it’s so true. No matter how good your offense is, if your defense isn’t up to par with the competition, you won’t be making it to the playoffs. So, with that in mind, one has to look not just at the stats, but also at the attitude that each defense brings to the game.
The Texans may have the best stats when it comes to the most recent NFL defense rankings, but they don’t always play the game with heart. Sometimes they can be a little lackadaisical in their approach and struggle to make game-changing plays. Whereas the Ravens, while not revered for their stats, have an intensity and attitude that can turn any game around in their favor.
The Chiefs, Panthers, Cowboys, Rams, Vikings, and Broncos also contenders when it comes to top NFL defenses. Each of these teams have brutal blitzes and punishing defensive lines. But in my opinion, the Chargers come out on top. They’re not only relentless and always looking for ways to make that game-changing play, but they’re also composed on the field, never letting a mistake get them down. They’re a unique breed of defenders, and that’s why they deserve the number one spot in the NFL defense rankings.
Now, when it comes to the most frightening defenses, the Steelers have to be at the top of that list. They’re known for their hard hits and no-holds-barred attitude. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you can’t deny the fear that is instilled in quarterbacks when they see that Steelers secondary in the backfield. I mean, everyone has seen the commercials with James Harrison’s son giving the quarterback one of those classic Steelers stares. It’s enough to send chills down your spine!
The Colts come in close second. They don’t have quite the same presence as the Steelers, but they have the discipline and the intensity that will make any offense tremble. Plus, with the Colts you never know what they’re going to throw at you next. They have the surprising agility that no other team can match. They might not have the league’s top ranking, but they certainly have some of the best playmakers in the game.
One team that deserves a special shout out in the NFL defense rankings is the Jaguars. They have the stats but more importantly, the heart. They are a team that has consistently gone above and beyond what’s expected of them. They can limit a team’s point production like no other and play with a special tenacity.
And of course, let’s not forget about the Panthers. With the likes of Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis on the roster, they are a force to be reckoned with. But defense alone won’t be enough for their success. They also need to have that discipline and swagger that can take them to the top spot in the rankings.
The Giants also have one of the best defenses in the league, but more importantly, they have the passion and work ethic that stands out above the rest. They never stop believing in themselves and for that, they deserve the ultimate respect.
Lastly, the Bears deserve a mention on the list. Sure, they’ve had a rough start in the first few weeks of the season, but I still believe they have the talent and the potential to improve. I mean, they still have players like Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks—two scary names for any offense!
There you have it—my take on the top defenses in the NFL. From the Patriot’s powerhouse defense to the Chargers’ tenacity, and to the giants’ work ethic, each of these teams have a unique set up that makes them worthy of being among the top contenders. What do you think? Who should be at the top of the NFL defense rankings?