Top Five Defenses Driving Championship Teams

All right, so, obviously, all four of these teams also have a 1st round QB. But, you've got to admit that all four have stellar defenses too...perhaps more the reason for their success than their one, most expensive guy. In an increasingly offensive NFL, perhaps, more than ever, (Incredible/Elite!) Defenses WIN Championships!


Regular season rankings:

The ALL-Important Points Allowed:

1. Steelers
2. Packers
4. Bears
6. Jets

Yards Allowed:

2. Steelers
3. Jets
5. Pack
9. Bears


Hmmm, I think I see a patern here. ;) And it goes on from there. All four teams are also top ten in yards/play and first downs/game...most of them top five even!

Our Vikings are close in most categories, 8th in yards/game and first downs/game, 11th in yards/play, BUT, 18th in POINTs/game. Interesting note: Only 9 teams in the league allowed less than 20 points/game! So, at 21.8 we're not that far away, even though ranked 18th...

Seems we're so close to that elite level...maybe, we're better off making the one or two moves toward elite defense (to protect our QBs) than reaching for a questionable character early. Maybe, sign 2 vet QBs, develop Webb, and instead of dropping a load at QB, fix OL and improve Defense!?!?



(*ok, I guess, this coulda gone in the First Round QBs thread, but I just kinda thought the defenses deserved their own discussion, since they so often seem to get neglected by the spotlight! *)

;) B) :whistle:

And interestingly enough, only the Packers are in the top 10 offensively for points per game and yards per game - and they are 10 and 9 in each category.

Offense sells tickets, Defensive wins championships...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by "NodakPaul" #1088150

And interestingly enough, only the Packers are in the top 10 offensively for points per game and yards per game - and they are 10 and 9 in each category.

Offense sells tickets, Defensive wins championships...

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Wrong, Wrong, Wrong...
All of these teams have above average offenses as well. They may not have the numbers but they are complete teams. They have an offense that can put pressure on teams and a defense that can help the offense extend it's lead.

We had an damn good defense this season. Hell, I would even say elite. Our issue was offense. It was terrible. It brought the team down, time and time again. I see our ST being blamed for this season. I don't get that as our special teams played damn good this season. There was the Hester return but nothing blocked, returned etc. Our offense was just terrible and because of this, our defense was often in poor field position and played from behind all season long. Adding weapons on Defense will make us better but we will still lose a crap load of games because our offense is terrible. We need a GREAT QB.

They are also all northern based teams with outdoor stadiums.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by "tastywaves" #1088155

They are also all northern based teams with outdoor stadiums.

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True! Very Interesting!! :cheer:

The other thing you hear a lot is that special teams tend to have a much bigger impact in the post season.

Hear's how the 4 teams rank according to this site's calculations:

Special Teams Rankings for 2010

Chicago - 1st
Jets - 5th
Pitt - 16th
Green Bay - 27th ----- Doh!

Teams with great defenses allow the offenses to work down the field rather than press. Teams with great offenses keep the defenses fresh and allows defenses to blitz and stunt more often. Great teams have a synergy between offense, defense, and special teams. The stats are played out as a team.