Which NFL Team Has the Best Defense?
Contents
The answer to this question largely depends on who you ask, but there are a few NFL teams that consistently have strong defenses. The Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots are all teams that come to mind.
The Case For The Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the best defensive teams in the NFL for the past few years. They have a great mix of young and experienced players, and they are always well-prepared. The Ravens have a good track record of shutting down opposing offenses, and they always seem to make the big plays when they need to.
Led the NFL in takeaways
The Baltimore Ravens led the NFL in takeaways for the 2019 season with 34. They also had the second-best point differential in the league, behind only the New England Patriots.
The takeaway stat is important because it is a good measure of a team’s ability to create turnovers and shorten the field for their offense. The Ravens’ ability to do this helped them win a lot of close games. In fact, 11 of their 14 wins were by one possession.
The Ravens’ defense was also very good at keeping points off the board. They allowed the fifth-fewest points per game in the NFL.
So, while the Ravens may not have had the best overall defense in 2019, they were certainly one of the most impactful units in the league.
Allowed the fewest points per game
The Baltimore Ravens have the best defense in the NFL. The team allowed the fewest points per game, the fewest yards per game, and the fewest first downs per game. They also had the most sacks and interceptions.
The Case For The New England Patriots
In a league where the offenses seem to get all of the attention, the New England Patriots have quietly built one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Patriots have a wealth of talent on their defensive line, in the secondary, and at linebacker. They also have a great defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia. Let’s take a closer look at the Patriots defense.
Allowed the fewest yards per game
The Patriots have allowed the fewest yards per game of any NFL team over the past decade. In that time, they’ve also given up the fewest points per game. In short, they’re the best at what they do.
But it’s not just about the numbers. The Patriots’ defense is fundamentally sound, and they’re always able to make adjustments on the fly to shut down their opponents. They’re disciplined, and they have a knack for coming up with big plays when it matters most.
In a league where offense is king, the Patriots have built a dynasty on the strength of their defense. If you’re looking for a team to root for that’s built to last, there’s no better choice than New England.
Led the NFL in sacks
The New England Patriots have been one of the best teams in the NFL for a long time now. They have a great quarterback in Tom Brady and a great head coach in Bill Belichick. But one of the things that has made them so successful is their defense.
The Patriots led the NFL in sacks this season with 49. They also had the second best run defense in the league, only allowing 91.1 yards per game. And they were third in the league in points allowed, only giving up 18.5 points per game.
So if you are looking for a team with a great defense, the New England Patriots are your team.
The Case For The San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the best teams in the NFL over the past few years. They have a great offense, led by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and a great defense. The 49ers defense is led by linebacker Fred Warner, who is one of the best in the league. The 49ers also have a great pass rush, led by defensive end Nick Bosa.
Led the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed per game
The San Francisco 49ers had the best defense in the NFL in 2019. They led the league in fewest points allowed per game, and they were second in yards allowed per game. They were also first in the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed per game, and they were second in passing yards allowed per game. In addition, they had the fewest turnovers of any team in the NFL.
Had the second-best pass defense in the NFL
In 2019, the San Francisco 49ers had the second-best pass defense in the NFL, allowing just 169.2 passing yards per game. They were also second in the league in fewest yards allowed per play (4.9) and interceptions (22). The 49ers’ defense was dominant all season, and it was a big reason why the team went 13-3 and made it to the Super Bowl.
If you’re looking for an NFL team with a great defense, the 49ers are a good option. They have a talented group of players on that side of the ball, and they should be able to keep opponents from scoring points in 2020.
The Case For The Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their stout defense. The team is currently ranked 3rd in the NFL in points allowed per game, and they have only given up more than 20 points in a game twice all season. With big names like Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, and T.J. Watt, it is no wonder that the Steelers have one of the best defenses in the league.
Led the NFL in fewest total yards allowed per game
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their defense. In recent years, they have continued to field a top-ranked unit. In 2019, they led the NFL in fewest total yards allowed per game.
The team’s success starts up front with their defensive line. They have two of the best pass rushers in the NFL in Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. Heyward is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named first-team All-Pro in 2017. Tuitt is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named second-team All-Pro in 2018.
Behind them, the Steelers have one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL. T.J. Watt was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 after leading the league with 15 sacks. He is joined by fellow Pro Bowlers Bud Dupree and Vince Williams.
In the secondary, the Steelers are led by all-pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was acquired via trade midway through the 2019 season and immediately made an impact. He had five interceptions and was named first-team All-Pro in his first season with the team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is one of the best in the NFL. They are led by a talented group of players up front and in the secondary. If they can stay healthy, they should be in contention for another Super Bowl appearance this season.
Allowed the second-fewest points per game
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their tough, hard-nosed defense. And this season was no different, as the Steelers allowed the second-fewest points per game in the NFL.
But what makes the Steelers’ defense so good?
There are a few factors. First of all, they have a great pass rush. They were second in the NFL in sacks this season, and that pressure on the quarterback makes it difficult for offenses to score points.
Secondly, they have a very good secondary. Their cornerbacks, Joe Haden and Steven Nelson, are both excellent players. They can shut down opposing receivers, and that makes it tough for offenses to move the ball down the field.
Finally, the Steelers have good team speed on defense. They can get to the ball quickly and make plays all over the field. That makes it difficult for offenses to sustain drives and score points.
So if you’re looking for a team with a great defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers are a good choice.
The Case For The Los Angeles Rams
It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Rams have one of the best defenses in the NFL. They’re led by All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and they have a very talented secondary. The Rams have only given up more than 20 points twice this season, and they’re currently ranked first in the NFL in points per game.
Allowed the second-fewest yards per play
The Los Angeles Rams were the best team in the NFL in 2018, and they did it primarily with their defense. The Rams allowed the second-fewest yards per play (4.8) and the second-fewest points per game (18.6) in the NFL, and they did so while facing the third-toughest schedule of opposing offenses, according to Football Outsiders.
Had the best pass defense in the NFL
The Los Angeles Rams had the best pass defense in the NFL in 2019, allowing an average of only 193.7 passing yards per game. They were also one of the top 10 teams in terms of sacks, with 50 on the season.