Who Got The Best Defense In The Nfl?
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Wondering who has the best defense in the NFL? Check out this blog post to see who comes in at number one!
The Case For The Steelers
The Steelers have been one of the best defenses in the NFL for years. They are always near the top of the league in sacks and interceptions. They also have a great secondary.
Led the NFL in fewest points allowed
The Steelers managed to lead the NFL in fewest points allowed for the 8th time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. They finished the season allowing only 16.0 points per game, which is a new franchise record. The previous record was 16.1 points per game, set in 1977. The Steelers’ defense was also ranked #1 in yards allowed per game (299.8), sacks (56), and takeaways (34).
Had the second-best sack percentage
The Steelers finished the regular season with a sack percentage of 7.5, which was the second-best in the NFL. That number improved to 9.0 in the playoffs, which was the best among all teams. The Steelers also ranked second in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt during the regular season (7.5 percent) and first in that category during the playoffs (9.0 percent).
Allowed the third-fewest yards per play
In 2017, the Steelers had the third-best defense in terms of yards allowed per play. That’s despite the fact that they were without two of their best players, linebacker Ryan Shazier and cornerback Joe Haden, for much of the season. In 2018, they could potentially be even better, as Haden and Shazier are both healthy and the team has added some talented young players to the mix.
The Steelers have long been known for their stellar defense, and that unit will once again be a strength in 2018. With Haden and Shazier leading the way, Pittsburgh should have one of the best defenses in the NFL.
The Case For The Rams
The Rams have the best defense in the NFL. This is not up for debate. They led the league in sacks, takeaways, and points allowed. They were second in yards allowed and passing yards allowed. They were the only team in the league to not allow more than 20 points in a game.
Led the NFL in takeaways
The Los Angeles Rams had a historic season on defense in 2020. They led the NFL in takeaways with 29 (19 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles). That’s the second-most in a season since 2000. They also had the most sacks in a season since 2002 with 53.
Allowed the second-fewest passing yards
The Rams had the second-best passing defense in the NFL in 2019, allowing just 200.6 yards per game through the air. Los Angeles also finished the season tied for second in the league with 18 interceptions, and they allowed a quarterback rating of just 72.9, which was good for fourth best in the NFL.
Allowed the second-fewest first downs
In 2018, the Rams’ defense allowed the second-fewest first downs (280) and the third-fewest total yards (4, Wade Phillips’ unit also finished second in opponent passer rating (79.6) and takeaways (34).
The Case For The Patriots
The New England Patriots have long been considered one of, if not the best team in the NFL. A big reason for their success has been their defense, which is consistently one of the best in the league. Let’s take a look at why the Patriots have such a good defense.
Allowed the fewest yards per play
In many ways, the New England Patriots’ defense is an enigma. They don’t have that one superstar player who jumps off the stat sheet, but they always seem to find a way to get the job done.
One thing that can’t be denied is that the Patriots have been one of the best defenses in the NFL over the past few years. In 2018, they allowed the fewest yards per play (4.7) of any team in the league.
What’s more, they were also top 10 in both points allowed per game (20.3) and takeaways (34).
So, how do they do it?
Well, a big part of it is that they always seem to be in the right place at the right time. They do a great job of disguising their intentions and making adjustments on the fly.
This is a result of great coaching from Bill Belichick and his staff. They put their players in position to succeed and trust them to make plays when it matters most.
The Patriots’ defense may not be flashy, but it is incredibly effective. And that’s why they always seem to be in contention for a Super Bowl title.
Allowed the fewest passing yards per game
The New England Patriots led the NFL in fewest passing yards allowed per game this season. They were the only team to allow fewer than 200 passing yards per game, and they did it in a season where the league average was almost 230 passing yards per game. That’s impressive, and it’s a big part of why the Patriots had the best defense in the NFL this season.
The Patriots’ secondary was a big part of their success. They had two All-Pro cornerbacks in Stephon Gilmore and Devin McCourty, and they were both very good this season. Gilmore was especially good, as he was one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL. The Patriots also had a good pass rush, as they were tied for sixth in the NFL with 42 sacks.
All of these things helped the Patriots have the best defense in the NFL this season. They were able to shut down opposing offenses, and they did it in a year where passing numbers were up across the league. If they can keep this up, they will be one of the best defenses in the NFL for years to come.
Had the best third-down defense
The Patriots had the best third-down defense in the NFL this season, allowing conversions on just 26.7 percent of opponent’s attempts. That’s a big reason why they only allowed 17.5 points per game, which was also the best in the league.
The Case For The Bears
The Bears have the best defense in the NFL. They’re tough, physical, and they make a lot of plays. They’re also good against the run and the pass. However, some people think the Patriots have the best defense in the NFL. Let’s take a look at the two defenses and see which one is better.
Led the NFL in fewest points allowed
The Chicago Bears were the best defense in the NFL in 2018. They led the league in fewest points allowed, and they did it despite an offense that turned the ball over too often and put them in tough situations.
The Bears have a lot of talent on defense, and they have a good mix of young and veteran players. They also have a good coaching staff, and they play with a lot of energy and passion.
The Bears are not perfect, but they are very good. They have a chance to be great if they can continue to play with the same passion and energy, and if they can make some improvements on offense.
Led the NFL in fewest yards allowed
In 2018, the Chicago Bears defense was the best in the NFL. They led the league in fewest yards allowed, fewest points allowed, and takeaways. They were dominant against the run and the pass. They had a top-10 unit in every major defensive category.
Led the NFL in fewest first downs allowed
In 2018, the Chicago Bears led the NFL in fewest first downs allowed per game. They also finished in the top five in Opponent Passing Yards Per Attempt, Interceptions, and Turnover Margin. Those four statistics are usually a good indicator of how good a team’s defense is. The Bears were also second in the NFL in sacks and fifth in rushing yards allowed per game. So, it’s no surprise that they had the best defense in the NFL in 2018.
The Case For The Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the best teams in the NFL over the past few years. They have a talented roster and a great coaching staff. They also have a great defense. In this article, we will make the case for why the Ravens have the best defense in the NFL.
Led the NFL in fewest yards allowed per play
The Baltimore Ravens have the best defense in the NFL. They led the NFL in fewest yards allowed per play. They also had the best scoring defense, allowing only 16.6 points per game. The Ravens were ranked first in the NFL in Total QBR allowed, and their defense intercepted 20 passes and forced 34 turnovers.
Had the second-best sack percentage
In 2019, the Ravens had the second-best sack percentage in the NFL, only behind the San Francisco 49ers. Their 52 total sacks were good for sixth in the league. Baltimore was able to achieve this without having a true edge rusher, as their leading sack artist was interior defensive lineman Matt Judon, who recorded 9.5 sacks.
Allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards
The Baltimore Ravens had the best defense in the NFL in 2019, allowing the fewest yards per game. They were especially good against the pass, allowing the fourth-fewest passing yards. They also ranked second in sacks and third in interceptions.