Who Has the Best Defense in the NFL?
Contents
The NFL season is in full swing and teams are starting to really show their strengths and weaknesses. One of the key factors in any team’s success is their defense. So, who has the best defense in the NFL?
The Case for the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been one of the best teams in the NFL for the past few years. They have a great offense, led by quarterback Tom Brady, and they have a great defense. The Patriots have a great pass defense, led by cornerback Malcolm Butler. They also have a great run defense, led by linebacker Dont’a Hightower. The Patriots are the best team in the NFL, and they have the best defense.
The Belichick Factor
No team has been more dominant defensively over the past two decades than the New England Patriots. Head coach Bill Belichick has built a dynasty in Foxboro, and a big part of that has been due to his defensive game plans.
The Patriots have finished in the top 10 in points allowed in 14 of Belichick’s 19 seasons as head coach, including each of the last eight years. They’ve led the league in fewest points allowed five times and are coming off a season in which they allowed a league-low 15.6 points per game.
A large part of the Patriots’ success on defense has been their ability to take away what opposing offenses do best. Belichick and his staff do an excellent job of game-planning for their opponents and taking away their strengths.
One of the things that makes Belichick such a great defensive coach is his willingness to be creative. He’s not afraid to try something new if he thinks it will give his team an advantage.
Throughout his career, Belichick has shown a willingness to adapt his defense to whatever his personnel is. For example, when he had great pass-rushers like Tedy Bruschi and Richard Seymour, he ran a lot of blitzes to take advantage of their skills. When he had great coverage linebackers like Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins, he would drop them into coverage more often.
Belichick also does a great job of using personnel groupings to force opposing offenses into matchups that favor the Patriots. For instance, he will often use extra defensive backs on the field in passing situations to match up with opponents’ three- or four-wide receiver sets.
Another one of Belichick’s trademarks is his use of multiple fronts and coverages. The Patriots will often line up in one defensive formation and then shift into another before the snap. This can confuse opponents and make it difficult for them to get into a rhythm offensively.
In addition to being creative, Belichick is also an excellent teacher. He does a great job of communicating his vision for the defense to his players and getting them to buy into his system. He also does an excellent job of preparing them for what they will see on game day with detailed scouting reports and practice sessions that mimic game conditions as much as possible
The Defensive Playmakers
The case for the New England Patriots as the best defense in the NFL starts with their defensive playmakers. The Patriots have a slew of players who can take over a game on defense, including sack leader Deatrich Wise, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and linebacker Dont’a Hightower. All three of these players have been to at least one Pro Bowl, and they’re all key cogs in the Patriots’ defensive machine.
But it’s not just the big names that make the Patriots’ defense great. They also have a deep bench of talented players who can fill in admirably when called upon. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy is a prime example of this; he’s been a key player for the Patriots since being acquired in a trade with the Detroit Lions in 2016, and he always seems to make a big play when the team needs it most.
The Patriots’ defense is loaded with talent from top to bottom, and that’s why they’re considered one of the best defenses in the NFL.
The Case for the Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have been one of the best defenses in the NFL over the past few years. They have a great pass rush and a good secondary. They are also very good at stopping the run.
The Wade Phillips Factor
When it comes to top-ranked defenses in the NFL, the Denver Broncos are always in the conversation. A big reason for their success has been the play of their defense under coordinator Wade Phillips.Phillips has been with the Broncos since 2017 and has helped transform them into one of the best defenses in the league. In his two seasons as coordinator, the Broncos have finished in the top five in points allowed per game, yards allowed per game, and takeaways.
Phillips is widely considered one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL and has a long track record of success. He has been a part of eight different teams that have finished in the top 10 in points allowed per game and six that have finished in the top 10 in yards allowed per game. Phillips has also been a part of four teams that have won a Super Bowl.
The Broncos defense is loaded with talent, but it is clear that Wade Phillips is a big reason for their success. If they want to continue to be one of the best defenses in the NFL, they will need him to stay healthy and on the sidelines.
The Defensive Playmakers
The Denver Broncos have built a fantastic team over the last few years, and their defense is a big part of that success. They have a great mix of young talent and experienced veterans, and they are led by one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL in Wade Phillips.
The defensive line is anchored by All-Pro Von Miller, who is one of the best pass rushers in the league. He is flanked by talented young edge rusher Shane Ray and veteran DeMarcus Ware, who is still a very good pass rusher despite being on the wrong side of 30.
The linebackers are led by Brandon Marshall, who is one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL. He is flanked by two solid run-stoppers in Todd Davis and Corey Nelson.
The secondary is led by All-Pro cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who is one of the best cover men in the league. He is joined by fellow cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby, who are both very good cover men as well. The Broncos also have two very good safeties in Darian Stewart and T.J. Ward, who are both excellent tacklers and playmakers.
The Broncos have a lot of talent on defense, and they are coached very well by Wade Phillips. They have all the ingredients necessary to be the best defense in the NFL in 2016.
The Case for the Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have been one of the best teams in the NFL over the past few years. They have a great defense that is led by safety Earl Thomas. The Seahawks also have a good offense that is led by quarterback Russell Wilson. The Seahawks have a good mix of young and old players, and they have a good coach in Pete Carroll.
The Legion of Boom
The Seattle Seahawks have been one of the best teams in the NFL over the past few years, and a big part of that has been their defense. The Legion of Boom has been one of the best defenses in the NFL since it was formed in 2012, and they show no signs of slowing down.
The Legion of Boom is made up of four All-Pro defenders: cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas, linebacker Bobby Wagner, and defensive end Michael Bennett. All four players are among the best at their respective positions, and they have helped the Seahawks become one of the best defenses in the NFL.
In addition to those four players, the Seahawks also have a number of other excellent defenders, including defensive end Cliff Avril, linebacker K.J. Wright, and safety Kam Chancellor. These players make up a defense that is feared by opposing offenses, and that has helped the Seahawks win a lot of games over the past few years.
There is no doubt that the Legion of Boom is one of the best defenses in the NFL, and they have helped the Seahawks become one of the best teams in the league. If you are a fan of defense, then you should definitely root for the Seahawks!
The Defensive Playmakers
The Legion of Boom is the best defense in the NFL. This unit is full of playmakers who can take over a game at any moment. Led by all-pro safety Earl Thomas, the Legion of Boom is a force to be reckoned with. The other members of the “Legion of Boom” include cornerback Richard Sherman, linebacker Bobby Wagner, and defensive end Michael Bennett.
These playmakers are supported by a strong supporting cast. The Seahawks’ defensive line is one of the best in the NFL, with players like Cliff Avril and Frank Clark. The linebackers are led by K.J. Wright, who is one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL.
The Seahawks’ secondary is full of ball hawks who make it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to complete passes. Sherman and Thomas are two of the best at their respective positions, and they are flanked by good cornerbacks in Jeremy Lane and Deshawn Shead. The Seahawks also have a good young safety in Kam Chancellor, who is a physical presence in the middle of the field.
The Case for the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been considered one of the best defenses in the NFL. They are consistently near the top of the league in fewest points allowed and yards allowed. They have a great mix of experience and youth, and they always seem to be ready to make a big play when needed. Let’s take a closer look at why the Steelers have such a great defense.
The Dick LeBeau Factor
The Dick LeBeau Factor is a big reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers have been so successful over the years. LeBeau is the defensive coordinator for the Steelers and has been with the team since 2004. He is widely considered to be one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL.
Under LeBeau, the Steelers have had one of the best defenses in the NFL. In fact, they havefinished in the top 5 in total defense 11 times since 2004. That includes finishing first in total defense six times. They have also been in the top 10 in points allowed nine times during that span.
The Steelers are known for their aggressive style of defense, and that starts with LeBeau. He is always looking for ways to get after the quarterback and cause turnovers. That has led to the Steelers having one of the best turnover margins in the NFL under LeBeau.
All of this success has led to LeBeau being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. There is no doubt that he is one of the all-time great defensive coordinators, and he has helped make the Pittsburgh Steelers one of the best defenses in NFL history.
The Defensive Playmakers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their defensive prowess, and this season is no different. The Steelers boast one of the best defenses in the NFL, thanks in large part to their talented group of playmakers.
Led by defensive end Cameron Heyward, the Steelers’ defensive line is one of the best in the business. Heyward is a force to be reckoned with, and he’s flanked by a number of other talented players, including Stephon Tuitt and Javon Hargrave. Together, this group forms a formidable unit that is capable of shutting down opposing offenses.
Behind them, the Steelers’ linebacking corps is just as impressive. T.J. Watt has emerged as one of the best young linebackers in the game, and he’s supported by veterans like Bud Dupree and Vince Williams. This group is extremely athletic and they’re very good at getting to the quarterback.
Lastly, the Steelers’ secondary is led by All-Pro cornerback Joe Haden. Haden is a shutdown corner who is capable of nullifying opposing receivers. He’s supported by a talented group of players, including corners Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton. This unit rounds out what is arguably the best defense in all of football.
The Case for the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have been a top-10 defense in the NFL for the past few years. They are a well-rounded unit that can stop the run and rush the passer. They also have one of the best secondaries in the league. In addition, the Cardinals have a good coaching staff.
The Bruce Arians Factor
When it comes to the Arizona Cardinals, it all starts with head coach Bruce Arians. Since taking over in 2013, Arians has been one of the most successful coaches in the NFL, leading the Cardinals to a 49-30-1 record and two NFC West titles. But what makes Arians so special?
First and foremost, Arians is a defensive mastermind. In his five years with the Cardinals, Arians has transformed the team into one of the league’s best defensive units. In 2013, the Cardinals ranked 20th in the NFL in total defense; by 2017, they had climbed all the way to second.
Arians’ defenses are built around speed and aggression. He likes to bring pressure with his Blitzburgh package, which features six or more rushers on more than half of all passing plays. This approach can be risky—if the defense doesn’t get to the quarterback quickly enough, he can pick apart a defense—but it’s also very effective. In 2016, according to Football Outsiders, the Cardinals had the second-best defense in the NFL when blitzing (behind only the Denver Broncos).
But blitzing is just one part of Arians’ defensive strategy. He’s also an expert at using zone coverage, which allows his defenders to keep everything in front of them and make plays on the ball. The results speak for themselves: over the past five years, no team has allowed fewer passing yards per game than the Cardinals (197.6).
Arians’ defensive expertise has helped make the Cardinals one of the best teams in the NFL. But there’s another factor that can’t be overlooked: his ability to develop young talent.
The Defensive Playmakers
The Arizona Cardinals may not have the best offense in the NFL, but they more than make up for it with their defense. The Cardinals are stacked with playmakers on all levels of their defense, from the defensive line to the secondary.
On the defensive line, the Cardinals have two of the best pass rushers in the NFL in Chandler Jones and Corey Peters. Jones is a disruptive force who can take over a game, while Peters is a steady presence in the middle of the line. Together, they form a formidable duo that opposing offenses have to game plan for.
In the linebacker corps, the Cardinals are led by Deone Bucannon, who is one of the most versatile linebackers in the league. Bucannon can stuff the run, rush the passer, and drop back into coverage, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Behind Bucannon is Haason Reddick, who is another versatile linebacker that can do a little bit of everything.
The strength of the Cardinals defense lies in their secondary, which is led by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson. Peterson is one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL, and he has been shutting down opposing receivers for years. Alongside Peterson is safety Budda Baker, who is one of the most promising young safeties in the league. Baker has a nose for the ball and a knack for making big plays.
The Arizona Cardinals have one of the best defenses in the NFL because they have playmakers on all levels of their defense. From their defensive line to their secondary, they have players that can take over a game and give their team a chance to win.