The Top Ten Defenses in the NFL
Take a look at my top 10 defensive units for the upcoming NFL season.
10 – The NFC champion Seattle Seahawks improved from 2004 to 2005. This year, with second year linebacker Lofa Tatupu as the defensive leader, this squad will only get better. The secondary, which features upcoming stars such as Marcus Trufant and Michael Boulware hope to have a better season in 2006.
9 – One of the most underrated defensive units in the NFL is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their defensive was one of the most dominant units in the league last season. Defensive ends Paul Spicer and Reggie Hayward had monster seasons, combining for 16 sacks. Linebackers Pat Thomas, Mike Peterson, and Daryl Thomas were all over the field in 2005. The secondary is the weakest link, mainly because of the injury to Donovan Darius last year.
8 – The Denver Broncos unit features a talented linebacker corps, and an improving defensive line, and one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Courtney Brown, Kenard Land and Ebenezer Ekuban are talented defensive ends that can create a pass rush and disrupt the passing game of an opposing offense. Linebackers Ian Gold and Al Wilson combined for 160 tackles, 6 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries in 2005. Cornerback Champ Bailey can completely shut down his side of the field. Last season, Bailey led the team in interceptions with eight.
7 – The Indianapolis Colts defense which features all-pro Dwight Freeney, has improved into one of the premiere units in the league. The defensive line combined for 30 sacks in 2005 and the linebacker corps can cover as well as put pressure on the quarterback. Nick Harper, Bob Sanders, Mike Doss, and Jason David make up the Colts secondary that ranked 20th in the league against the pass in 2005, but played very well despite of that ranking.
6 – For the past two seasons, the Washington Redskins have been ranked in the top ten on defense. This year should be the same results for Gregg Williams’ squad. Lavar Arrington is no longer with the team, but Marcus Washington has taken over as the leader of the defense. The addition of Andre Carter to the D-Line will create a much need pass rush. Some people have called safety Sean Taylor the next Ronnie Lott because of his aggressive nature on the field.
5 – The Baltimore Ravens will have linebacker Ray Lewis and Safety Ed Reed back in the lineup for 2006. Terrell Suggs and Trevor Pryce are two experienced defensive ends that will offer the unit a stable pass rush. In the secondary, Reed, Chris McCallister, and Samari Rolle make up a great unit with shut down potencial. Ray Lewis is destined for the hall of fame, but will need to stay healthy for 16 regular season games in 2006.
4 – The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that can completely shut a team down for a game. Joey Porter led the team with 10.5 sacks and Troy Polamalu may have been the team’s defensive MVP.
3 – The best defensive line in the NFL belongs to the Carolina Panthers defensive unit. However, Kris Jenkins was injured for most of the season and his return will only be a plus for the unit. Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker record a combined 18 sacks coming off of the ends.
2 – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the best defense in the NFL last season. This unit should remain just as good when the 2006 season begins. Derrick Brooks is an aging but all-pro linebacker that can still rack up over 100 tackles a season. Shelton Quarles led the team with 132 tackles and cornerback Ronde Barber continues to be a dominant force in the secondary.
1 – Whenever a defensive unit can consistently keep teams from scoring throughout the season like the 2005 Chicago Bears, that’s dominance. Last season, the Bears held ten teams under 15 points. Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs combined for 228 tackles. The entire defense committed 52 turnovers and 41 sacks.
