Taking a Look Back at the Past 20 NFL Teams to Start the Regular Season 8-0

Taking a Look Back at the Past 20 NFL Teams to Start the Regular Season 8-0

Did you know only 20 NFL teams have started the regular season 8-0 since the 1978 season? It’s something that happens much more often in today’s NFL, but there’s only one team – out of a possible 32 NFL teams – with a shot at doing so this season and it’s the Philadelphia Eagles. 

They’re currently 6-0 on the year and will enter Week 8 with fresh legs after a much-deserved bye week. They’ve already defeated the Lions, Vikings, Commanders, Jaguars, Cardinals, and Cowboys – three of which at home, three of which on the road – en route to a perfect record. 

Not only that, but they have a favorable schedule moving forward, with the Steelers and Texans up next on their plate. If they can win both of those games, they’ll become the 21st NFL team to start the regular season 8-0 since 1978 – 26 NFL teams have gone 7-0 in that same timespan. 

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Which NFL Teams Have Started the Regular Season 8-0?

Taking a Look Back at the Past 20 NFL Teams to Start the Regular Season 8-0
Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the few NFL teams playing complementary football this season. They’re getting the job done on offense – especially in the red zone – and are limiting their opponents with stingy and clutch defense. They’ve been a joy to watch so far this year. 

The team currently ranks fourth in points for, sixth in points against, fifth in rushing yards per game, fourth in yards per game (both on offense and defense), first in turnover differential, second in defensive interceptions, and first in offensive turnovers (they have the least at 2). 

What they’re doing this season is what NFL teams wish they could do every year – and it’s something we only see from a handful of teams, if that, every year. With that said, let’s take a look back at the 20 NFL teams to start the regular season 8-0 since the 1978 season. 

20. 1984 Miami Dolphins

Started Season: 11-0

Ended Season: 14-2

The Miami Dolphins started the 1984 regular season 11-0 before suffering their first loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12 – it was a one-point overtime loss. The team finished 14-2, beating the Seahawks and Steelers in the playoffs before losing to the 49ers in the Super Bowl. 

The Dolphins were coached by Don Shula and led by Dan Marino at quarterback – he threw 48 touchdowns during the 1984 season. The team scored 32.1 points per game, which ranked first in the league, and only allowed 18.6 points per game, which ranked seventh in the league. 

19. 1985 Chicago Bears

Started Season: 12-0

Ended Season: 15-1

The Chicago Bears started the 1985 regular season 12-0 before suffering their first loss against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13 – they were outscored 38-24. The team finished 15-1, beating the Giants and the Rams in the playoffs en route to a 46-10 Super Bowl win against the Patriots. 

The Bears were coached by Mike Ditka and led by Jim McMahon at quarterback during the 1984 season – Richard Dent and Walter Payton were the real stars of the show. They scored 28.5 points per game (2nd in the NFL) and allowed just 12.4 points per game (1st in the NFL). 

18. 1990 San Francisco 49ers

Started Season: 10-0

Ended Season: 14-2

The San Francisco 49ers started the 1990 regular season 10-0 before suffering their first loss against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12 – they were outscored 28-17. They finished 14-2 and beat Washington in the divisional round, but lost to the Giants in the conference championship. 

The 49ers were coached by George Seifert and led by Joe Montana at quarterback in 1990 – he threw 26 touchdowns in 1990, 13 of which went to Jerry Rice. The team scored a modest 22.1 points per game (8th in the NFL), but only allowed 14.9 points per game (2nd in the NFL). 

17. 1990 New York Giants

Started Season: 10-0

Ended Season: 13-3

The New York Giants started the 1990 regular season 10-0 before suffering their first loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12 – they were outscored 31-13 and lost the following week against the 49ers team from above. The Giants, however, won the Super Bowl this year.

The Giants were coached by Bill Parcells and led by Phil Simms at quarterback – the team relied on their stout defense, more specifically Lawrence Taylor, to win games. They scored just 20.9 points per game (15th in NFL), but allowed just 13.2 points per game (1st in NFL).

16. 1991 Washington Commanders

Started Season: 11-0

Ended Season: 14-2

The Washington Commanders (then-Redskins) started the 1991 regular season 11-0 before suffering their first loss against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13 – they were outscored 24-21. They finished the season 14-2 and defeated the Buffalo Bills to win their third Super Bowl. 

The Commanders were coached by Joe Gibbs and led by Mark Rypien at quarterback – he made a living throwing to Art Monk and Gary Clark, combining for 2,389 yards and 18 TDs. They scored 30.3 points per game (1st in NFL) and allowed 14.0 points per game (2nd in NFL). 

15. 1998 Denver Broncos

Started Season: 13-0

Ended Season: 14-2

The Denver Broncos started the 1998 regular season 13-0 before suffering their first loss against the New York Giants in Week 15 – they were outscored 20-16. They finished the season 14-2 and beat the Dolphins, Jets, and Falcons en route to their second consecutive Super Bowl. 

The Broncos were coached by Mike Shanahan and led by John ElwayBubby Brister went 4-0 in his absence, throwing for 10 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. They scored an impressive 31.3 points per game (2nd in NFL) in 1998 and allowed just 19.3 points per game (8th in NFL). 

14. 2003 Kansas City Chiefs

Started Season: 9-0

Ended Season: 13-3

The Kansas City Chiefs started the 2003 regular season 9-0 before suffering their first loss against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 – they were outscored 24-19. They finished the season 13-3, but lost 38-31 in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Chiefs were coached by Dick Vermeil and led by Trent Green at quarterback – Priest Holmes, Tony Gonzalez, and Dante Hall were also on this team. They scored an impressive 30.3 points per game (1st in NFL) in 2003 and allowed 20.3 points per game (19th in NFL). 

13. 2005 Indianapolis Colts

Started Season: 13-0

Ended Season: 14-2

The Indianapolis Colts started the 2005 regular season 13-0 before suffering their first loss against the San Diego Chargers in Week 15 – they were outscored 26-17. They finished the season 14-2, but lost to the Steelers by a field goal in the divisional round of the playoffs. 

The Colts were coached by Tony Dungy and led by Peyton Manning at quarterback – he had a lot of help from Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, and Reggie Wayne. The team scored 27.4 points per game (2nd in NFL) in 2005 and allowed just 15.4 points per game (2nd in NFL). 

12. 2006 Indianapolis Colts

Started Season: 9-0

Ended Season: 12-4

The Indianapolis Colts started the 2006 regular season 9-0 before suffering their first loss against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11 – they were outscored 21-14 in that game. They ended the season 12-4 and beat the Chiefs, Ravens, Patriots, and Bears en route to a Super Bowl win.

The Colts were, once again, coached by Dungy and led by Manning at quarterback – while Wayne and Harrison were still in town, Joseph Addai was the lead back this time around. They scored 26.7 points per game (2nd in NFL) and allowed 22.5 points per game (23rd in NFL). 

11. 2007 New England Patriots

Started Season: 16-0

Ended Season: 16-0

The New England Patriots started the 2007 regular season 16-0 and continued their unbeaten streak into the playoffs, defeating the Jaguars and Chargers en route to the AFC Championship. Unfortunately, their perfect season was ruined by the Giants, who beat them in the Super Bowl.

The Patriots were coached by Bill Belichick and led by Tom Brady at quarterback – he threw 50 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions in the 2007 season. They scored an impressive 36.8 points per game (1st in NFL) and allowed just 17.1 points per game (4th in NFL) on defense. 

10. 2008 Tennessee Titans

Started Season: 10-0

Ended Season: 13-3

The Tennessee Titans started the 2008 regular season 10-0 before suffering their first loss against. the New York Jets in Week 12 – they were outscored 34-13. They finished the season 13-3, but couldn’t make it past the Ravens in the divisional round, losing by just a field goal. 

The Titans were coached by Jeff Fisher and led by Kerry Collins at quarterback – they relied on their run game, which consisted of LenDale White and Chris Johnson. They scored a modest 23.4 points per game (14th in NFL), but allowed just 14.6 points per game (2nd in NFL). 

9. 2009 Indianapolis Colts

Started Season: 14-0

Ended Season: 14-2

The Indianapolis Colts started the 2009 regular season 14-0 before suffering their first loss against the New York Jets in Week 16 – they lost again in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills. The team finished the season 14-2, but lost in the Super Bowl 31-17 to the New Orleans Saints. 

The Colts were coached by Jim Caldwell and led by Peyton Manning at quarterback – he was accompanied by Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, and Joseph Addai on offense. They scored 26.0 points per game (7th in NFL) in 2009 and allowed just 19.2 points per game (8th in NFL). 

8. 2011 Green Bay Packers

Started Season: 13-0

Ended Season: 15-1

The Green Bay Packers started the 2011 regular season 13-0 before suffering their first loss vs. the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 – they were outscored 19-14. They finished the season 15-1, but their season came to an end in a 37-20 loss to the New York Giants in the divisional round.

The Packers were coached by Mike McCarthy and led by Aaron Rodgers at quarterback – he had Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings to throw to, combining for 2,212 yards and 24 TDs. They scored 35.0 points per game (1st in NFL) and allowed 22.4 points per game (19th in NFL). 

7. 2012 Atlanta Falcons

Started Season: 8-0

Ended Season: 13-3

The Atlanta Falcons started the 2012 regular season 8-0 before suffering their first loss against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10 – they were outscored 31-27, but got their revenge in Week 13. They finished the season 13-3, but lost to the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. 

The Falcons were coached by Mike Smith and led by Matt Ryan at quarterback – he threw for 32 touchdowns, 17 of which were thrown to Roddy White and Julio Jones. The team scored a modest 26.2 points per game (7th in NFL) and allowed just 18.7 points per game (5th in NFL). 

6. 2013 Kansas City Chiefs

Started Season: 9-0

Ended Season: 11-5

The Kansas City Chiefs started the 2013 regular season 9-0 before suffering their first loss vs. the Denver Broncos in Week 11 – they were outscored 27-17 coming off their bye week. They finished the year 11-5, but their season came to an end after a Wild Card loss to the Colts. 

The Chiefs were coached by Andy Reid and led by Alex Smith at QB – Jamaal Charles led the team in rushing yards, receptions, and receiving yards. The team scored a modest 26.9 points per game (6th in NFL) and allowed just 19.1 points per game (5th in NFL) on defense.

5. 2015 Carolina Panthers

Started Season: 14-0

Ended Season: 15-1

The Carolina Panthers started the 2015 regular season 14-0 before suffering their first loss vs. the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16 – they were outscored 20-13 in the loss. They finished the year 15-1, beating the Seahawks and Cardinals before losing to the Broncos in the Super Bowl.

The Panthers were coached by Ron Rivera and led by Cam Newton at quarterback – he threw for 35 touchdowns and ran for 10 more, totaling 45 touchdowns on the season. The team scored 31.3 points per game (1st in NFL) and allowed just 19.3 points per game (6th in NFL). 

4. 2018 Los Angeles Rams

Started Season: 8-0

Ended Season: 13-3

The Los Angeles Rams started the 2018 regular season 8-0 before suffering their first loss vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 9 – they were outscored 45-35 in that game. They finished the season 13-3, beating the Cowboys and Saints before losing to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. 

The Rams were coached by Sean McVay and led by Jared Goff at QB – Todd Gurley had 1,831 total yards, while Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks each had 1,200+ yards. They scored 32.9 points per game (2nd in NFL) and allowed 24.0 points per game (20th in NFL). 

3. 2019 New England Patriots

Started Season: 8-0

Ended Season: 12-4

The New England Patriots started the 2019 regular season 8-0 before suffering their first loss vs. the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9 – they were outscored 37-20 going into their bye week. They finished the year 12-4, but lost to the Tennessee Titans 20-13 in the Wild Card round. 

The Patriots were coached by Bill Belichick and led by Tom Brady at quarterback – the team heavily relied on its defense with Brady throwing for just 24 touchdowns. They scored a modest 26.3 points per game (7th in NFL) in 2019, but allowed just 14.1 points per game (1st in NFL). 

2. 2019 San Francisco 49ers

Started Season: 8-0

Ended Season: 13-3

The San Francisco 49ers also started the 2019 regular season 8-0 before suffering their first loss vs. the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10 – they were outscored 27-24, losing in overtime. They finished the season 13-3, but lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. 

The 49ers were coached by Kyle Shanahan and led by Jimmy Garoppolo at QB – the offense relied on George Kittle and their three-headed monster at running back. They scored an impressive 29.9 points per game (2nd in NFL) and allowed 19.4 points per game (8th in NFL). 

1. 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers

Started Season: 11-0

Ended Season: 12-4

The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2020 regular season 11-0 before suffering their first loss vs. the Washington Commanders in Week 13 – they were outscored 23-17 in the game. The team finished the season 12-4, but couldn’t make it past the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card. 

The Steelers were coached by Mike Tomlin and led by Ben Roethlisberger at QB – the team didn’t have a single player finish with more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage. The team scored a modest 26.0 points per game (12th in NFL) and allowed 19.5 points per game (3rd in NFL). 

Which NFL Teams Might Accomplish It Next Season?

The Philadelphia Eagles might be the only team in line to start the season 8-0 this year, but there are several others that could be in that position if their schedule was as easy as the Eagles. Two teams that come to mind right away are the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. 

The Buffalo Bills are 5-1 through seven weeks and are coming off a bye, while the Chiefs are 5-2 with one of those losses coming against the Bills. Other teams playing well this year are the New York Giants (6-1), New York Jets (5-2), Minnesota Vikings (5-1), and Dallas Cowboys (5-2). 

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As for next year, I would keep your eye on the Bills and Chiefs. They’ll be in the running every year for the next decade – so long as they keep JoshAllen and PatrickMahomes under contract. The Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals can also make some noise.

15 Best NFL Defenses in Year’s Past

The NFL is packed with generational talent on the offensive side of the ball, but the best NFL defenses know how to contain that talent and put their team in a position to win. The best NFL defenses instill fear in all of their opponents – after all, defense wins championships, right? 

Some defenses excel at stopping the run, while others play their best ball against the pass. The best NFL defenses are good at both, though they often specialize in one. They consistently limit their opponents to 100 yards or less on the ground and under 250 yards through the air. 

They’re accurate with their tackles, they give 110% effort 120% of the time, they play to the whistle, they limit unnecessary penalties, and they play smart. They rarely give up the big play and they always come up big when needed most. The best NFL defenses are fun to watch. 

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What Are the Best NFL Defenses of All-Time?

15 Best NFL Defenses in Years Past
via Richard Sherman’s Instagram

Football fans have had the pleasure of witnessing plenty of quality defenses take the field every Sunday – and sometimes on Thursday or Monday. Every year, several teams emerge with dominant defenses, but have you ever wondered who the best NFL defenses are of all-time?

Just think of some of the greatest defensive players of all-time – Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith, Lawrence Taylor, Ed Reed, Rod Woodson, Joe Greene, Ronnie Lott, Deacon Jones, Dick Butkus, Ray Lewis, etc. They were great, but were they on the best NFL defenses of all-time?

Don’t worry, we’re going to answer those questions by detailing 15 of the best NFL defenses in years past. They didn’t give up much to opposing offenses, they put their team in a position to win on a weekly basis, and were often the ones hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at season’s end.

15. 2004 Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills went 9-7-0 in 2004 and finished third in the AFC East division, missing the playoffs for this fifth consecutive season. Their head coach was Mike Mularkey and their defensive coordinator was Jerry Gray. The defense played its best ball against the run. 

The Bills’ defense ranked second in yards allowed, first in turnovers, second in interceptions, second in rushing touchdowns allowed, and third in passing yards allowed. They were also top-ten in points allowed, first downs allowed, fumbles recovered, and rushing yards allowed.

London Fletcher led the team with 144 tackles. Aaron Schobel finished the year with 8.0 sacks, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Nate Clements had six interceptions and one touchdown, while Takeo Spikes had five interceptions and two touchdowns. 

14. 1969 Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings went 12-2-0 in 1969 and finished first in the NFC Central Division, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. Their head coach was Bud Grant and their defensive coordinator was Bob Hollway. They ranked in the top-10 in most defensive categories.

In fact, the Vikings ranked No. 1 in the NFL in points allowed, yards allowed, first downs allowed, passing touchdowns allowed, interceptions, rushing yards per attempt, passing yards, and net yards per pass attempt. They ranked second in turnovers and most rushing categories. 

Carl Eller finished the year with 15.0 sacks and Jim Marshall had 14.0 sacks – Alan Page had 9.0 sacks. The team had eight players catch at least one interception, including Bobby Bryant with eight, Earsell Mackbee with six, Paul Krause with five, and Lonnie Warwich with four.

13. 1971 Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings went 11-3-0 in 1971 and finished first in the NFC Central division before losing to the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round. They were coached by Bud Grant and their defensive coordinator was Neill Armstrong. They ranked in the top-ten in most categories.

The Vikings’ defense ranked No. 1 in the league in rushing touchdowns allowed, net yards per pass attempt, and points allowed. They also ranked No. 2 in yards allowed and first downs allowed, and No. 3 in turnovers, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and interceptions. 

Alan Page led the team with 9.0 sacks and three fumble recoveries, while Jim Marshall added 8.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. Charlie West finished with seven interceptions, while Paul Krause and Ed Sharockman each had six interceptions. Bobby Bryant also had a good year.

12. 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers

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The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2008 season with a 12-4-0 record and finished first in the AFC North before defeating the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. They were coached by Mike Tomlin and their defensive coordinator was Dick LeBeau. They ran a base 3-4 defense.

The Steelers’ defense ranked No. 1 in the league in points allowed, total yards allowed, passing yards allowed, rushing yards per attempt, and average yards per drive. They also ranked No. 2 in first downs allowed, passing touchdowns, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns allowed. 

James Farrior finished the year with 133 tackles, while James Harrison had 101 tackles, 16.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and one interception. LaMarr Woodley added 11.5 sacks and four fumble recoveries, while Troy Polamalu tallied seven interceptions and 17 passes defensed.

11. 1969 Kansas City Chiefs

https://twitter.com/ATBPGH/status/1264337914638540800

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 1969 season with an 11-3-0 record and finished second in the AFL West before defeating the Oakland Raiders in the AFL Championship and Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. They were coached by Hank Stram and played in a 4-3 defense.

The Chiefs’ defense ranked No. 1 in the league in most defensive categories that season – including points allowed, total yards allowed, turnovers, first downs, passing yards, passing touchdowns, interceptions, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and rushing yards per attempt.

Aaron Brown led the team with 14.0 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries, while Jerry Mays added 11.0 sacks. Emmitt Thomas had nine interceptions, Johnny Robinson had eight interceptions, and Jim Kearney had five interceptions. They had four defensive players score a touchdown.

10. 2015 Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos finished the 2015 season with a 12-4-0 record and finished first in the AFC West division before defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. They were coached by Gary Kubiak and their defensive coordinator was the legendary football coach Wade Phillips.

The Broncos’ defense ranked No. 1 in the league in total yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and rushing yards per attempt. They were third in passing touchdowns and rushing yards, and fourth in points allowed and fumbles recovered. Lastly, they were eighth in total turnovers. 

Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall each tallied over 100 tackles on the year, while Von Miller led the team with 11.0 sacks – the next closest on the team was DeMarcus Ware with 7.5 sacks. Aqib Talib finished the yearwith three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.  

9. 1986 New York Giants

The New York Giants finished the 1986 season with a 14-2-0 record and finished first in the NFC East before defeating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI. They were coached by Bill Parcells and their defensive coordinator at the time was current head coach Bill Belichick. 

The Giants’ defense ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rushing yards allowed, No. 2 in points allowed, total yards allowed, fumbles recovered, and No. 4 in turnovers and rushing touchdowns. They gave up a lot of passing yards to opponents, but limited the amount of passing touchdowns. 

Carl Banks finished the year with 113 tackles, Lawrence Taylor stole the show with 20.5 sacks, Leonard Marshall added 12.0 sacks and three forced fumbles, and Terry Kinard and Perry Williams each had four interceptions. George Martin had a defensive touchdown.

8. 1972 Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins finished the 1972 season with a perfect 14-0-0 record and finished first in the AFC East division before defeating the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. They were coached by legendary coach Don Shula and their defensive coordinator was Bill Arnsparger. 

The Dolphins’ defense was ranked No. 1 in points allowed, total yards allowed, fumbles recovered, and first downs allowed. They also ranked No. 2 in turnovers and interceptions, and No. 3 in passing touchdowns, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. They had two shutouts.

Vern Den Herder led the team with 10.5 sacks and one interception, while Bill Stanfill added 10.0 sacks and two fumble recoveries. Dick Anderson had five fumble recoveries, Jake Scott had five interceptions, and Lloyd Mumphord had four interceptions (and a defensive TD). 

7. 1962 Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers finished the 1962 season with a 13-1-0 record and finished first in the NFL West division before defeating the New York Giants for the NFL Championship. They were led by legendary head coach Vince Lombardi and defensive coordinator Phil Bengston

The Packers’ defense ranked No. 1 in points allowed, turnovers, passing yards, passing touchdowns, interceptions, and rushing touchdowns. They ranked No. 2 in total yards allowed and first downs allowed, No. 3 in rushing yards per attempt, and No. 4 in fumbles recovered. 

Willie Davis led the team with 13.0 sacks and the next closest was Henry Jordan with 8.5 sacks. Willie Wood had nine interceptions and Herb Adderley had seven interceptions. Ray Nitschke did a little of everything, finishing with four interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

6. 1991 Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles finished the 1991 season with a 10-6-0 record and finished third in the NFC East division, missing out on the playoffs. They were coached by Rich Kotite and their defensive coordinator was Bud Carson. Their offense was terrible, but their defense was great.

The Eagles’ defense was ranked No. 1 in total yards allowed, turnovers, fumble recoveries, first downs allowed, passing yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, and rushing touchdowns. They ranked third in interceptions, fifth in points allowed, and seventh in passing touchdowns. 

The team had six players finish with 100 or more tackles – Andre Waters led the team with 156 tackles. Reggie White finished the year with 15.0 sacks, Clyde Simmons had 13.0 sacks, Seth Joyner had six forced fumbles, and Wes Hopkins and Eric Allen tallied five interceptions each. 

5. 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the 2002 season with a 12-4-0 record and finished first in the NFC South division before defeating the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. They were coached by none other than Jon Gruden and their defensive coordinator was Monte Kiffin

The Buccaneers’ defense was ranked No. 1 in points allowed, total yards allowed, first downs allowed, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and interceptions. They also ranked No. 3 in turnovers and rushing touchdowns, and No. 5 in rushing yards and rushing yards per attempt.

Derrick Brooks led the team with 118 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 4 defensive touchdowns. Shelton Quarles added 113 tackles, two interceptions, and one defensive touchdown. Simeon Rice had 15.5 sacks, and Brian Kelly had eight interceptions and 21 passes defensed. 

4. 2013 Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2013 season with a 13-3-0 record and finished first in the NFC West before defeating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. They were coached by current head coach Pete Carroll and their defensive coordinator at the time was Dan Quinn. 

The Seahawks’ defense was ranked No. 1 in points allowed, total yards allowed, turnovers, passing yards, interceptions, and rushing touchdowns. They also ranked second in passing touchdowns, third in first downs allowed, and were known for their extremely loud fanbase. 

Bobby Wagner and Earl Thomas each tallied at least 105 tackles and combined for seven interceptions. Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril combined for 16.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles, Richard Sherman finished with eight interceptions, and three defensive players scored a TD.

3. 2000 Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens finished the 2000 season with a 12-4-0 record and finished second in the AFC Central division before defeating the New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV. They were led by head coach Brian Billick and their defensive coordinator was Marvin Lewis

The Ravens’ defense was ranked No. 1 in the league in points allowed, turnovers, fumble recoveries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. They also ranked second in total yards allowed, first downs allowed, and passing touchdowns. They made their offense look good. 

Ray Lewis led the team with 137 tackles, 3.0 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. Rob Burnett had 10.5 sacks, Jamie Sharper had five forced fumbles, Duane Starks had six interceptions, and Chris McAlister and Rod Woodson had four picks each. 

2. 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 1976 season with a 10-4-0 record and finished first in the AFC Central division before losing to the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship game. They were led by head coach Chuck Knoll and defensive coordinator Bud Carson

The Steelers’ defense was ranked No. 1 in points allowed, total yards allowed, first downs allowed, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. They also ranked third in fumbles recovered and passing touchdowns, and fifth in turnovers. They only allowed five rushing touchdowns. 

Joe Greene led the team with 6.0 sacks, while Jack Ham and L.C. Greenwood tallied 4.5 sacks each. Jack Lambert had eight fumble recoveries, Mel Blount and Glen Edwards had six interceptions each, and Steve Furness added 2.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries. 

1. 1985 Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears finished the 1985 season with a 15-1-0 record and finished first in the NFC Central division before defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. They were led by legendary head coach Mike Ditka and legendary defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan

The Bears’ defense was ranked No. 1 in points allowed, total yards allowed, turnovers, first downs allowed, interceptions, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. They also ranked third in passing yards and passing touchdowns, and fifth in fumbles recovered. They were vicious. 

Richard Dent led the team with 17.0 sacks, two interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and one touchdown, but Otis Wilson also impressed with 10.5 sacks, three interceptions, and one touchdown. Leslie Frazier had six interceptions and three different players recorded a safety. 

What Are the Best NFL Defenses in 2022?

Every season, we see a handful of teams emerge with elite defenses. Some are built through the draft, some through free agency, but most are built through a combination of both. As we prepare for another season in 2022, we’re excited to see what defenses have in store for us. 

Some of the best NFL defenses entering the 2022-23 season include the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Ravens. 

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For now, football fans have a lot to look forward to as free agency continues and teams look to beef up their rosters ahead of training camp, preseason, and the regular season. We also have the NFL Draft coming up towards the end of this month, which is always an exciting time.

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