There was an original article asking who was the "Best Defense of All Time" http://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/The_best_defense_of_all_time/247044 I was going to elaborate on a post but it became obvious it was going to be rather lengthy. So what better way to argue than some comparisons. A true defense is one that is tested with the toughest offensive opponents. Judging by the strength of division/schedule, and the # of times each team had to perform against top notch players. I repeat that the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles were the best defense of ALL TIME. Here are some things to ponder: Number of Hall of Fame players that each defense had to face (*Jerry Rice recieved my vote since he is obviously a HOF) . The number of games played against HOF offensive talent (haha I almost got emotional when I saw that ART MONK FINALLY MADE THE HOF THIS YEAR) the number of pro bowl players on each "best of defense", along with ranking team offense (yes this counts b/c going 3 and out puts your defense on the field more often). And sustaining offensive drives lets your defense rest and hold it's "numbers" b/c the offense is chewing up the clock. Let's start with the big one. Number of Hall of Fame players each defense had to face: 1985 Bears: 5 (Joe Montana, Jerry Rice*, Art Monk, John Riggins and Dan Marino). They played each quarterback ONCE and Jerry Rice was a rookie that started a whopping 4 games. The Bears also lost their only game vs the Dolphins. 2000 Ravens: 3 (Troy Aikman, Emmit Smith and Jerome Bettis) They played the future HOF Cowboys once while Aikman and Smith were in the twilight of their respective careers. But the Ravens did have to face the consistent running of Jerome Bettis twice. 1991 Eagles: 7 (Joe Montana, Jerry Rice*, Art Monk, Troy Aikman, Emmit Smith, Michael Irvin and Warren Moon). The 49ers were just slowing as the team of the 80's, the Dallas Cowboys would become the team of the 90's. And Warren Moon compiled nearly 4700 passing yards that year while on the dangerous "Run N Shoot" Houston Oilers. All of these teams HOF were in the prime of their careers. They faced the 49ers and Oilers once while facing the Cowboys twice. Number All-Pro Defensive players: 1985 Bears: 6 (Richard Dent, Otis Wilson, Dan Hampton, Steve Mcmichael, Dave Duerson, and Mike Singletary) 2000 Ravens: 3 (Rod Woodson, Ray Lewis and Sam Adams) 1991 Eagles: 5 (Reggie White, Jerome Brown, Seth Joyner, Eric Allen and Clyde Simmons) Team Statistics: 1985 Bears: Points Allowed 198, Yards Allowed 4,135, yards per rush 3.67, 64.0 sacks, 34 Ints, 9 forced fumbles. 2000 Ravens: Points Allowed 165, Yards Allowed 3,967, yards per rush 2.69, 35.0 sacks, 23 ints, 19 forced fumbles. 1991 Eagles: Points Allowed 244, Yards Allowed 3,549, yards per rush 3.0, 54.0 sacks, 26ints, 11 forced fumbles. Strength of Division: 1985 Bears faced perrinial basement dwellers (Packers, Lions, Vikings, Bucs) and combined for a 24-40 record. Absolute garbage when it comes to competition and only the Bears made the playoffs in the NFC South. 2000 Ravens faced the Titans, Steelers, Browns, Bengals, Jags with a combined record of 36-44. And only the Titans and Ravens made the playoffs out of the AFC Central. 1991 Eagles faced the previous Superbowl Champion New York Giants, along with the eventual Superbowl winners (Washington Redskins) the red hot Dallas Cowboys (#7 offense) and Pheonix Cardnials. They had a combined record of 37-33 which made for a more competitive division. Washington and Dallas both made the playoffs. Top 10 offense each team had to play: 1985 Bears: Dolphins #4, San Fran #5, Jets #7, Patriots #10. They played each team once. 2000 Ravens: Jags #8 whom they played twice (so ONE top ten offensive team in the league) 1991 Eagles: Redskins #1 (twice), San Fran #3, Houston Oilers #4, #7 Cowboys (twice). The Eagles split the Redskins/Cowboys series while losing to SF and beating the Oilers. Team Offense: 1985 was key for the Chicago Bears. They boasted HOF running back Walter Payton (1,551 yards and 9tds) and a 4-6 defensive scheme that was unchartered by any team at the time. They had the #2 ranked offense led by pro bowl quarterback Jim McMahon, as well as pro bowl center Jay HilgenBerg. 2000 Ravens ranked 14th in the NFL (which was the mid point) and had a stellar running game with Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes (combined for 1,952 yards and 8tds). Pro bowl tackle Jonathan Ogden and All Pro kicker Matt Stover. 1991 Eagles ranked #18 out of 28 NFL teams. They had severe offensive woes in that they had had 4 starting quarterbacks (Randall Cunningham was on IR after the 1st quarter of game 1). And a rushing "attack" led by James Joseph (440 yds), "Tank" Heath Sherman (279 yds) and Keith "just throw me the ball" Byars (383 yds). All three backs combined for a TOTAL OF 4 RUSHING TDS. The irony is that Jim McMahon was also on this team (but never lived up to his pro bowl status as a back up). If you combine the amount of HOF, strength of schedule, # of players who made the pro bowl, and how much a liability a bad offense is in regards to your defensive stats. It's plain to see how the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) were the best defensive team of all-time. You can debate all you want. But these are the facts plain and simple. You may not agree with me, but the stats don't lie. I rest my "DEFENSE" RIP Reggie White, Andre Waters and Jerome Brown. You are missed.