Ranking the Top Five Defenses in the League Entering Training Camp

Posted by Matt Loede under Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers

Shawne Merriman

A few days ago we threw out what we felt were going to be the five worst offenses in the NFL coming into 2008. Now on the positive side, we’re back to give you the other side of the ball - the defenses, and what five teams are going to have have top notch and the best defenses entering the season.

1. San Diego - The Chargers have a great blend of speed and power, and their three main parts of their defense - D-line, linebackers, and secondary all have playmakers. Shawne Merriman is a beast among linebackers, Antonio Cromartie is one of the most exciting corners in the league, and Jamal Williams, Luis Castillo and Igor Olshansky make up a solid front three. This team is going to be tough to move on in 2008.

2. New York Giants - The defending Super Bowl champs return with a solid defense that should again make life tough on QB’s in 08. Even losing Michael Strahan, they still have a solid front line with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, LB core led by Mathias Kiwanuka, and good enough secondary to get the job done. The safety position has a few question marks, but overall this team is all about pressure, as their 53 sacks a year ago proved.

3. Dallas - Getting Adam “don’t call me Pacman” Jones will help a secondary that needs a boost, now the only question is will be eligible to play this year. Adding Zach Thomas brings some leadership to the defense as well as a guy that can still play. The LB tandem of Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware will give QB’s nightmares, and should result in turnovers and hurried throws that will play right in the hands of the secondary.

4. Pittsburgh - After DE Aaron Smith went down last season, the Steelers D was never the same. They get him back in 2008, and the team should be able to regain its early season form of 07. Dick LeBeau is a master at confusing QB’s, and with young studs at linebacker like Pro Bowler James Harrison and 2nd year player LaMarr Woodley, he will have two players that can make a QB’s day very long. The secondary has it’s issues, but if Troy Polamalu is back to 100 percent, the unit can make strides under coach Mike Tomlin.

5. Minnesota - Love what this team did in the offseason, snatching sack crazy Jared Allen from the Chiefs. His play, along with that of Kevin and Pat Williams will make offenses have some sleepless nights. E.J. Henderson is solid at MLB, and Chad Greenway and Ben Leber also had good seasons a year ago. The signing of Madieu Williams gives the secondary another weapon as well, and he’s better than Dwight Smith, who he replaces.

Comments

7 Responses to “Ranking the Top Five Defenses in the League Entering Training Camp”

Hazean on June 27th, 2008 9:50 pm

Great site! I added you guys to my blogroll and feed reader, looking forward to keeping up with your content.

As for this point, I have seen a lot of people with Minnesota as the No. 1 D heading into this season. Still in your top 5, but a lot lower than some experts would put them. Interesting …
Russ Loede on June 28th, 2008 3:37 pm

Take out either Pittsburgh or Dallas for Chicago. Bears D is still one of the elite in the NFL. I also like Philly’s unit and I think they can elevate their status into Top 5-material in ‘08.

My Top 5:

1. NYG
2. BEARS
3. Pats
4. Indy
5. SDC

5 On The Bubble: Philly, Tenn, Pitt, Jax, and Minn

5 to Watch Out for: GB, Jets, Tampa, Seattle and Houston as sleepers.

5 Worst: KC, Cleveland, Detroit, Cincy, and Miami

Up ‘n Coming Young ‘n Talented: Arizona/Oakland
Matthew Kimel on June 30th, 2008 11:15 pm

I can’t believe you didn’t list the Raiders!
Marc on July 1st, 2008 10:38 pm

My top 5 are

#1 Giants
#2 Vikings
#3 Steelers
#4 Colts
#5 Chargers

For obvious reasons the Giants and what they were able to do in the Superbowl. The other 4 listed are there because of their play last season and their potential as shut down defensive units. Pittsburgh needs better play in the corner and saftey positions. The other 3 are just plain sick defenses.
Marc on July 1st, 2008 10:43 pm

I forgot to add the honorable mention, because of their potential as great defensive units and they are; Jacksonville, New Orleans, Dallas, Philly, New England, Oakland, Tampa Bay and Greenbay.
James N on July 4th, 2008 9:31 pm

To comment on a comment, the Bears were a bottom 1/3 last year. That is an aberation, since they are better than that, but they are not as good as they looked in 2006 either.

Where is Indianapolis? Last year’s number one points defense drops out of the top 5? Why? Also, where are the Bays: Tampa and Green? One or the other should be mentioned.

I shudder to ask, but will we see a most improved soon? Buffalo? New Orleans? Maybe this is where Minnesota should fall.
ryknow on July 8th, 2008 11:56 am

“Take out either Pittsburgh or Dallas for Chicago. Bears D is still one of the elite in the NFL. I also like Philly’s unit and I think they can elevate their status into Top 5-material in â€˜08.

My Top 5:

1. NYG
2. BEARS
3. Pats
4. Indy
5. SDC

5 Worst: KC, Cleveland, Detroit, Cincy, and Miami”

Matt, you’re absolutely hilarious. The Chiefs are a bottom 5 ranked defense, even though they ranked 13th in the NFL in total yardage a year ago. But, the Bears, who were 28th in total yardage in ‘07, are a top 5 defense?!?! I’d love to hear your logic behind that one.