In today’s NFL, the quarterback is protected more than ever and perhaps even more than the position should be. Like it or not, it is here to stay, at least for a while. In this era and in the era of the past, we have had players on the defensive side of the ball who almost single-handedly win games for their teams. With the list below, these players are the greatest defensive players of our era, which means 1980-present. So forgive me for not including Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert or Deacon Jones. Before we get to the top ten, here are some names that just missed the list:
Eric Allen, Ronder Barber, Junior Seau, Darren Sharper,
Derrick Thomas, Brian Urlacher
And now, the top ten defensive players of our generation:
10.
Mike Singletary – “Cannot play with them, cannot
win with them, cannot coach with them, can’t do it.” Before he was the former
49ers head coach who uttered those words, he was the man in the middle of the greatest
single season defense in NFL history, the ’85 Bears. Singletary was a two-time
NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was All-Pro seven times. I can still see
those eyes of his get bigger as the ball is ready to be snapped.
9. Troy Polamalu – Probably the
most soft-spoken guy on this list but by no means does it match his play on
field. Everyone knows him from the hair covering his name and most of his
jersey number 43. Troy Polamalu is the current dominating defender on a long
line of Pittsburgh Steelers greats. He plays with a controlled reckless
abandon, if that is even possible. He is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of
the Year and a three time All-Pro. Just watch the Steelers defense when he
isn’t on the field, it is night and day.
8. Ed Reed – This ball hawk means
the same to the Ravens as Polamalu means to the Steelers. Why Reed is higher is
because he is currently 2nd among active players in interceptions
with 56 and he is fourth all-time with 12 non-offensive TDs. Ed Reed won NFL
Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and has been named All-Pro five times. But,
probably most impressive, is his knack for always being around the ball.
7. Bruce Smith – The man who is 1st
all-time in sacks with 200, Bruce Smith was the anchor on those Buffalo Bills
teams that went to four straight Super Bowls. He was Defensive Player of the
year twice and All-Pro eight times. Eight times he recorded double-digit sacks
in a season. Smith was inducted in to the Hall of Fame in 2009.
6. Rod Woodson – Another
dominating defensive player in a line of greats for the Steelers, Rod Woodson
was the quintessential professional at his position. He is third all-time with
71 career interceptions. More impressively, he is 1st all-time in
interception return yards as well as in interceptions returned for a touchdown.
The 1993 NFL Defensive Player of the year and a six time All-Pro, Woodson was
inducted into the Hall of Fame along with Bruce Smith in 2009.
5. Ray Lewis – If ever there was a
man who was born to play middle linebacker, it was Ray Lewis. Not only was he
the centerpiece on one of the greatest team defenses in history, the’00 Ravens,
he was also their Super Bowl MVP. Twice he was named NFL Defensive player of
the year and seven times he was named All-Pro. However, it is his intensity
that keeps him going strong in now his 16th season. Certain players
are automatically associated with their franchises. There is no doubt that when
you hear Baltimore Ravens, the first name to come to mind is Ray Lewis.
4. Deion Sanders – Ok, let’s all
say it together, “Primetime, primetime.” He has Ed Reed’s instincts, Barry
Sanders’ electricity and Gale Sayers running ability. Deion Sanders dominated
his position like never before. Teams would only throw to his side once or
twice a game, which meant he got one or two interceptions. Forgetting that he
may be of the greatest athletes of our time, Sanders was the 1994 Defensive
Player of the Year and All-Pro six times. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame
earlier this year.
3. Ronnie Lott – Just watching him
play, anyone would want Ronnie Lott on their team. While most of the glory and
recognition went to Bill Walsh’s 49er offense, Lott was the leader of the
defense that helped win four Super Bowls in nine seasons. A six-time All-Pro,
Lott is probably most remembered and feared for the time he was told that the
pinky finger would not heal properly unless he missed the playoffs. Lott, being
Lott, simply decided to have one third of the finger amputated.
2. Reggie White – With all due
respect to the great defensive linemen in NFL history, this is the first guy I
want stuffing the run and getting after the quarterback. Never before has a
player at his position dominated a game like the minister of defense, Reggie
White. He is only two sacks behind Bruce Smith for most in NFL history. However,
Smith needed three more seasons to top White. A two-time NFL Defensive Player
of the year and an eight time All-Pro, Reggie White was a beast and was
inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
1. Lawrence Taylor – He was the
Defensive Player of the Year in 1981, his ROOKIE SEASON! The original LT had
arrived. Lawrence Taylor went on to win that award three times and be named
All-Pro eight times. He once recorded 20.5 sacks in a season, as a linebacker.
Taylor was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. He was hands down the best
player on two Giants Super Bowl teams and hands down Lawrence Taylor is the
greatest defensive player of our generation.
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