By T.J. Troup
Since I mentioned the Steelers they are the beginning the saga of dominant defense.
Previous to Pittsburgh becoming a power in 1972 there were many, many teams that played championship defense, yet as PFJ's impressive chart from his story on January 4th points out rarely did a team lead in all categories across the board.
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Why did this coverage work? The first element was the pass rush from a front four that did not need a blitzes to be effective. Did the Steelers blitz? Of course, yet was even more effective since they seldom did it. Teaching to the weakness of the coverage is an element that all successful coaches subscribe to. The MIDDLE of the field is open!
Jack Ham, though, was the key to success. A strong side linebacker that could "shiver" the tight end upon his attempted release, and at times actually cover the tight end man to man all over the field. Ham was simply the best-ever linebacker in pass coverage. He also could rotate in zone, and of course take the back out of the backfield in whatever coverage defensive coordinator Bud Carson and Noll asked of him.
Andy Russell contributed on the weak side, and Henry Davis was adequate in coverage. When the lean, lanky "Dracula in cleats" joined Pittsburgh in 1974 the underneath pass coverage took on a new element. With Lamberrt, a middle linebacker with speed, height, and discipline he made throwing over the middle a new challenge due to the trajectory of the pass.
When a team wins as often as Pittsburgh did from 1972-76 there must be a reason, or reasons. Black & Gold became a perfect storm. From lynch pin Greene in his cocked stance in the 4-3 to linebackers who could run and tackle, to a secondary that understood the concepts given they were truly a curtain . . .in fact sometimes a "Steel Curtain" in defending the talented offenses that came a calling. They remain the bench mark to be measured by.
The Los Angeles Rams under the impressive coaching of Chuck Knox and defesnsive coordnator Ray Malavasi did lead in one category during this time frame. As strong as the Ram defense was during this time period, they still cannot measure up to Pittsburgh.
What about Dallas? Washington? Miami? Minnesota? yes, all of them were truly excellent on defense, but just not the pinnacle.
Ryan's background with the Jets and Vikings convinced him that defenses must not only adapt and adjust during a game that they must control the tempo if at all possible. While that is a sound bite everyone would listen to the question is 'Ccan you do it'? Alan Page was in the final stages of his career, yet he could still shoot a gap and must be accounted for. Young improving Dan Hampton was a match-up nighmare when aligned on the center.
The Bear linebacking corps from 1978-82 was adequate, yet not near as athletic and fast as Buddy wanted. Otis Wilson slowly developed, and first Al Harris, then dominant Wilber Marshall manned the right side when aligned there. Oh? you don't have to have both outside linebackers on opposite sides? Marshall & Wilson aligned on the tight end side, with many, MANY possible combinations of assignments.
Mike Singletary learned his lessons well and became the best middle linebacker in the league during this time frame. The linebackers did have coverage responsibilities, since the Bears did not blitz every down, but the linebacking corps was so much better in attack mode. The secondary has never gotten the respect they deserved, and though they were not the best in the league (Seattle was) they were top notch and did their jobs under immense pressure of man coverage with virtually little help from the safeties.
No help from the safeties? Why? Doug Plank wore jersey #46 thus the catchy nickname of the defense. Basically an 8-man front aligned so different from defenses of the past. over shifted to the tight end side, with a safety in the "C" gap weak-side. The middle linebacker protected with the center and both guards "covered".
Finally in the middle of the field is the premier combination of brains and tackling ability. Gary Fencik would be considered an over achiever, yet he did earn a pro bowl berth at strong safety, and now aligned in the middle of the field he adjusted to what the opponent pass offense was doing. Pressure from the outside, the best middle linebacker with a future hall of fame nose guard in Hampton in front of him, and behind him one of the smartest safeties in league history who just did not miss tackles.
A navy blue & burnt orange perfect storm on the carpet in the city of big shoulders. Ryan left after '85 yet the next three seasons under Vince Tobin the Bears still played outstanding defense. No, not nearly as much in the 46 alignment, usually a traditional 4-3. Talent is talent, and except for Fencik and Todd Bell (replaced by valuable Dave Duerson) leaving the line-up. The many corners who played were all adequate with the exception of Les Frazier, as he was excellent.
I think the recent Seahawks D compares favorable with the Bears of 84-88.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is there are some perceptional things against Seattle:
1. Market. Chicago is Chicago, Seattle ... "isn't that in Alaska somewhere?" So Chicago will always be more famous.
2. Bears have the 46 and Seahawks have the Legion of Boom but the Bears have the memorable names. Say '85 Bears and everyone knows. The Seahawks have their own single-season defense that is on the very shortlist to be argued as the best single-season defense of all-time, but their season will never roll off the tongue like "85 Bears".
3. Most important, the splash reel. Clips of the Bears defense shows QB's literally looking like they just died. Huge hits, Singletary's eyes, etc ... The Seahawks have memorable highlights of their own but their great for this era and this era just doesn't compare and is incapable of comparing, through no fault of their own.
Which is my main point in favor of Seattle (not as better than Chicago but as not paling in comparison), is that they did what they did in a time where you're not allowed to play defense - or at a minimum not allowed to play defense as the 80's Bears were. So not only will things like the numbers be inflated against, especially passing, but so will style of play.
Yet still, Seattle was able to accomplish what they have - and possibly will continue to - accomplish, despite being handcuffed.
Kam Chancellor has managed to be an intimidating safety in an era where they not only don't exist but essentially are not allowed to exist. Yet he still does it.
Sherman has coasted on reputation the past couple years but at his peak he put up an "all-time" CB performance.
Earl Thomas literally has legendary range on the back end.
Michael Bennett is severely underrated.
Cliff Avril was underrated when he was in Detroit but at least was known enough for people to say he was underrated. Played as good and even better in Seattle but disappeared from any recognition until people figured out just this year that he's been playing for the Seahawks all this time.
Then you have Bobby Wagner, arguably the best MLB in football, right now. Lot of years left in front of him which brings me to my final point - and I almost posted this on the post a couple weeks ago.
Time needs to elapse. Hard to be legends while you're still playing. I believe with time the Seahawks defense will be looked at more favorably than it currently is because it will be a part of history when we're into the future. There's the possibility of multiple future HOF players, there's still a chance they can get one (or even two!) more championships before the run is over.
For now they're a championship defense, one time, like the Bears. Seahawks even have the extra conference championship, for any tiebreaker between them down the road when they can both be looked at historically.
Note: They're also in line to add more years to the "5-year intervals" list. Such as being on it next year when it's 2013-2017.