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Top 10 NFL Defenses Of 2016: A Ranking

Trends January 15, 2025

NFL fans and experts alike are always eager to rank the league's defenses, and the 2016 season was no different. With so many talented units taking the field, it was a difficult task to determine which one was the best.

Ultimately, the Denver Broncos defense was ranked as the best in the NFL in 2016. The Broncos allowed the fewest points per game (16.5) and had the most sacks (51). They also forced 22 turnovers, which was tied for the most in the league.

The Broncos' defense was led by a number of talented players, including Von Miller, Aqib Talib, and Chris Harris Jr. Miller was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year after recording 14.5 sacks and forcing five fumbles. Talib and Harris Jr. were both named to the Pro Bowl, and they helped the Broncos to lead the NFL in interceptions (21).

The Broncos' defense was a major reason why the team was able to win Super Bowl 50. They held the Carolina Panthers to just 10 points in the game, and they forced two turnovers. The Broncos' defense was also able to sack Cam Newton six times, which helped to limit the Panthers' offense.

The Broncos' defense was one of the best in the NFL in 2016, and they played a major role in the team's Super Bowl victory.

Ranking NFL Defenses 2016

Evaluating the effectiveness of NFL defenses is crucial for assessing team performance and predicting game outcomes. Here are eight key aspects to consider when ranking NFL defenses in 2016:

Points allowed per game
Yards allowed per game
Turnovers forced
Sacks
Interceptions
Passer rating allowed
Rushing yards allowed per attempt
Red zone efficiency

These metrics provide insights into a defense's ability to prevent scoring, generate turnovers, pressure the quarterback, and limit yardage. By analyzing these aspects, experts can rank defenses based on their overall performance and identify strengths and weaknesses.

1. Points allowed per game

In the context of ranking NFL defenses in 2016, points allowed per game is a crucial metric that reflects a defense's ability to prevent opponents from scoring and limit their offensive production. Teams with lower points allowed per game typically have stronger and more effective defenses.

Defensive Efficiency
Points allowed per game provides insights into a defense's overall efficiency in preventing touchdowns and field goals. Teams that consistently allow fewer points are generally considered to have better defenses, as they have the ability to force turnovers, generate sacks, and limit yardage.
Red Zone Defense
Points allowed per game is also influenced by a defense's performance in the red zone, where offenses are more likely to score. Teams with strong red zone defenses can prevent touchdowns and force field goals, which significantly reduces the number of points allowed.
Turnover Creation
Defenses that force turnovers, such as interceptions and fumbles, often have lower points allowed per game. Turnovers give the offense possession and scoring opportunities, so defenses that can generate turnovers can limit the number of points their opponents score.
Complementary Football
Points allowed per game is also affected by complementary football, such as special teams play and offensive efficiency. Teams with strong special teams units can set up their defense with good field position, while efficient offenses can control the clock and keep the defense rested.

By considering points allowed per game in conjunction with other metrics, such as turnovers forced, sacks, and yards allowed, experts can gain a comprehensive understanding of a defense's performance and rank them accordingly.

2. Yards allowed per game

In assessing and ranking NFL defenses in 2016, yards allowed per game serves as a fundamental metric to evaluate a defense's ability to prevent opposing offenses from gaining ground and advancing the ball down the field. Teams with lower yards allowed per game typically possess stronger and more effective defenses.

Analyzing yards allowed per game offers several key insights:

Defensive Efficiency
Yards allowed per game reflects a defense's overall efficiency in limiting an offense's ability to move the chains and sustain drives. Teams that consistently allow fewer yards are generally considered to have better defenses, as they can effectively contain the opposing offense's playmakers and disrupt their rhythm.
Pass Defense
Yards allowed per game passing is a critical indicator of a defense's ability to defend against the pass. Teams with strong pass defenses can limit quarterbacks' effectiveness, force incompletions, and generate turnovers, leading to fewer yards gained through the air.
Run Defense
Similarly, yards allowed per game rushing provides insights into a defense's ability to stop the run. Teams with effective run defenses can prevent offenses from gaining yards on the ground, which can force them into predictable play-calling situations and limit their scoring opportunities.
Field Position and Momentum
Limiting yards allowed per game has a direct impact on field position and momentum. Teams that allow fewer yards give their offense better starting field position, which can lead to more scoring opportunities. Additionally, preventing big plays and long drives can demoralize opposing offenses and boost the defense's confidence.

By considering yards allowed per game in conjunction with other metrics, such as points allowed, turnovers forced, and sacks, experts can gain a comprehensive understanding of a defense's performance and rank them accordingly.

3. Turnovers forced

In the context of ranking NFL defenses in 2016, turnovers forced is a crucial metric that measures a defense's ability to create turnovers, such as interceptions and fumbles, and capitalize on opponents' mistakes. Teams that force more turnovers typically have stronger and more effective defenses.

There are several key reasons why turnovers forced is an important component of ranking NFL defenses:

Scoring opportunities: Turnovers give the offense possession and scoring opportunities. Teams that can force turnovers can put their offense in advantageous positions on the field, leading to more points scored.
Momentum: Turnovers can also have a significant impact on momentum. A well-timed turnover can swing the momentum of a game in favor of the defense and demoralize the opposing offense.
Hidden yardage: Turnovers can be viewed as hidden yardage. By forcing a turnover, a defense prevents the offense from gaining yards and moving the ball down the field.

In the 2016 NFL season, the Denver Broncos led the league in turnovers forced with 38. The Broncos' defense was able to generate turnovers in a variety of ways, including interceptions, fumbles, and special teams plays. Their ability to force turnovers was a major reason why they were ranked as the top defense in the NFL in 2016.

Overall, turnovers forced is a critical metric for ranking NFL defenses. Teams that can consistently force turnovers have a significant advantage over their opponents and are more likely to be successful.

4. Sacks

In the context of ranking NFL defenses in 2016, sacks are a crucial metric that measures a defense's ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the opposing team's passing game. Teams with more sacks typically have stronger and more effective defenses.

Quarterback Pressure
Sacks are the ultimate form of quarterback pressure. When a defense can consistently sack the quarterback, it forces the offense to become one-dimensional and predictable. This can lead to turnovers, missed throws, and negative plays.
Negative Yardage
Sacks result in negative yardage, which can have a significant impact on the opposing team's field position and momentum. A well-timed sack can force a team to punt or kick a field goal instead of scoring a touchdown.
Turnovers
Sacks can often lead to turnovers, such as fumbles and interceptions. When a quarterback is under pressure, he is more likely to make mistakes and throw the ball into coverage. These turnovers can give the defense possession of the ball and scoring opportunities.
Defensive Line Dominance
Sacks are a reflection of the dominance of a defense's defensive line. Teams with strong defensive lines are able to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the opposing team's passing game. This can lead to sacks, turnovers, and negative plays.

In the 2016 NFL season, the Oakland Raiders led the league in sacks with 51. The Raiders' defense was able to generate pressure on the quarterback consistently, which led to a number of sacks, turnovers, and negative plays. Their ability to sack the quarterback was a major reason why they were ranked as one of the top defenses in the NFL in 2016.

Overall, sacks are a critical metric for ranking NFL defenses. Teams that can consistently sack the quarterback have a significant advantage over their opponents and are more likely to be successful.

5. Interceptions

Interceptions play a crucial role in ranking NFL defenses, as they are a direct measure of a defense's ability to disrupt an opponent's passing game and generate turnovers. Teams that can consistently generate interceptions have a significant advantage over their opponents, as they can force turnovers, gain possession of the ball, and create scoring opportunities.

Interceptions are particularly important in today's NFL, where passing offenses are more prevalent than ever before. Quarterbacks are throwing the ball more frequently and taking more risks, which has led to an increase in the number of interceptions being thrown. This makes the ability to intercept passes a valuable skill for NFL defenses.

There are a number of factors that contribute to a defense's ability to generate interceptions. These include:

Pass rush: A strong pass rush can force quarterbacks to make quick decisions and throw the ball into tight windows, which can lead to interceptions.
Coverage skills: Defensive backs with good coverage skills can make it difficult for receivers to get open, which can force quarterbacks to throw the ball into coverage, resulting in interceptions.
Ball skills: Defensive backs with good ball skills are able to track the ball in the air and make interceptions. This is a skill that can be developed through practice and repetition.

In the 2016 NFL season, the New York Giants led the league in interceptions with 20. The Giants' defense was able to generate interceptions in a variety of ways, including through their pass rush, coverage skills, and ball skills. Their ability to intercept passes was a major reason why they were ranked as one of the top defenses in the NFL in 2016.

Overall, interceptions are a critical component of ranking NFL defenses. Teams that can consistently generate interceptions have a significant advantage over their opponents and are more likely to be successful.

6. Passer rating allowed

Passer rating allowed is a crucial metric for ranking NFL defenses, as it measures a defense's ability to prevent opposing quarterbacks from completing passes and gaining yards through the air. A lower passer rating allowed indicates that a defense is more effective at limiting the opposing team's passing game.

There are several reasons why passer rating allowed is such an important component of ranking NFL defenses:

Pass defense efficiency: Passer rating allowed reflects a defense's overall efficiency in defending against the pass. Teams with lower passer ratings allowed are generally considered to have better pass defenses, as they can effectively limit the opposing team's ability to complete passes and gain yards through the air.
Quarterback pressure: A defense's ability to generate pressure on the quarterback can have a significant impact on passer rating allowed. When quarterbacks are under pressure, they are more likely to make mistakes, such as throwing interceptions or making poor decisions. This can lead to a lower passer rating for the opposing team's quarterback.
Coverage skills: The coverage skills of a defense's defensive backs and linebackers also play a role in passer rating allowed. Defensive backs who are able to stay with their receivers and prevent them from getting open can make it difficult for the quarterback to complete passes. This can lead to a lower passer rating for the opposing team's quarterback.

In the 2016 NFL season, the Denver Broncos had the lowest passer rating allowed in the league, at 76.1. The Broncos' defense was able to generate pressure on the quarterback and limit the opposing team's ability to complete passes. This was a major reason why the Broncos were ranked as the top defense in the NFL in 2016.

Overall, passer rating allowed is a critical metric for ranking NFL defenses. Teams that can consistently limit the opposing team's passer rating have a significant advantage over their opponents and are more likely to be successful.

7. Rushing yards allowed per attempt

In the context of ranking NFL defenses in 2016, rushing yards allowed per attempt is a crucial metric that measures a defense's ability to prevent opposing offenses from gaining yards on the ground. Teams with lower rushing yards allowed per attempt typically have stronger and more effective defenses.

Defensive Line Dominance
Rushing yards allowed per attempt is a reflection of the dominance of a defense's defensive line. Teams with strong defensive lines are able to control the line of scrimmage and prevent opposing running backs from gaining yards. This can lead to negative plays, turnovers, and stalled drives.
Tackling Efficiency
Rushing yards allowed per attempt also measures a defense's tackling efficiency. Teams with good tackling technique are able to wrap up ball carriers and prevent them from gaining extra yards after contact. This can be a key factor in limiting an offense's ability to sustain drives and score points.
Run Defense Scheme
The run defense scheme employed by a team can have a significant impact on rushing yards allowed per attempt. Teams that use a variety of run defense schemes, such as 4-3, 3-4, and nickel packages, can make it difficult for opposing offenses to predict their defensive alignments and run plays effectively.
Linebacker Play
Linebackers play a crucial role in a team's run defense. They are responsible for filling gaps and making tackles in the running game. Linebackers with good instincts and tackling ability can be a major factor in limiting rushing yards allowed per attempt.

In the 2016 NFL season, the Denver Broncos had the lowest rushing yards allowed per attempt in the league, at 3.4 yards per carry. The Broncos' defense was able to dominate the line of scrimmage and prevent opposing running backs from gaining yards. This was a major reason why the Broncos were ranked as the top defense in the NFL in 2016.

Overall, rushing yards allowed per attempt is a critical metric for ranking NFL defenses. Teams that can consistently limit the opposing team's rushing yards per attempt have a significant advantage over their opponents and are more likely to be successful.

8. Red zone efficiency

Red zone efficiency is a crucial aspect of ranking NFL defenses in 2016, as it measures a defense's ability to prevent opposing offenses from scoring touchdowns when they reach the red zone (the area within the 20-yard line). Teams with higher red zone efficiency typically have stronger and more effective defenses.

There are several reasons why red zone efficiency is so important in ranking NFL defenses:

Touchdown prevention: Red zone efficiency directly reflects a defense's ability to prevent opposing offenses from scoring touchdowns. Touchdowns are the most valuable scoring plays in football, and teams that can consistently stop opponents from reaching the end zone have a significant advantage.
Momentum: Red zone efficiency can also have a major impact on momentum. A well-timed stop in the red zone can swing the momentum of a game in favor of the defense and demoralize the opposing offense.
Field position: Red zone efficiency can also affect field position. A defense that can force a field goal instead of a touchdown can give its offense better starting field position, which can lead to more scoring opportunities.

In the 2016 NFL season, the Denver Broncos had the highest red zone efficiency in the league, allowing touchdowns on only 42.9% of their opponents' red zone possessions. The Broncos' defense was able to generate pressure on the quarterback, force turnovers, and limit the opposing team's ability to run the ball in the red zone. This was a major reason why the Broncos were ranked as the top defense in the NFL in 2016.

Overall, red zone efficiency is a critical component of ranking NFL defenses. Teams with higher red zone efficiency have a significant advantage over their opponents and are more likely to be successful.

FAQs on Ranking NFL Defenses 2016

This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) about ranking NFL defenses in 2016, providing clear and informative answers to common queries.

Question 1: What key factors are considered when ranking NFL defenses?

Answer: Several crucial aspects are evaluated, including points allowed per game, yards allowed per game, turnovers forced, sacks, interceptions, passer rating allowed, rushing yards allowed per attempt, and red zone efficiency.

Question 2: Which metric holds the most significance in determining a defense's effectiveness?

Answer: Points allowed per game is widely regarded as the most important metric, as it directly measures a defense's ability to prevent opponents from scoring.

Question 3: How does a defense's performance in the red zone impact its ranking?

Answer: Red zone efficiency is crucial, as it reflects a defense's ability to prevent touchdowns when opponents enter the 20-yard line. Teams that excel in this area have a significant advantage.

Question 4: What role does quarterback pressure play in a defense's ranking?

Answer: Generating pressure on the quarterback is essential, as it can lead to sacks, turnovers, and reduced passing efficiency.

Question 5: How can a strong pass rush contribute to a defense's overall ranking?

Answer: A dominant pass rush can disrupt the opposing offense's passing game, forcing quick decisions, penalties, and potential turnovers.

These FAQs provide a deeper understanding of the key factors that determine the ranking of NFL defenses in 2016.

Transition to the next article section: Conclusion

Conclusion

In summary, ranking NFL defenses in 2016 involves a comprehensive evaluation of key performance indicators such as points allowed per game, turnovers forced, sacks, and red zone efficiency, among others. These metrics provide valuable insights into a defense's effectiveness in preventing scoring, generating turnovers, and limiting yardage. By considering these factors, experts can objectively assess and rank defenses based on their overall performance.

Ranking defenses is not merely a numerical exercise but a crucial aspect of understanding team strengths and weaknesses. It helps identify areas for improvement, informs strategic decision-making, and provides a benchmark for comparing teams across the league. As the NFL continues to evolve, the role of defenses in determining game outcomes remains significant, and ranking them accurately is essential for informed analysis and discussion.