Top 10 NFL Defenses Since 2000 Include 2000 Ravens and 2019 Patriots

In today’s NFL, it’s all about high-powered offenses, but defense is still the backbone of championship teams. Since 2000, there have been dominant units that did more than slow opponents down; they completely shut them down. The box score alone does not tell the whole story.

Using PFSN’s proprietary Defense+ metrics, we compared every NFL team’s defensive performance, dating back to the 2000 season.

Defense+ combines statistics such as yards per play, points per drive, sack percentage, turnover percentage, success rate against the run and pass, third-down conversion rate, red-zone efficiency, pressure percentage when not blitzing, and various expected points added (EPA) measures against both the run and pass. These are then weighted accordingly to produce our rankings.

Here are the 10 highest-graded NFL defenses since 2000.

10) 2003 Baltimore Ravens

The 2003 Baltimore Ravens are the first of multiple entries for the franchise on this list. After posting a 94.0 Defense+ score, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s group wasn’t impenetrable, ranking third in the NFL in yards allowed (271.3 yards per game) and sixth in points allowed (17.5).

The Ravens fared well in the advanced metrics. They allowed just 4.2 yards per play, which is among the best marks the Defense+ metric has seen. Baltimore also posted a 66.4% success rate in rushing defense, a 16.5% turnover rate, and a 29.4% opponent conversion rate on third and fourth downs.

Baltimore’s defense featured multiple high performers in 2003, including first-team All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year Ray Lewis, who recorded 163 tackles and six interceptions from his middle linebacker spot. Safety Ed Reed finished with seven interceptions and 15 pass breakups, while outside linebacker Terrell Suggs and linebacker Peter Boulware combined for 20.5 sacks.

9) 2000 Tennessee Titans

If it weren’t for an AFC foe, the Tennessee Titans would’ve finished with the best defense in the NFL during the 2000 season. Under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, Tennessee allowed just 238.3 yards per game (No. 1 in the NFL) and 11.9 points per game (No. 2).

The Titans’ defense featured a strong mix of All-Pro and Pro Bowl-caliber talents. Defensive end Jevon Kearse was an imposing physical presence, and he enjoyed a strong year, with 11.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and six pass breakups. Cornerback Samari Rolle registered seven interceptions and 16 pass breakups, while linebacker Randall Godfrey recorded 121 tackles.

Tennessee was elite in several categories, most notably finishing with 4.2 yards allowed per play, a 10.6% sack rate, and a 29.6% opponent conversion rate on third and fourth downs. The Titans had an above-average offense most of the season, but unfortunately, couldn’t muster up enough points come playoff time.

T-8) 2009 New York Jets

The 2009 New York Jets were one of two teams to post a 94.6 Defense+ score. Rex Ryan took over as head coach after years of leading dominant Ravens defenses, and he transformed New York into one of the NFL’s best in short order. With him, he brought Mike Pettine to be the defensive coordinator.

The Jets ranked 18th in points allowed and 16th in yards allowed in 2008. They ranked first in both categories in 2009, allowing 14.7 points and 252.3 yards per game.

New York was dominant against the run, posting a 66.8% rush defense success rate and a +0.08 EPA allowed per rush. The unit allowed an impressive 4.2 yards per play and also thrived on third and fourth downs, allowing opponents to convert only 31.9% of the time in those scenarios.

The Jets featured three defensive Pro Bowlers, highlighted by shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis, who earned first-team All-Pro honors. Revis recorded six interceptions and a league-high 31 pass breakups. Linebacker David Harris racked up 127 tackles and 5.5 sacks, while defensive end Shaun Ellis had 6.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss.

T-8) 2008 Baltimore Ravens

On the surface, the 2008 Ravens had an elite defense, but an argument could’ve been made that they weren’t the best that year. Ryan’s Ravens unit ranked second in the NFL in yards allowed (261.0 YPG) and third in points allowed (15.2 PPG).

Baltimore’s advanced numbers were slightly better than those of the rival Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008. The Ravens were strong against the run, finishing with a 70.7% success rate in defending the rush. They also allowed a 32.5% conversion rate on third and fourth downs and forced a 17.4% turnover rate, both more than respectable marks.

Hall of Fame linebacker Lewis led the way for Baltimore, racking up 118 tackles, nine tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, and three interceptions. Safety Ed Reed’s elite ball skills were on full display as he led the NFL with nine interceptions, including a 107-yard pick-six.

6) 2005 Chicago Bears

It’s a shame the Chicago Bears’ offense was abysmal in 2005, ranking 26th in points scored and 29th in total yards, because they had a defense that was good enough to win a Super Bowl. Behind the leadership of defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, Chicago carried the team to an 11-5 record and an NFC North title.

In 2005, Kyle Orton went 10-5 with 9 TDs, 13 INTs, and a cool 5.1 YPA.

I cannot overstate how ridiculous the 2005 Bears defense was. One of the best units this century. https://t.co/nprKZfiVgd

— Robert Mays (@robertmays) October 10, 2023

The Bears smothered their opponents, allowing just 12.6 points per game (No. 1 in the NFL) and 281.8 yards per game. They were solid across the board, posting a 65.8% rush defense success rate and a 63.3% pass defense success rate. The unit was also strong situationally, allowing opponents to score on just 32.5% of red-zone trips and convert on 31.8% of attempts on third and fourth downs.

The elite linebacker duo of Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs led Chicago. Urlacher’s 122 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks, and five pass breakups helped him win Defensive Player of the Year honors. Briggs was an All-Pro performer, finishing with 109 tackles and 11 pass breakups. On the back end, cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher combined for 13 interceptions.

5) 2023 Cleveland Browns

The 2023 Cleveland Browns are the most recent team to crack the top 10 in Defense+. Don’t let the team’s overall struggles in 2024 fool you because Cleveland’s defense was great during the previous season. Despite ranking 13th in points allowed (21.3 points per game), this unit allowed the fewest yards in the NFL (270.2).

The unquestioned leader of the Browns’ defense was edge rusher Myles Garrett, who was a first-team All-Pro selection and the AP Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett registered 14 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles in the regular season. Meanwhile, cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. enjoyed a breakout campaign, recording a team-high four interceptions and 14 pass breakups.

The Browns’ advanced numbers were a mixed bag. They allowed 1.42 points per drive, but their +0.07 EPA per rush and 38.7% pressure rate without blitzing were both impressive marks. Garrett’s impact was felt on every play, even if it didn’t show up in the box score. Cleveland also allowed just a 29.8% conversion rate on third and fourth downs.

4) 2006 Baltimore Ravens

While the 2006 version wasn’t the best Ravens defense, it was still an elite group. Under Ryan, Baltimore’s defense stifled opponents, allowing just 12.5 points and 264.0 yards per game during the regular season.

The Ravens didn’t make a deep playoff run, but it wasn’t because of their defense. In fact, they held a high-powered Indianapolis Colts offense to just 15 points, all of which came on field goals.

Baltimore boasted a strong run defense, finishing with a 72.6% success rate in rushing defense. The unit also excelled at creating organized chaos, posting a 10.5% sack rate and a 20% turnover rate. Additionally, opponents were able to convert on only 29.9% of their attempts on third and fourth downs.

The Ravens were led by the legendary trio of Lewis, Reed, and Suggs, but they had plenty of help. Trevor Pryce and Adalius Thomas combined for 24 sacks, Chris McAlister registered six interceptions, Bart Scott tied Lewis for the most tackles on the team (103), and the duo of Haloti Ngata and Kelly Gregg anchored the middle of the defensive front.

3) 2019 New England Patriots

The 2019 New England Patriots’ defense might not get as much praise as some of the other teams on this list, but this unit put together an outstanding showing in the regular season. Led by the defensive mind of Bill Belichick, New England finished with the NFL’s top defense in terms of scoring (14.06 PPG) and yards allowed (275.9 YPG).

The Patriots were led by cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who took home AP Defensive Player of the Year honors. Gilmore led the league in interceptions (6) and pass breakups (20). He also returned two picks for touchdowns and recorded 53 tackles. Safety Devin McCourty and cornerback J.C. Jackson picked off five passes each. The middle of the defense was also rock-solid, featuring a linebacker corps of Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy.

The Patriots’ defense was susceptible to some big plays, but the unit tended to tighten up when it mattered most. Opponents converted on just 25.3% of their attempts on third and fourth downs. New England also posted a 17% turnover rate and a 37.3% pressure rate when not blitzing.

2) 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense carried the team during the 2002 season. The offense was a below-average unit, ranking 18th in points scored and 24th in total yards. On the other side of the ball, the defense was a top-tier group that ranked first in points allowed (12.2) and yards allowed (252.7).

Tampa Bay’s defense was balanced, excelling against both the run and the pass. The unit finished with a 65% rush defense success rate and a 66.3% pass defense success rate. The Buccaneers also allowed just 4.2 yards per play and 0.89 points per drive, while holding opponents to a 35.2% conversion rate on third and fourth downs.

Tampa Bay smothered an explosive Oakland Raiders offense in Super Bowl 37, holding them to 269 yards of total offense and picking off Rich Gannon five times.

The Bucs’ defense featured three first-team All-Pro selections, including linebacker Derrick Brooks, who won DPOY after scoring four defensive touchdowns. The duo of defensive end Simeon Rice and defensive tackle Warren Sapp combined for 23 sacks, while cornerback Brian Kelly recorded a league-leading eight interceptions.

1) 2000 Baltimore Ravens

The 2000 Baltimore defense is one of the greatest in NFL history, let alone of the past 25 years. Led by defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis, this was an elite unit, one that was the driving force behind Baltimore’s run to winning Super Bowl 35 over the New York Giants.

The Ravens boasted the NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense, allowing just 10.3 points per game during the regular season and posting four shutouts.

The defense of the 2000 Ravens was unlike any other pic.twitter.com/TEROkoVT3d

— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) May 17, 2022

The advanced metrics were off the charts, as Baltimore allowed only 4.3 yards per play and 0.78 points per drive. The defense was dominant across the board, finishing with a 70.1% rush success rate and 60.4% pass success rate. Baltimore was also elite in the red zone, allowing teams to score just 29.6% of the time.

Lewis led the charge, recording 137 tackles and 14 TFLs en route to winning Defensive Player of the Year. Other standouts included cornerback Duane Starks, who picked off six passes and recorded an NFL-best 23 pass breakups, and defensive end Rob Burnett, who contributed 10.5 sacks. You can’t talk about dominant defenses without mentioning the 2000 Ravens.