If you guys had to choose ONE player in the league...

Since 2000, huh? Wrong.

Defense win championships. Defense won all three Patriot championships. How well did the greatest offense ever (2007 Pats) fare in the championship game?

In fact, there have been only 4 times that a defense ranked in the bottom half of the league(For example if there were only 24 teams, lower than 12th. 32 teams, lower than 16. etc.etc.etc) has won a Championship. The Unitas lead Colts, P. Manning lead Colts, Brees lead Saints and believe it or not, E. Manning lead Giants.

Defense wins championships.

 

Peyton Manning. Not even a doubt in my mind.

 

mike nugent

 

I agree with you, however you are off on some stats.

The 2002 Pats were ranked 5th in the league. The Colts were ranked 23rd.

 

Ted Nugent (as an owner)

 

.....waiting on James

 

Don't forget Special Teams

 

So basically, you've told us that to win the Super Bowl you need a top 16 defense. I really don't see 16 defenses on a yearly basis that stand out to me as being "Championship worthy".

I don't understand why why it's got to be either "quarterbacks win championships" or "defenses win championships". Whats wrong with "great teams win championships?"

EDIT: And the Pats had the 4th best defense that year as well. Why didn't defense win that championship?

 

That Clay Mathews fella seems pretty good.

 

Clifford Franklin likes this idea. Clifford Franklin says two thumbs up.

 

Ummm......easy one

Dan Marino

 

YouTube - Replacements

 

If it was a question between great TEAMS or great defenses I'd go with team. However, between offense and defense, defense has been historically more important in the NFL.

To answer you last question;Their defense gave up a last minute drive to the Giants.

 

No question.

Hands down.

No contest.

Might as well end the thread after this.

Terry Tate.

 

Give me Harrison any day over Matthews. Most complete LB in football. I hate him, but the guy can ball.

 

Frank Gifford

 

Scott schwedes..we need that dynamic return ability..


Ray Lewis.

 

Chad Henning

 

Ray Lewis would have something to say about that. Would start with him, because of what he brings to the table off of the stat sheet. Nonetheless, that is a tough question as I think an offensive player may be in order for this particular question.

 

Tony Danza from the trash picking, field goal kicking, philedelphia phenomenon!

 

Rudy!

 

Bobby Boucher.