To be an NFL
betting favorite, you have to have a stout defense, as proven by last
year’s Super Bowl win by Pittsburgh. Even Arizona needed to tighten their
defense just to make it the big game. Here’s a look at this year’s top five
defenses, beginning with the reigning kings.
1.
Pittsburgh
Try and find a better group of linebackers in the NFL,
we dare you. Defensive Player of the year James Harrison leads the way, while
LaMarr Woodley had a breakout season. James Farrior hasn’t lost a step heading
into his 13th year, and they’re just waiting for Lawrence Timmons to
get healthy again. Troy Polamalu is now an all-around safety, and the Steelers
will be fine at corner with Bryant McFadden gone to Arizona, as Deshea Townsend
may be better anyway.
2.
Washington
Two additions should make the Redskins even better on
defense, as Albert Haynesworth and rookie Brian Orakpo should make an impact.
Haynesworth is the best defensive lineman in the league, and he’s equally good
against the run or the pass, while Orakpo is a pass-rush specialist who showed
a good nose for the ball in preseason. LeRon Landry could be the next great
safety in the league. If corner DeAngelo Hall can rebound from a tough season,
the Redskins will cause some offshore sportsbook upsets in 2009.
3.
Baltimore
How good with they be without coordinator Rex Ryan, who
left to coach the Jets? They should be fine with team leaders Ray Lewis and Ed
Reed leading the way. The Ravens also have to replace Bart Scott, who was
second on the team behind Lewis but left to play for Ryan in New York. The
Ravens are a bit green at nose tackle, but the rest of the line is set. With
Lewis and Reed at the forefront, don’t expect a major drop-off in Baltimore’s Super Bowl odds.
4.
Minnesota
The Vikings lost veteran safety Darren Sharper, but
that’s probably the only weak spot on the Minnesota defense, which was the best
team against the run last year. Pat and Kevin Williams are allowed to play
while their steroid-masking case is under appeal, and their push up front is
the key to the Vikings’ defense. Antonio Winfield and Cedric Griffin are one of
the best corner duos in the league, and now with a decent offense, they could
challenge Pittsburgh. We’re betting management in Minnesota is thinking the
same.
5.
Dallas
The Cowboys’ defense is very underrated, and they got
rid of safety Roy Williams, whose position play suffered, and he kept hurting
Dallas with bad penalties. Bradie James is joined by Keith Brooking at inside
linebacker, and Matt Stewart played for Dallas coach Wade Phillips in Atlanta.
All this is free up even more space for DeMarcus Ware, who had 20 sacks in
2009. Terence Newman doesn’t get a lot of publicity, but he’s a very solid
corner. The Cowboys will be popular among those who make NFL picks, and the defense
will hold up their end.