Replies

Mark Haynes of the Giants was supposed to go.....Interestingly, that was also before Ronnie Lott made the switch from cornerback to safety.

Mark Haynes was damn good player. Quick question, how many years did Lott play at corner before making the switch?...I'm thinking 5 but am not sure.

I also agree with your points about unit ratings. I made a point to a friend just the other day that both last years Tampa squad, and the Ravens SB squad would not have put up those kind of D stats if their O's were consistently putting up 30 a game. Using that dynamic, a D elevating itself to greatness as a function of Offensive ineptness, I'll be keeping my eye on that Carolina D unit this year.

I know my recent Steeler Ds have been at their best and toughest when the Offense is low scoring...Tenn's was too during their SB run, winning 13-10, 10-7 type games.

Myself, I'll take a 14-10 game with great hard hitting D play over a 38-35 tennis match masquerading as a football game anyday of the week.

Mark Haynes may well have been the most talented cornerback I've ever seen. His problem was that he was a malcontent -- his attitude got him shuffled off the Giants not long after that Pro Bowl season.

The 1985 Bears, who had what was probably the best defensive unit in the NFL over the last 30 years, were a classic championship football team. A stifling defense that sent eight (I think) players to the Pro Bowl, along with a solid running game and an adequate short passing game. It's hard to beat a team like that.