Nick's Lists: Top 10 Defensive Backs in NFL History (5-1)

We have started our countdown of the top 10 defensive backs in NFL History.  And much to AK's dismay, Sean Taylor was in fact at number 10.  Unfortunately for him, Bob Sanders didn't quite make the cut.  In any event, we conclude our list today, but first let's look at our HMs.

Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers 2003-) Clay Matthew's golden locks ain't got NOTHIN' on Polamalu's Head and Shoulders enriched hair, but seriously, the man can hit you, he can take the ball away, and he's just one cog on a Pittsburgh defense that usually leaves you black and blue.

Dick LeBeau (Detroit Lions 1959-72) Most people remember Dick LeBeau as the innovator of the zone blitz defensive scheme that propelled the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 1981 and the Steelers to Super Bowl appearances in 2005 and 2008.  However, as a player, LeBeau was one of the best corners to play.  However, his accomplishments usually get overshadowed because for 6 years he played along side one of the corners in our top 5.  However, he reaped all of the statistical benefits, snagging 63 picks in his career.

Herm Edwards (Philadelphia Eagles 1977-85; Atlanta Falcons/Los Angeles Rams 1986) Herm was a pretty good corner, and scored the famous TD in the Miracle at the Meadowlands, but when you think of poor Herm, this is what usually comes to mind...

Now that we've poked a little fun at Herm, let's get down to buisness and take a look at the TOP 5 DEFENSIVE BACKS IN NFL HISTORY!

5) Champ Bailey (Washington Redskins 1999-2003; Denver Broncos 2004-)



From milehighreport.com

 At this point in our list, defensive backs are either pure shut-down corners that NEVER get the ball thrown their way (with all due respect to Revis Island...he hasn't been doing it quite long enough to get this recognition, but I said that in his write up) or safeties that just instill fear in your eyes and make you keep your head on a swivel.  For the first four years of his career, Champ Bailey played along side Darrell Green (until he became just a nickel corner in 2001).  So while teams avoided Darrell's side of the field (even in his old age), teams picked on Champ, and he made them pay.  Eventually, teams just stopped throwing in his direction all together.  Unfortunately for him, Dan Snyder never really wanted to invest in another shut down corner to play opposite Champ (Fred Smoot was a liability).  Therefore, Champ got disgruntled, and demanded a trade.  You would have thought the Redskins could have made bank for Champ, but instead they gave up him AND a 2nd round pick (later used on Tatum Bell) to acquire Clinton Portis.  How did that work out for ya, Skins?  In Denver, Champ continued to flourish, recording a career high 10 picks in 2006, including one he took back 70 yards to the house.  Unfortunately, in recent years for Denver, the offense did not stay up to pace with the defense, and for that reason Denver has remained mired in mediocrity since John Elway's retirement. 

4) Dick Lane (Los Angeles Rams 1952-53; Chicago Cardinals 1954-59; Detroit Lions 1960-65)

From profootballhof.com

Lane originally tried out for the Rams to play Wide Receiver, but due to a glut of strong (and future Hall of Fame) wide receivers on the roster, the Rams switched him to play defensive back.  Needless to say, for both the Rams and Lane, the switch was a positive one.  In his rookie year, he snagged a record 14 picks...a record that stands despite a 12-game season.  He finished his career with 68 (taking back 5 for scores), but most people do not really remember Lane for his prowess as a ball hawk, which he very much was.  You see, Dick Lane was Dick "Night Train" Lane.  He got the nickname because teammate Tom Fears kept playing the record "Night Train" by Buddy Morrow.  Lane was in the locker room with the record playing enough that the nickname became his.  However, the nickname became eerily appropriate as Lane developed his reputation as one of the most punishing tacklers in the game.  He tackled many players around the head area, using techniques that today might very well be illegal.  Nevertheless, Dick Lane ended up being one of the most feared players in all of football in the 50s and 60s, overshadowing other outstanding DBs....like Dick LeBeau mentioned above in the HM section. 

3) Ronnie Lott (San Francisco 49ers 1981-90; Los Angeles Raiders 1991-92; New York Jets 1993-94)

Ronnie Lott was probably the most feared defensive player not named Lawrence Taylor to play in the 1980s.  He was a hard hitter and a fierce competitor who always had an uncanny sense for where he was on the field what he needed to do when he was there.  If he needed to blast somebody, he did.  If he needed to defend a pass, he did.  If he needed to amputate a finger in order to stay in the game...well...he did. 

Who needs a pinky to play football anyway?  Ronnie Lott obviously didn't think so.  He understood that careers are short and injuries can be devastating.  I personally would have liked to keep the digit.  It comes in handy when typing up blog posts about football (I can't see my ring finger being able to reach the A key all that well). 

2) Darrell Green (Washington Redskins 1983-2002)



From thebleacherreport.com

 OK, homer police.  Let's see if you can argue with Darrell Green being in my top 2.  Just so you know, I had him at number 1, but after some consideration, I decided to flip flop Green and my eventual number 1 DB, but let's see if you can argue this.  He was the NFL's fastest man for his entire career from the start, literally.  In his first game as a rookie, he ran down Tony Dorsett from behind (something NOBODY did to Tony Dorsett) saving a touchdown.  He never got his hands on the ball much, but when the Redskins needed a big play, they turned to Green, and he usually delivered.  In a playoff game against Chicago in 1987, taking a punt back 53 yards, leaping over a would-be tackler (and pulling a muscle in the process).  He played for 20 seasons with the same team, a period of longevity that in today's era of free agency and trades is unfathomable.  He had 54 picks, returning 6 for touchdowns (including 2 in the playoffs).  He recorded at least one interception in 19 straight seasons, an NFL record.  In his last game before retirement, he took a reverse from Champ Bailey on a kickoff return and ran it 40 yards.  Toward the end of his career, playing opposite Champ Bailey, even in his old age, formed one of the most formidable secondaries in football, propelling the Redskins to a division title in 1999 (their only title since winning the Super Bowl 20 years ago).

1) Mel Blount (Pittsburgh Steelers 1970-83)

From profootballhof.com

As much as I wanted to put Darrell Greeen at number 1 on this list (I'll concede to the homers on that one), it is downright impossible I feel to exclude Mel Blount from this spot on the countdown.  The Steel Curtain is mostly remembered for guys like Jack Lambert and Mean Joe Greene, but Blount made it a habit of harassing opposing receivers, refusing to let them get open.  Really, he did.  Everybody who watches football nowadays knows about the 5-yard "chuck" rule, which makes it illegal for defenders to make contact with eligible receivers beyond 5 yards from the line of scrimmage.  Until it was reemphasized a few years ago, not many referees called it...except in the immediate years after its initial enforcement in 1975.  Defenders can thank Mel Blount for that rule.  Blount's use of bump and run coverage made it nearly impossible for receivers to achieve separation downfield.  For his sake after the rule was introduced, Blount basically said, "OK, I'll just change my tactics."  He still was able to intercept at least one pass in each of his 14 seasons, earning All Pro honors in 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1981...AFTER the introduction of the chuck rule.  When the NFL makes a new rule specifically to stop a tactic that YOU were doing, and then you still go and DOMINATE the competition in spite of the new rule, you earn #1 honors on Caputo's Corner's top 10.

OK, how loud will the homer police be this time?  Hope you enjoyed the latest installment of Caputo's Corner's Top 10 series taking a look at defensive backs.