The 1972 Dolphins are regarded as the greatest team in NFL history. Led by legendary coach Don Shula, this team achieved the incredible feat of going undefeated throughout the entire season, including the playoffs, and winning the Super Bowl. This remarkable accomplishment has never been replicated since. The Dolphins' dominance was a result of a strong and cohesive team, with both an outstanding offense and an impenetrable defense.
The offense was spearheaded by quarterback Bob Griese, who guided the team with precision and skill. Griese had a talented group of receivers to throw to, including Paul Warfield. The running game was equally formidable, with Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris, and Jim Kiick leading the charge. This balanced attack kept opposing defenses on their toes as the Dolphins could beat them through the air or on the ground.
While the offense received much of the attention, it was the Dolphins' defense that truly set them apart. Known as the "No-Name Defense," this unit was relentless and suffocating. Led by players like Nick Buoniconti, Jake Scott, and Richard Anderson, they shut down opposing offenses with their aggressive play and exceptional teamwork. They recorded an impressive five shutouts during the regular season, an astonishing accomplishment in itself.
The 1972 Dolphins' perfect season culminated in a Super Bowl victory over the Washington Redskins. It was a fitting end to an extraordinary year, solidifying their place in NFL history. The team's accomplishment has become legendary, and every year when an NFL team starts to make a run at an undefeated season, people inevitably start comparing them to the 1972 Dolphins.
Led by fiery head coach Mike Ditka, this group of gridiron warriors revolutionized the game with their aggressive, hard-hitting style of play. From the moment they stepped onto the field, it was clear that these Bears were a force to be reckoned with.
The 1985 season was a magical one for the Bears. They dominated their opponents with a suffocating defense that became known as the "Monsters of the Midway." Led by future Hall of Famers like linebacker Mike Singletary and defensive end Richard Dent, this ferocious unit set a new standard for defensive excellence. They terrorized opposing quarterbacks, forcing turnovers and shutting down opposing offenses at every turn.
But it wasn't just their defense that made the 1985 Bears special. The team was also blessed with an explosive offense led by quarterback Jim McMahon and running back Walter Payton. McMahon's fearless play and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite, while Payton's electrifying runs left defenders in his wake. Together, they formed a dynamic duo that could score points in a hurry.
The 1985 Bears were more than a football team; they were a cultural phenomenon. With their brash personalities and larger-than-life swagger, they captured the hearts of fans across the country. From their iconic "Super Bowl Shuffle" music video to their dominant performance in Super Bowl XX, this team left an indelible mark on the sport.
The Dallas Cowboys had an incredible season in 1992, finishing with a remarkable 13-3 record. Their offense was a well-oiled machine, with Troy Aikman leading the charge from the quarterback position. He had a strong arm and pinpoint accuracy, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Then, there was Emmitt Smith, the workhorse running back who seemed to have an uncanny ability to find the end zone. His combination of speed, power, and vision made him one of the best running backs of his era. Let's not forget about Michael Irvin, the dynamic wide receiver who was known for his flashy play and clutch catches.
But it wasn't just the offense that made this team special. The defense was equally as dominant, with players like Charles Haley and Darren Woodson wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. They had a relentless pass rush and a secondary that was always ready to make a big play.
In the end, the 1992 Cowboys proved to be unstoppable. They went on to win Super Bowl XXVII, crushing the Bills in a game that showcased their dominance. It was a season that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in NFL history. The 1992 Cowboys were more than just a team; they were a dynasty in the making.
In the annals of NFL history, few teams have left as indelible a mark as the 1984 49ers. Led by legendary quarterback Joe Montana and charismatic head coach Bill Walsh, the 1984 Niners were a force to be reckoned with. From the moment the season kicked off, it was clear that this team was destined for greatness. They dominated their opponents in almost every facet of the game, displaying a level of skill and precision that was unmatched.
One of the key factors behind the 49ers' success was their explosive offense. Montana, known for his ice-cold demeanor under pressure, orchestrated the team's aerial attack with surgical precision. Wide receivers like Dwight Clark and Freddie Solomon became household names as they repeatedly found themselves on the receiving end of Montana's pinpoint passes. Let's not forget about the running game, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Wendell Tyler and Roger Craig, who torched opposing defenses consistently.
But it wasn't just the offense that made the 1984 Niners special. Their defense was equally formidable, led by stars like Ronnie Lott and Fred Dean. These defensive stalwarts wreaked havoc on opposing offenses, making life miserable for quarterbacks and shutting down receivers with their relentless pursuit and hard-hitting style of play. The 49ers' defense was a force to be reckoned with, and they played a crucial role in the team's dominance throughout the season.
The crowning achievement for the 1984 49ers came in Super Bowl XIX, where they faced off against the Dolphins. In a game that would go down in history as one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played, the Niners emerged victorious, with Montana putting on a masterclass performance and being named Super Bowl MVP. It was a fitting end to a season that had been defined by excellence and marked the beginning of a dynasty for the 49ers.
With a roster packed with talent and their legendary coach, Chuck Noll, this team is forever remembered in the sport. The Steelers dominated the regular season, finishing with a remarkable 12-2 record. Their success was largely attributed to their "Steel Curtain" defense, which was relentless and impenetrable. With players like Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount leading the charge, opposing offenses were left scrambling for answers. But it wasn't just their defense that made the Steelers formidable; their offense was equally as potent.
With Terry Bradshaw at quarterback and Franco Harris in the backfield, they had a balanced attack that could strike fear into any opponent. The 1975 Steelers went on to capture their first Super Bowl victory, defeating the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX. This victory marked the beginning of a dynasty for the Steelers as they would go on to win four Super Bowls in the span of six years. The 1975 season was a turning point for the franchise, solidifying its place in football history as one of the greatest teams of all time.
Led by the legendary quarterback Tom Brady and coached by Bill Belichick, this team was a powerhouse. They dominated the regular season, finishing with a perfect 16-0 record, becoming the first team to achieve such a feat since the NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule. Their offense, known as the "Greatest Show on Turf," was unstoppable, scoring a record-breaking 589 points. Receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker were instrumental in this offensive juggernaut, combining for more than 2,500 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns.
But it wasn't just the offense that made this team special as the defense was equally as impressive. Led by linebacker Tedy Bruschi and defensive end Richard Seymour, the Patriots' defense was relentless, allowing only 274 points throughout the entire season. They were able to shut down some of the league's best offenses and make crucial stops when it mattered most.
The Patriots' dominance continued into the playoffs, where they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers to advance to their fourth Super Bowl in seven years. Unfortunately, their perfect season came to an end in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants, who pulled off one of the greatest upsets in football history. Despite this loss, the 2007 Patriots will always be remembered for their incredible regular season and their dominance on both sides of the ball. They set numerous records and established themselves as one of the greatest teams to ever grace the gridiron.
The 1977 Dallas Cowboys are regularly mentioned when discussing the greatest teams ever. And rightly so. It is rare for a team to lead the NFL in total offense and total defense (by total yardage gained and total yards allowed) and win the Super Bowl. But these Cowboys didn’t just win; they demolished teams.
They finished off a stellar season going 12-2 (best record in the NFL), then continued their march in the playoffs with a 37-7 thrashing of the Bears, a 23-6 romp over the Vikings in the NFC championship game, and a complete demolition of Denver in the Super Bowl 27-10.
Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry led this rendition of the Cowboys, making their 8th NFC championship game in 11 seasons. Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach (one of ten quarterbacks named to the All-Time NFL team), who led the NFC in passing and NFL offensive Rookie of the Year winner, Tony Dorsett, who paced the Cowboys in rushing (9th in the league) were the stars.
Their vaunted offensive line was also a big reason for such offensive prowess. On the other side of the ball, the Doomsday II defense featured Super Bowl MVPs Randy White (the Manster) and Harvey Martin with his famous head slap move to get by linemen plus Hall of Fame safety Cliff Harris. This marked the fourth Super Bowl in seven seasons for the Cowboys, which vindicated their mark in the annals of NFL lore.
Led by head coach Joe Gibbs and a roster full of talented players, the team dominated the competition and is forever in the pages of football history. The Redskins finished the regular season with a remarkable 14-2 record, earning them the top seed in the NFC. Their explosive offense, led by quarterback Mark Rypien and running back Earnest Byner, was nearly unstoppable, scoring a league-leading 485 points.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Redskins were equally impressive, boasting one of the most formidable units in the league. Led by defensive end Charles Mann and linebacker Wilber Marshall, they ranked second in the league in fewest points allowed. These dominant performances carried over into the playoffs as the Redskins steamrolled their way to Super Bowl XXVI. Facing off against the Buffalo Bills, Washington put on a clinic in all facets of the game, winning the championship with a convincing 37-24 victory. The 1991 Redskins will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in NFL history, exemplifying the true meaning of teamwork and excellence.
Led also by Walsh and star quarterback Montana, this team dominated the NFL like no other. With their precision passing and explosive offense, they seemed unstoppable on the field. But what set this team apart was not just their skill but their incredible chemistry and teamwork. Each player knew their role and executed it flawlessly, resulting in a near-perfect season.
The 49ers' offense was a well-oiled machine. Montana, known for his calm and composed demeanor, orchestrated the plays with finesse. He had an uncanny ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions, leading to countless touchdowns. With talented receivers like Jerry Rice and John Taylor, Montana had no shortage of options downfield. The 49ers' offense was a constant threat, leaving opponents scrambling to keep up.
Defensively, the 49ers were equally impressive. Led by Lott and Charles Haley, this unit was relentless in their pursuit of the ball. They had a knack for forcing turnovers and making crucial stops when it mattered most. With their aggressive style of play, they instilled fear in the hearts of opposing offenses.
The 1989 49ers ultimately won Super Bowl XXIV, solidifying their status as one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Their dominance on both sides of the ball was unmatched, and their championship run will forever be remembered as one of the most impressive in sports history. The 1989 season was a testament to the talent and determination of the 49ers, a team that will forever hold a special place in football lore.
In the world of professional football, some teams leave a lasting impact on the sport. One such team is the 1999 St. Louis Rams. They were not just any team and, surprisingly, they came out of nowhere. Led by their dynamic head coach, Richard Vermeil, and their star quarterback, Kurt Warner, the Rams became the talk of the town and captured the hearts of football fans across the nation.
What made the 1999 Rams so special was their explosive offense. They were known for their high-powered passing game, which was orchestrated by Warner. He was a true franchise quarterback, with his accurate throws and incredible ability to read defenses. Warner was not alone in his pursuit of glory as he had a talented group of receivers to throw to, including Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt.
But it wasn't just their offense that made the 1999 Rams stand out; their defense was equally impressive. Led by defensive end Kevin Carter and linebacker London Fletcher, the Rams had a unit that could shut down opposing offenses and create turnovers. They were a well-rounded team that had all the pieces in place to succeed.
The 1999 Rams will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Their incredible season culminated in a Super Bowl victory, where they thrillingly defeated the Tennessee Titans. It was a season filled with memorable moments and unforgettable performances. The 1999 Rams proved that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of magic, anything is possible in the world of football.
The 1998 Denver Broncos wanted a repeat after the 1997 season. Led by their legendary quarterback, John Elway, this team was determined to leave a lasting mark on the league. And that's exactly what they did. With an impressive regular season record of 14-2, the Broncos dominated their opponents week after week. Their offense was unstoppable, thanks in large part to Elway's leadership and the outstanding play of running back Terrell Davis.
Davis rushed for more than 2,000 yards that season, earning him the MVP award. But it wasn't just the offense that shined for the Broncos. The defense, led by linebacker Bill Romanowski, proved to be equally formidable. Together, they formed a formidable force that carried the team to Super Bowl XXXIII. In that game, the Broncos faced off against the Atlanta Falcons and emerged victorious, securing their second consecutive Super Bowl title.
This is the year the newest NFL dynasty began. Patrick Mahomes, football’s current superstar and the 2018 league MVP, led the Chiefs to the first of their 4 Super Bowls in five seasons. He was aided by great offensive targets Tyreek Hill at wide receiver and Travis Kelce as the tight end.
The defense deserves their fair share of the recognition as All-Pros Chris Jones and Frank Clark, along with team MVP Tyrann Mathieu, led the Chiefs' assault on opposing offenses from their respective defensive line positions and safety. In his seventh season as head coach of the Chiefs, Andy Reid led the team to the title. Reid has now transformed the Chiefs into one of the greatest teams in history.
The Chiefs exploded onto the scene with Mahomes the year before but, in 2019, took the next step as they walked through the postseason. They took care of the Houston Texans 51-31 after falling behind 24-0 early on in the game. Kansas City then knocked off the Tennessee Titans 35-24 in the AFC championship game, followed by complete destruction of the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in the Super Bowl, where Mahomes threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns to win the Super Bowl MVP award.
It was the Chiefs first Super Bowl title since 1970. It wouldn’t be the last. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are part of one of the most formidable teams in history.
The Green Bay Packers are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. They won titles before the Super Bowl era began and have won multiple Super Bowls as well. The 1966 team may be their greatest ever. Those Packers knew how to win, as 1966 marked their fourth title in six seasons.
The team was full of star power, with Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, and Jim Taylor scoring seemingly at will, and the defense led by Herb Adderly, Willie Wood, and tough guy Ray Nitschke. Starr was the league MVP and won the Super Bowl MVP on 250 yards and two touchdown passes. But his most famous play is a rushing touchdown in the famous “Ice Bowl”.
Green Bay earned their way to the AFL-NFL championship game (later named the Super Bowl) with a game-winning drive in the final minutes. The Packers failed twice on a goal line due to a lack of traction on the ice. But a designed run by Starr behind offensive lineman Jerry Kramer on the frozen surface at Lambeau Field gave the Green Bay faithful a 21-17 victory.
This was the NFL championship at the time. The Packers went on to face the AFL-champion Oakland Raiders. The Packers dominated 33-14 as Starr won the first “Super Bowl” MVP award. Vince Lombardi coached the Pack to 5 titles in the '60s (two Super Bowls), but the 1966 championship was the sweetest.
Brian Billick built the Baltimore Ravens of 2000, and they are generally regarded as one of the top defenses in the history of the NFL. Ray Lewis was the headliner of this team. He is on basically every fan's top 10 all-time linebackers list. His peers agree.
But Lewis wasn’t alone as Pro Bowlers Sam Adams and Rod Woodson led a dominant defense to a league-best 10 points per game allowed. The entire defense swarmed opponents as the starters alone accounted for 21 interceptions and 21 fumbles recovered during the regular season. Rookie Jamal Lewis steadied the offense with 1364 yards rushing.
The defense was amazing during the regular season and downright oppressive in the postseason. The Ravens pounced on the Broncos 21-3. They then hammered the Tennessee Titans 24-10 and demolished the Oakland Raiders 16-3 in the AFC title bout. Baltimore then routed the New York Giants 34-7 in the Super Bowl.
The Giants' only score came on special teams as the Ray Lewis-led defense pitched a shutout to the Giants' offense. Baltimore only allowed 11 first downs and 156 total yards to go with five turnovers! Lewis was named the Super Bowl MVP by leading possibly the most dominating defensive performance in Super Bowl history.
Steve Young and George Seifert finally reached the apex, joining 49ers legends Joe Montana and Bill Walsh as champions. Young led the NFL's leading offense to 31 points per game and led the league in passing with 35 touchdowns and a 112.8 rating.
He was flanked by Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, who led the NFL in receiving yards and was second in the league in catches and touchdowns. Ricky Watters was their leading rusher. The high-octane offense led the Niners to a 13-3 record and the top seed in the NFC playoffs. The season stats were just a prelude to what was to come.
If 1994 league MVP Steve Young was great during the regular season, then he was otherworldly in the postseason. They ran roughshod over the Chicago Bears 44-15 to begin their playoff run. They then won a classic conference championship over the Dallas Cowboys 38-28 to reach the Super Bowl.
After dispatching of the Cowboys, most analysts agreed that the San Diego Chargers had little chance of winning. The 49ers proved it with a convincing 49-26 win. Young was the overwhelming choice for Super Bowl MVP, with astronomical numbers of 325 yards passing and six touchdown passes! Steve Young had reached the pinnacle of his sport by leading the 49ers to one of the most dominant seasons in history.
Coach Pete Carroll built up a great team in Seattle. The team was ranked in the top twenty teams of all time when the 100th-anniversary teams were announced. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch were the two stalwarts on offense. Wilson led the way with 3,357 yards passing and 26 touchdowns.
Lynch rushed for 1257 yards and led the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns. But Carroll built the team defense as the strongest factor in any game. Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor were the center of the league's best defense. They led the NFL in three key categories: fewest points allowed, fewest yards allowed, and takeaways.
The Seahawks entered the postseason as a #1 seed with a 13-3 record. They disposed of first their round opponent, the New Orleans Saints, 23-15. They then knocked out the traditional powerhouse San Francisco 49ers 23-17. That was nothing compared to the 43-8 shellacking of the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.
Not surprisingly, a defensive player was named Super Bowl MVP. Linebacker Malcolm Smith returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown, recovered a fumble, and made nine tackles in the Seahawks dismantling of the Broncos. Most Seahawks fans and football analysts agree that this Seattle defense is one of the best in football history.
Joe Gibbs was a great coach. The 1987 season was one of the greatest seasons by any team, and Gibbs masterminded it. The team finished with a record of 11-4 behind three quarterbacks (Jay Schroeder, Doug Williams, and Ed Rubbert), George Rogers at running back, and star receivers Art Monk and Gary Clark.
But the heart and soul of the team from the fans' point of view were the “Hogs”. The Redskins are given credit for the trend of super-large offensive linemen dominating the line and time of possession. The most famous Hogs were Mark May and Joe Jacoby. Both reportedly weighed in at over 300 pounds.
The Redskins used their normal steady style of running the clock during playoff wins over the Bears 21-17 and the Vikings 17-10 in the conference championship game. But Gibbs had a surprising plan in the Super Bowl and unleashed his offense on the unsuspecting Denver Broncos in a resounding 42-10 annihilation of the John Elway-led club.
The Broncos jumped out to a 10-0 lead. Then Doug Williams came out guns-blazing, throwing for 340 yards and four touchdowns with the Redskins scoring 42 unanswered points allowing him to win the Super Bowl MVP. Gibbs's defense did its part, led by All-Pro defensive back Darrell Green. It was the second most decisive victory in Super Bowl history.
In only their second season in Los Angeles, the Raiders made it a year to remember. Head Coach Tom Flores had real star power, leading his renegades to an NFL championship. Jim Plunkett at quarterback, Marcus Allen at running back, Greg Pruitt as the league's best all-purpose back, superstar wide receiver Cliff Branch, and All-Pro tight end Todd Christensen.
But Raiders teams are known for their aggressive style on the defensive side. Hall of Famer Howie Long led the onslaught, aided by Ted Hendricks, Lyle Alzado, and Lester Hayes. No quarterback, running back, or receiver was safe from these gladiatorial defenders who took great pride in dominating other teams.
They won their division with a 12-4 record. They booted the rival Pittsburgh Steelers from the playoffs 38-10 in the first round, ridding the franchise of some demons from their past matchups. They disposed of the Seattle Seahawks 30-14 in the AFC championships.
Once in the Super Bowl, the Raiders took care of business with a 38-9 drubbing of the Washinton Redskins, who had the league-best 14-2 record and had set a league record scoring 541 points that season. Marcus Allen lit up the Washington defense to the tune of 191 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular 74-yard burst. Allen was named Super Bowl MVP. Raider nation domination.
It was about this time that the Dallas Cowboys began their ascent to the league’s elite level. Hall of Famers Roger Staubach, Bob Lilly, and Tom Landry were recognizable to any NFL fan. Staubach led the NFL in passing, Lilly was among the best defensive players in history, and Landry was moving toward Mount Rushmore status among NFL coaches.
The Cowboys started 4-3, then ran off an amazing ten consecutive wins to claim their first Super Bowl title. Staubach, Duane Thomas, and Hall of Fame members Bob Hayes, Lance Alworth, and Mike Ditka passed and ran the Cowboys to the top-scoring offense in the league.
The Doomsday Defense was nearly as impressive as they demonstrated by holding their three postseason opponents (49ers, Vikings, and Dolphins) to 18 total points, including holding the Miami Dolphins to the record low of three points in the Super Bowl. Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, Hall of Famers Cliff Harris, Mel Renfro, and Herb Adderly, along with previous Super Bowl MVP Chuch Howley, stymied the Dolphins and their star-studded offense.
Staubach was the star of the game and was named the Super Bowl MVP after passing for two touchdowns and keeping the “No Name” defense off balance all day. It was the second of five Super Bowls for Landry and the Cowboys in the decade.
The 2002 edition of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by head coach Jon Gruden, was focused on defense, defense, and defense. They led the league, allowing only 12 points per game. Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, John Lynch, and Simeon Rice spearheaded that great defense all the way to a Super Bowl championship.
All the offense had to do was score a couple of times a game and keep the chains moving for the team to be successful. Gruden did just that with bowling ball Mike Alstott and Michael Pittman running the ball and Brad Johnson passing for 22 touchdowns with Keyshawn Johnson as the primary target.
The Bucs beat down the 49ers 31-6 to open up the playoffs. They next dispatched of the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in the NFC championship game. The Super Bowl proved to be more of the same and even more as Tampa Bay rolled over the Oakland Raiders 48-21.
Again, defense ruled the day for Gruden as cornerback Dexter Jackson (Super Bowl MVP) intercepted two first-half passes to set the tone for the remainder of the game. Dwight Smith also intercepted two passes and returned both for touchdowns, and Derrick Smith intercepted one. It was one of the most dominant defensive performances of all time.
Honorable mentions: Any Pittsburgh Steelers team from 1976-1980. The 1975 team made the top ten and kept the core team (especially the Steel Curtain defense) throughout the remainder of the decade, winning four Super Bowls in six years and the early 90s Dallas Cowboys led by Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin who won three Super Bowls in four years.
