RANKING THE 'D' IN THE NFL

Numbers don't lie, but looking at NFL statistics, it's hard to pin down who has the No. 1 defense. There's just too many statistical categories that a team could thrive in. I mean, what's more important, points scored in game, or first downs given up in a game? How about fumble recoveries or interceptions? Or is it third down conversion rate or punt coverage? It's just too difficult. Take a look at all the teams that rank statistically in one thing or another.

Baltimore Ravens - have given up only 3 points in second half this season.
Broncos - have best red-zone defense in NFL, allowing one TD and four FGs in nine attempts. iDd not allow TD in first 11 quarters of season, tying NFL record by 1942 Chicago Cardinals.
Pittsburgh's - defense ranks fourth in NFL against the run (78.3 yards) and have posted top-five mark in league in four of past five years.
San Diego - leads NFL in fewest yards allowed (184.3). Leader: Shawne Merriman is one of two LBs with four or more sacks and an INT.
Philadelphia Eagles - DE Trent Cole is tied for NFL lead in sacks with five. .. ... All three Eagles wins have been by double-digit margins.
Kansas City Chiefs - Defense has not allowed TD pass in franchise-record 12 consecutive quarters to start season. It ranks third in league, allowing 239.7 yards per game. ...
Washington Redskins - Defense is fifth in NFL, allowing 79.5 yards rushing per game.
Tampa Bay's - defense ranks fifth in NFL, allowing 164.3 yards passing per game. ...
New Orleans' Saints - defense ranks second, allowing 4.9 yards per pass, and seventh by yielding 4.5 yards per play.
Miami's Dophins - Defense is second in AFC with 12 sacks
Detroit Lions - Defense allows 3.0 yards rushing per carry, fourth in NFL.
St. Louis Rams - Defense ranks second in NFL with 6.7 INT percentage (8 INTs in 119 attempts).
Buffalo Bills -Defense is ranked second in (296.8) in AFC.
Chicago Bears = Defense has allowed one TD or less in eight consecutive home games, longest active streak in NFL. The team has allowed NFL-low 29 points and ranks first, yielding 21.6 percent in third-down conversions (11 of 51). .


One strange Offensive fact: Indianapolis Colts WRs Marvin Harrison (413) and Reggie Wayne (358) have most yards in NFL by a receiving duo. Neither have caught a TD pass