The 10 Best NFL Defenses Over the Last Decade
6. 2006 Chicago Bears
The 2006 Chicago Bears allowed the 16th-fewest points per game (15.9) and the 15th-fewest yards per play (4.6) of any NFL team over the past 10 seasons. They are tied for the 10th-fewest first downs allowed per game with 16.1 on average.
All of that is very good, but what made this defense great was their ability to force turnovers. In fact, Chicago’s 44 takeaways in 2006 were the second-most of any team over the past 10 seasons. They forced at least one turnover in every single game, including four games with five takeaways.
Their two stud cornerbacks, Ricky Manning and Charles Tillman, led the way with five interceptions each -- both tied for the 10th most of any player in the NFL that year. At linebacker, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs added combined for another five interceptions, to go along with five forced fumbles and a monstrous 271 tackles.
| Player | Tackles | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Urlacher | 141 | 3 | 1 |
| Lance Briggs | 130 | 2 | 4 |
Those defensive veterans were joined on this stellar defense by 2006 fifth round rookie Mark Anderson. As a situational pass rusher, Anderson racked up the eighth-most sacks (12) in the NFL that season, and added to the Bears’ takeaway total with four forced fumbles of his own.
