2012 NFL Top Defensive Secondaries

2012 SF 49ers Secondary

In the NFL, they say that offense puts people in the seats while defense wins championships. Therefore, you can get a clearer picture as to which teams are going to be contending for a playoff spot simply by looking at their defenses. Due to the NFL becoming more of a passing league, it makes sense to spend some time looking at the defenses that have the best secondaries. 

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have the best secondary in the NFL. Carlos Rogers was an afterthought before being brought to the bay area. Last season, Rogers went to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. Guys like Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner add more depth at the corner and safety positions for the team. All of these players are known for their great hitting ability as well as their ability to stop the run.

Chicago Bears

The Bears may not be able to keep Jay Cutler upright, but they can certainly play defense rather well. This season, Tim Jennings is leading the charge with three interceptions in just two games. Chris Conte has also supplied an interception on the season. If your secondary can average two turnovers a game, your team is going to put itself in a position to win games more often than not.

Baltimore Ravens

Ed Reed has been anchoring one of the best secondaries in the league for the past several years. Even when people say he should retire, he is still putting up numbers. This season, he has two interceptions as well as 7 tackles. Not bad for a guy in his mid thirties.

Seattle Seahawks

A lot of people like to make fun of the NFC West. However, they have quite a few great defensive players in that division. Seattle coach Pete Caroll has quietly put together a dynamic secondary that can shut down even the best quarterbacks. Earl Thomas, a first round pick in 2010, has developed into one of the best defensive backs in the league. he is the reason why teams are loathe to throw the ball whenever they play the Seahawks.

New York Jets

While the Jets are not as dynamic on defense as they have been in years past, they still have two of the premier corners in the game. Derrelle Revis has been considered one of the best corners to ever play the game. Antonio Cromartie is another player who was once considered to be a shutdown corner. While he has lost a step, he is still more than capable of shutting down a receiver on any given play.

Playing defense in the NFL is more than just sacking the quarterback. If you have a lot of pressure in the secondary, your team is going to make life miserable for the opposing offense. Therefore, any team that wants to make it deep into the playoffs should draft as many cornerbacks as possible. With quarterbacks throwing the ball more and more, it is becoming a requirement to get the type of players who can cover a receiver and take him out of the play.