Ranking the Best Defenses Left in the NFL Playoffs 2012

Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships.

If that old adage stands true, it's probably a good idea to build up an elite defense. But in today's game, offense has been put on a premium. Defense has been overlooked by a lot of people within the game, making it that much more important in the postseason. With a great defense, you can neutralize the offense and control the tempo of the game.

But it's too late to try and put together a great defense now—we're already on the verge of playing the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

So with only eight teams left, let's take a moment to look at the best defenses left in the playoffs.

8. New England Patriots

The Patriots have had one of the worst defenses in the league all season long.

They have suffered multiple injuries in the secondary and have been forced to give significant playing time to wide receiver Julian Edelman and kick returner Matt Slater at the cornerback position.

New England has also lost defensive end Andre Carter, who had 10 sacks this season, to injury, leaving it with a hole on the defensive line.

The Pats finished second-to-last in yards allowed during the regular season and were 15th in the league for points allowed per game.

But things aren't all bad for New England—Kyle Arrington led the league with seven interceptions and the team led the AFC with 34 takeaways. 

7. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers defense is much like the New England Patriots'.

They were the worst team in terms of yards given up in 2011 but stand in the middle of the pack for points allowed per game.

The Packers were second in the NFC with 38 takeaways, including 31 interceptions.

They lack an intimidating defensive line, only recording 29 sacks—27th in the NFL—but the defense as a whole isn't without leaders. Linebacker Clay Matthews and cornerback Charles Woodson are both winners.

6. New Orleans Saints

Three straight high-powered offenses, three straight underwhelming defenses.

The New Orleans Saints finished 24th in yards given up and 13th in points allowed per game. They had a lot of trouble stopping the pass and finished 30th in pass defense, in front of only the Patriots and Packers.

Linebacker Roman Harper (pictured) led the team with 95 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. However, New Orleans had the lowest number of takeaways in the NFC with only 16.

But much like the previous two teams, the Saints' best defense is their offense. They score so many points that they've succeeded without a spectacular defense.

5. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have been a team propelled by their much-improved defense. Who is the man that changed that defense? 

Linebacker Von Miller (pictured, 58). 

He leads the team with 11.5 sacks to go along with his 64 tackles and two forced fumbles. As a rookie. He has made an immediate impact because he is a great player up the middle of the field, completing the defense for them.

The defense finished 20th in yards allowed and 24th in points allowed per game, up from dead-last in both categories last year.

The Broncos definitely aren't the best defense out there, but they have come together as a solid unit that can come up with stops when they need them.

4. New York Giants

Who would have thought that after having an off-year defensively that the Giants could come back so strong for the playoffs?

Well ,they have and a large part of the credit is due to defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, one of the best young ends in the league. Pierre-Paul finished the regular season with 16.5 sacks and 86 tackles.

The Giants had the 29th-ranked pass defense (255.1 yards per game), but last weekend they held Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons' eighth-ranked passing offense to 199 yards and no touchdowns. 

3. Baltimore Ravens

For years now, the Baltimore Ravens have consistently been one of the NFL's best defensive team.

This year has been no different. They ranked third in both yards given up on the season and in points allowed per game. The Ravens' stout defense finished fourth in passing yards allowed and second in rushing yards allowed.

Baltimore is led by the three-headed monster of outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (pictured), inside linebacker Ray Lewis and free safety Ed Reed. Suggs did a little bit of everything as he had 70 tackles, 14 sacks, seven forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Don't expect to walk away from a game against Baltimore without getting a few bumps and bruises along the way.

2. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have made it to the playoffs for the first time in their franchise's history and have also won their first ever playoff game. And they have the defense to thank for this.

While the quarterback situation has been up in the air because of injuries, the defense (and Arian Foster, but that's a whole different slideshow) have held their ground.

The Texans ranked second in yards given up and third in points allowed per game. Houston also has the third-best pass defense and was the fourth best in stopping the run.

Outside linebacker Connor Barwin (pictured) led the team with 11.5 sacks while the man lining up next to him, Brian Cushing, led the team with 114 tackles to go along with his four sacks and two interceptions.

1. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have the best defense left in the NFL playoffs.

They barely finished second in the regular season for points allowed per game thanks to their top-ranked rush defense; rookie outside linebacker Aldon Smith led the team with 14 sacks. Smith's immediate impact has been an integral part of the Niners' success.

San Francisco's pass defense was ranked 16th, but it only allowed opposing quarterbacks a 73.6 passer rating (fifth in the league) and 6.9 yards per catch (10th). Cornerbacks Dashon Goldson and Carlos Rogers both have six interceptions apiece. Those 12 interceptions have helped the 49ers force the most turnovers in the NFL, 38.

Inside linebacker Patrick Willis is the big name in San Francisco, but the man next to him, NaVorro Bowman (pictured), is just as good. Bowman led the team with 143 tackles and two sacks. 

The Niners' defense has made them Super Bowl contenders. But does defense win championships?

We'll find out soon enough.