NFL: Ranking the 10 Best Defensive Trios

With players like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, it is easy to see why the NFL has become an offense-minded league.  However, last year's Super Bowl participants, Green Bay and Pittsburgh, had two of the best defenses in the NFL.

Having defensive players that can pressure the quarterback or stop receivers is just as important as having a quarterback that can throw 60 yards accurately or a running back that can break tackles.  Lawrence Taylor was just as important to his team as Jerry Rice.

While the lockout, draft, free agency and trade speculations have dominated recent headlines, we can't forget about the players still on their respective teams.  So, here is a look at the 10 best defensive trios including a lineman, linebacker and cornerback/safety in the league.

10. New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts during their 19 to 24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez

Defensive Trio: Sione Pouha, Bart Scott and Darrelle Revis

Combined statistics: 172 tackles, 3 sacks, 0 interceptions, 0 defensive touchdowns

I simply couldn't leave the best shutdown corner off this list, so the Jets come in at the tenth spot.  The Jets made a splash in free agency when they got Bart Scott from Baltimore, but Scott has yet to make a major impact for New York.

With Rex Ryan being one of the best defense-oriented coaches in the league, the Jets play more of a team defense.  Individual players aren't as important as a full team effort and Ryan gets the most out of lesser talented players.

As long as Revis is on the Jets, they will have one of the best defensive trios in the league.

9. Houston Texans

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 27: Defensive end Mario Williams #90, strong safety Dominque Barber #34 and linebacker Brian Cushing #56 of the Houston Texans look on during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium on September 27, 2009 in Houst

Defensive Trio: Mario Williams, Brian Cushing and Bernard Pollard

Combined statistics: 216 tackles, 14 sacks, 0 interceptions, 0 defensive touchdowns

Houston drafted Brandon Harris from Miami in the second round and are hoping he can improve a very bad secondary.  Even though Pollard had a decent season, the Texans still ranked near the bottom of the league in every pass-defense category.

Mario Williams and Brian Cushing are perennial Pro Bowlers.  Both players are young and talented and will be the anchor of Houston's defense for many years.  Having been a part of two All-Pro teams in his short career, Williams is one of the best defensive lineman in the league.

If Houston can fix the issues with their secondary, they could quickly rise up this list in future years.

8. New Orleans Saints

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Jonathan Vilma #51, Tracy Porter #22 and Roman Harper #41 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fl

Defensive Trio: Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma and Tracy Porter

Combined statistics: 204 tackles, 10 sacks, 3 interceptions, 0 defensive touchdowns

None of these three will stand out on paper, but they are all fundamentally sound players.  Out of the three, Porter has the most potential to be something special, but that is mainly due to his young age.

Smith and Vilma will both be 30 this year, and, while they are still solid players, they might be past their elite playing days.  This group was vital to New Orleans' Super Bowl run two years ago and no one will ever forget Porter's pick-six on Peyton Manning.

Even though the Saints defense is usually overshadowed by their high powered offense, Vilma, Smith and Porter have been vital to New Orleans' recent success.

7. Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Safety Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball after making an interception during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jam

Defensive Trio: Glenn Dorsey, Tamba Hali and Eric Berry

Combined statistics: 213 tackles, 19 sacks, 4 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown

No one expected Kansas City to win the AFC West last year.  While most of that credit is due to the stellar play of Matt Cassel and Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs' defense is young and talented.

Tamba Hali led the league in sacks and Eric Berry made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.  The weakest link of the trio is Dorsey, but even his play improved last year. 

This is a young group of players that should only improve as they play together. 

6. Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Defensive Trio: Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher and Charles Tillman

Combined statistics: 262 tackles, 12 sacks, 8 interceptions, 0 defensive touchdowns

Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher are two of the best players of the past decade.  Urlacher has been the leader and best player on an aggressive and talented Bears defense.  The final member of the trio, Charles Tillman, is a good cornerback with great ball skills and powerful tackles.

When Peppers decided to leave Carolina, few thought he would end up in Chicago, but give Chicago credit for reeling in Peppers.  The impact of Peppers was instantly felt as Chicago made it to the NFC Championship game.

This is an extremely talented group of players and once Peppers gets completely comfortable with what Chicago does on defense, watch out.

5. Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 19: Jason Babin #93 of the Tennessee Titans gestures to the Houston Texans offense during a timeout at LP Field on December 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans, 31-17. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty

Defensive Trio: Jason Babin, Stephen Tulloch and Michael Griffin

Combined Statistics: 325 tackles, 14 sacks, 5 interceptions, 0 defensive touchdowns

Tennessee is certainly the biggest surprise on this list.  Even during a poor season by the Titans, these three players shined.  Babin and Griffin were Pro Bowlers and Tulloch led the team in tackles.

This group of players is one of the most productive groups as far as overall statistics.  They can make tackles and get after the quarterback.  Each player plays with great intensity and can make plays in the backfield or the open field.

While the Titans may lose Babin to free agency, if he stays, Tennessee will continue to shine on defense.

4. Baltimore Ravens

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: (L-R) Ray Lewis #52 and Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens look on as teammate Willis McGahee is attended to by medical personnel after McGahee was hit hard by Ryan Clark #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Championsh

Defensive Trio: Haloti Ngata, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed

Combined statistics: 239 tackles, 8 sacks, 10 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown

I feel terrible about having to put the Ravens this low in the list.  Ray Lewis might be the second best defensive player ever and Ed Reed is a future Hall of Famer.

However, age and injuries are starting to get the better of those two.  Ngata is only in his fifth year and made his first All-Pro team last year.  His combination of power and speed brings havoc to offensive lineman. 

This might be the last year we see this trio, so let us enjoy their greatness while we can.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 08: Troy Polamalu #43, Casey Hampton #98, and James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers enter the game against the San Diego Chargers during the 1st half of their NFL game on October 8, 2006 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif

Defensive Trio: Brett Keisel, James Harrison and Troy Polamalu

Combined statistics: 196 tackles, 15 sacks, 10 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns

Having two Defensive Player of the Year recipients on the same team is just unfair. The intensity that Polamalu and Harrison bring to the field is unmatched by most other players. They play a fearless and aggressive style of football, leaving everything on the field.

What hurts this Steelers trio is the lack of a dominant defensive lineman.  However, for Pittsburgh to succeed, they don't need one.  All they need is someone who can take on blockers, make the occasional sack and let Harrison and Polamalu dominate the game.  Brett Keisel is that exact player.

If the Steelers could find a "Mean Joe" Greene type player for their defensive line, they would be tops on this list without question.  With Keisel, they will have to settle for third.

2. Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 03: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a sack by teammate B.J. Raji #90 against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on October 3, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 28-26. (Photo by Jonat

Defensive Trio: B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson

Combined statistics: 191 tackles, 23 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns

It was hard to leave Tramon Williams, who might be a better straight cornerback than Woodson, off this list, but Woodson might be the best cornerback ever.  There isn't a single aspect of his game that lacks, and he produces every season.  Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji were drafted the same year and seem to be feeding off each other while improving at a rapid rate.

For Matthews, finishing second to Polamalu in Defensive Player of the Year can't overshadow a Super Bowl victory. He was one of the most talented pass rushers in the NFL, and he'll only improve from last year.  During the playoffs, Raji was key to the Packers success and he will look to build off that momentum.

The Packers will be a mainstay as one of the league's best defenses.  They might even top this list next year if Matthew and Raji continue their fast improvement, but with a different player in the secondary.

1. New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots congratulates Vince Wilfork #75 in the second half against the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Defensive Trio: Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty

Combined statistics: 313 tackles, 5 sacks, 7 interceptions, 0 defensive touchdowns

I went back and forth between New England and Green Bay for hours and even though I love the Packers, I had to put New England at the top spot.  All three of these players were First Team All-Pro and none of them are over the age of 30.

McCourty put together one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory and Mayo had a breakout season.  Both are young and both should continue to improve, which is extremely scary.  Wilfork is the big man in the middle for New England and there are few who are better than him.

Here is your most talented trio of defensive players in the NFL and don't expect them to let go of that title anytime soon.