Except it can. 6 times since 2000 a top 4 defense has dragged a double digit offense to a SB championship, twice more if you throw in #9 ranked offenses . Only once has a top 4 offense carried a below top 10 offense to a SB championship in the same time frame. The illusion is that offenses win championships, but while the stats have changed with the passing era to create that charade, having a superior defense of the time is still significantly more likely to help you win a trophy.
Offensive and Defensive Ranks for Superbowl winners
Below is a list of all the Superbowl winners and their defensive rank (
by points allowed), their offensive rank (
by points scored) for that season, and their Combined Rank Average (CRA)
CRA=(Defensive Rank + Offensive Rank)/2
Year | Team | Defense Rank | Offensive Rank | CRA | QB |
---|
| | | | | |
2018 | Patriots | 7 | 4 | | |
2017 | Eagles | 4 | 3 | | |
2016 | Patriots | 1 | 3 | | |
2015 | Broncos | 4 | 19 | | Peyton Manning |
2014 | Patriots | 8 | 4 | 6 | Tom Brady |
2013 | Seahawks | 1 | 9 | 5 | Russell Wilson |
2012 | Ravens | 12 | 10 | 11 | Joe Flacco |
2011 | Giants | 25 | 9 | 17 | Eli Manning |
2010 | Packers | 2 | 10 | 6 | Aaron Rodgers |
2009 | Saints | 20 | 1 | 10.5 | Drew Brees |
2008 | Steelers | 1 | 20 | 10.5 | Ben Rothlisberger |
2007 | Giants | 17 | 14 | 15.5 | Eli Manning |
2006 | Colts | 23 | 2 | 12.5 | Peyton Manning |
2005 | Steelers | 4 | 9 | 6.5 | Ben Rothlisberger |
2004 | Patriots | 2 | 4 | 3 | Tom Brady |
2003 | Patriots | 1 | 12 | 6.5 | Tom Brady |
2002 | Buccaneers | 1 | 18 | 9.5 | Brad Johnson |
2001 | Patriots | 6 | 6 | 6 | Tom Brady |
2000 | Ravens | 1 | 14 | 7.5 | Tony Banks/Trent Dilfer |