🏈 In light of the draft, has your opinion changed on the 2011 vs 1992 defense?

[TerryP]

In the wake of the draft and the many mentions of how many players were drafted from the 2011 BCS national title game I'm wondering if things have changed in your mind?

We've talked, seemingly every off-season, about which team was better than the other. A lot of these conversations have been about which defense is better than the other. One debate has centered on whether the 1992 defense was a better overall group than the one we had in 2011.

If we take the starters and reserves from that 2011 game there are 14 players from that squad who have been drafted. That number does exceed the 1992 total, but only by a couple.

There are pro's and con's for both teams: I don't think anyone would disagree with taking the '92 secondary or the 2011 linebacking corps over their counterparts.

Are the accomplishments of that 2011 team enough, now, to settle the debate that '11 was a better overall unit?

 

[jdpas29]

i really like a great defensive line so i would still have to give the nod to the 1992 team. BUT... linebackers and overall level of speed and play was superior on the 2011 team.

 

[riz]

I haven't seen any of the 92 games in a while. I'd have to go back and look. but seems like one thing I remember they did that the 11 team didn't was swarm the backfield, specifically from the end positions. I think I'm okay saying they were both a couple of the best, if the the best, defenses ever. That works for me.

 

[psychojoe]

The secondary on that 92 defense was so good it was ridiculous. The front seven did not have the names that the 2011 team had, but nobody ran on them, so they obviously were strong. The 2011 team was pretty good on offense as well. The 92 team had an offense that was basically grunt and punt and don't get us beat. I think I am safe in saying that the 92 team depended more on its defense.

The 1978 and 1961 defenses were exceptional as well. It is great to be a bama fan.

 

[PhillyGirl]

Saw this post on a 'Bama forum by a poster named NashTide ..

"You can use anecdotal memories to support your position, but this is a completely subjective viewpoint. A case can be made for either defense (92 or 11) but let's look at the numbers.

I will list 92 first and '11 second.

---Games Played ----- 13.......13 (=)
Total points allowed -- 122....106 (9.4 ppg to 8.2 in favor of 2011)
Rushing yds allowed --660.....938 (50.7 ypg to 72 in favor of 1992)
Passing yds allowed --1670...1449 (128.46 ypg to 111.5 ypg in favor or 2011)
Ranked teams played-- 4....5 (1992 played #1, 12, 13, 16 and 2011 played #1, #1 again, #12, 14, 23) - advantage 2011
Strength of Schedule -- 32....17 (again, advantage 2011)
Margin of victory--220......346 (2011 was involved in much larger blowouts....I mention this because the first team D was on the bench for most of the 2nd Half in most games. The backups allowed most of the points that were actually scored. Had the games been closer, the numbers would probably be even more absurd.

By most measures, with all things being equal as far as games played, the 2011 team's numbers were just as good in an era when offenses were far more wide open than they were in 1992. Miami/Florida in 92 both ran high powered offenses for their time, but the spread and hurry up weren't really en vogue yet. Teams had to defend 50-60 plays per game - max. Fewer opportunities to score = better defensive numbers. In 2011, it wasn't uncommon to see 75-90 snaps per game on one side.

Nobody is disputing 92's dominance in that era. I remember it with nostalgia, myself. But 2011 has every right to be in the discussion for best all time. It played a better schedule in a more modern era and still put up better numbers almost across the board. Total yardage allowed for both teams was nearly identical (179 to 183 ypg). They were both damn good"

 

[bamaraider]

'11 had experience, 2 linebackers who could pass rush, a pass rush specialist on 3rd down (Gentry), an absolute monster in the middle (Chapman), and a secondary which included a hall hawker (Lester), a SS who could play in run support and help in pass coverage (Barron), a tall lengthy shut down corner (Dre), a good solid CB (Menzie), and a corner behind him that would eventually be a first round pick (Milliner).

 

[psychojoe]

To put 1978 into the mix. 11-1. Played five teams who were ranked when we played them. Of course there was the famous goal line stand, but look at who went to the NFL off that defense:

DE E J Junior

DT/NG Byron Braggs, Curtis McGriff, Marty Lyons, David Hannah

LB Barry Krauss, Rich Wingo, Thomas Boyd

DB Don McNeal, Benny Perrin.

 

[PhillyGirl]

I was 2 in 1992, so I would have to say that based on my memory, 2011 is the better defense :2thumbs:

 

[JoshB]

I didnt need the drat to solidify that thought, Ive always felt like the 2011 defense was the best defense I've ever seen.

 

[rick4bama]

To put 1978 into the mix. 11-1. Played five teams who were ranked when we played them. Of course there was the famous goal line stand, but look at who went to the NFL off that defense:

DE E J Junior

DT/NG Byron Braggs, Curtis McGriff, Marty Lyons, David Hannah

LB Barry Krauss, Rich Wingo, Thomas Boyd

DB Don McNeal, Benny Perrin.

It hard to put one Defense again the other. I think that you take any Bama Defense, that including CPBB sixty teams anyone of these guys could stay with '92 or '11. why I say this it because of heart, and that CPBB would kick them in the backside for messing up. But if I had to chose one of the defense I guess it would be(wait flipping a coin right now.) it will be the 2011 D. Like I read this from PJ it great to be a Bama Fan!! RTR!!!

 

[TerryP]

2011 team: