Fantasy DefensesWe must admit we used to hate these guys. After all, the defensemen are the evil forces trying to stop our glamour boys from scoring. Talk about a bunch of party poopers!
However, we must be maturing because we are gradually starting to realize there is more to life than just scoring. The defenses actually put on a pretty fun show as well with their big sacks, brutal hits and dazzling interceptions.
When it comes to fantasy football, the defenses are a little tougher to pick than other positions. The loss or gain of just one player can have such a drastic effect. A defense such as the 2001 Rams can catapult from the bottom of the league to near the top in one year. But we girls love to speculate and so here are our choices for the top ten fantasy defenses in 2002. 1) Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers threw around huge cash to make sure their star-studded defense stays intact for years. In 2001 they led the NFL with the fewest yards allowed ((258.7 yards per game) and in sacks (55). They may be even better this year as defensive rookie of the year Kendrell Bell continues to develop. The Steelers did lose inside linebacker Earl Holmes, but replacement James Farrior (Jets) is faster and should do a better job against the pass.
2) Chicago Bears: The Bears were only 15th in the league last season in yardage allowed, however they were a top fantasy defense on account of their 34 turnovers and 48 sacks. They also topped the league allowing only 12.7 points per game. They return with most of their big playmakers including superstar Brian Urlacher who heads one of the top linebacking corps in the NFL. Look for equally titillating fantasy production in 2002.
3) St. Louis Rams: Defensive coordinator Lovie Smith turned the Rams into one of the most feared defenses last season as they recorded 47 sacks and five touchdowns. His team is aggressive and loves to take chances. After a year to adjust to Lovie’s new system, their young players should be even better in 2002. Leading tackler MLB London Fletcher will be missed but replacement Jamie Duncan from Tampa Bay is an upgrade in pass coverage.
4) Cleveland Browns: MLB Earl Holmes and S Robert Griffith have been added to a very aggressive unit and will help improve their rush defense, which was a problem last season. In 2001 they led the league in turnovers and their deep secondary will help them excel in that category once again this year.
5) Washington Redskins: Defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis (Baltimore) is arguably the best off-season acquisition of any team this year. The ‘Skins also acquired a couple stud linebackers Jeremiah Trotter (Eagles) and Jessie Armstead (Giant), who will join LaVar Arrington to form one of the best trios in the league. With this new talent aboard, Lewis could catapult the ‘Skins defense the way Lovie Smith did in St. Louis last season.
6) Philadelphia Eagles: Losing Jeremiah Trotter to the Redskins was a big blow, but the Eagles still have one of the best secondaries in the league, which they made even deeper through the draft. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson loves to terrorize opposing quarterbacks with numerous blitzes and last year they finished second against the pass. S Blaine Bishop and LB Shawn Barber will be nice additions if they can stay healthy.
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tony Dungy is gone but the defense will not change significantly as they lost only one starter, Jamie Duncan. Donnie Abrahams left for the Jets, but Brian Kelly had already supplanted him at cornerback and Ronde Barber emerged as an interception machine on the other side. If Warren Sapp can return to his old form after an uninspiring and injury-plagued season, the Bucs defense will make some noise again.
8) Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones got another lift this off-season. This time it was on his defense where he brought in superb pass-rusher La’Roi Glover, as well as CB Bryant Westbrook, LB Kevin Hardy and rookie sensation Roy Williams at safety. Last year the ‘Boys were fourth in the league in yardage allowed. This year, they will get more big plays and move up the fantasy charts as well.
9) Miami Dolphins: he Dolphins have undergone a major turnover on their defensive line, however their defense should continue to produce as long as they stay healthy. Jason Taylor remains one the most productive (and cutest!) ends in the game. If the line plays well, Zach Thomas will be free to roam the field and wreak havoc. The cornerback duo of Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain are among the league’s best.
10) San Francisco 49ers: At the end of last season, Jim Mora’s defense was playing as well as any unit in the league, shutting out three of its final six regular-season opponents. Seven of their starters were rookies or second-year players and therefore they should continue to improve. Defensive end Andre Carter followed up his successful rookie season by adding muscle during the off-season and has the potential to develop into a pass rushing stud.
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