The Feather Curtain
When you think of Defense, what comes to mind? After watching Sports Center, ESPN or NFL Total Access, an impartial individual might say the Ravens. Since there introduction to the NFL in 1996, the Ravens have won a Super Bowl, had two number 1 Defenses, and 4 Pro Bowl Linebackers. Their Defense in 2000 is vaulted as one of the best of all time due to their points allowed per game and carrying the team to a Super Bowl win. Due to there preeminent defense, I feel inclined to give the Ravens Defense the nickname “The Feather Curtain”, corresponding to the feathers on their mascot. But are the analysts correct in referencing the Ravens when discussing defense? If not, what defensive team should they reference and why? Is there a tougher more deserving defense out there?
I give to you the modern day “Steel Curtain”. When I think of the Steelers, I don’t think about their high powered offense, their superior special teams or some diva receiver on the black and gold roster. What comes to mind is “The Steel Curtain” of the seventies, the defense that faced the cowboys in 96, and the totally dominant defense of the current era. You know the one that faced the toughest NFL schedule last year yet some how came out as the number 1 rated defense. The Defense that has 6 Super Bowl Rings, 3 Number 1 ranked Defenses since 97, and is arguably the NFL’s best linebacker factory. The one that has been led by the infamous Dick LeBeau since 1992, and in 1994 received the defensive moniker “Blitzburgh”.
But don’t take my word for it, let’s look at the numbers and see what they say. In comparing the number 1 ranked 2001 Ravens Defense to the number 1 ranked 2009 Steelers Defense who comes out on top? According to the NFL numbers, The Feather Curtain finished 2,2,7,7,3,3,1, 1 in the defensive categories of 2001. According to the same numbers The Steel Curtain finished 1,1,1,1,2,2,1,1 in the defensive categories of 2009. Now if you go back and average the two defenses, the Ravens average 9.08, and the Steelers average 5.62 over the last 12 seasons. I don’t know about you but the numbers tell me, the defense to reference when talking about the best defense, is The Steel Curtain.
When you think of Defense, what comes to mind? After watching Sports Center, ESPN or NFL Total Access, an impartial individual might say the Ravens. Since there introduction to the NFL in 1996, the Ravens have won a Super Bowl, had two number 1 Defenses, and 4 Pro Bowl Linebackers. Their Defense in 2000 is vaulted as one of the best of all time due to their points allowed per game and carrying the team to a Super Bowl win. Due to there preeminent defense, I feel inclined to give the Ravens Defense the nickname “The Feather Curtain”, corresponding to the feathers on their mascot. But are the analysts correct in referencing the Ravens when discussing defense? If not, what defensive team should they reference and why? Is there a tougher more deserving defense out there?
I give to you the modern day “Steel Curtain”. When I think of the Steelers, I don’t think about their high powered offense, their superior special teams or some diva receiver on the black and gold roster. What comes to mind is “The Steel Curtain” of the seventies, the defense that faced the cowboys in 96, and the totally dominant defense of the current era. You know the one that faced the toughest NFL schedule last year yet some how came out as the number 1 rated defense. The Defense that has 6 Super Bowl Rings, 3 Number 1 ranked Defenses since 97, and is arguably the NFL’s best linebacker factory. The one that has been led by the infamous Dick LeBeau since 1992, and in 1994 received the defensive moniker “Blitzburgh”.
But don’t take my word for it, let’s look at the numbers and see what they say. In comparing the number 1 ranked 2001 Ravens Defense to the number 1 ranked 2009 Steelers Defense who comes out on top? According to the NFL numbers, The Feather Curtain finished 2,2,7,7,3,3,1, 1 in the defensive categories of 2001. According to the same numbers The Steel Curtain finished 1,1,1,1,2,2,1,1 in the defensive categories of 2009. Now if you go back and average the two defenses, the Ravens average 9.08, and the Steelers average 5.62 over the last 12 seasons. I don’t know about you but the numbers tell me, the defense to reference when talking about the best defense, is The Steel Curtain.
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What about comparing the two number 1 defenses of this decade head to head? Again the Steelers beat the Ravens in every category but one, again telling me the best defense to reference is The Steel Curtain. 
What about the great line backers from the Ravens, can anyone argue that Ray Lewis is one of the best linebackers in the league. Surely, the Ravens have sent more linebackers to the Pro Bowl than the Steelers, right?
Now I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure 7 in greater than 4, once again telling me the defense to reference would be that of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The modern Steel Curtain versus the Feather Curtain, you be the judge? Are the analysts correct in referencing the Ravens when discussing defense? My answer, the next time you hear NFL analysts ‘bumping their gums’ about the Ravens defense, just remember these are the same guys that said. Tony Romo would lead the Cowboys to the Super Bowl in 08/09, by years end the 08/09 Steelers would be the most disappointing team, and in 09/10 the Broncos would finish last the in NFL.
When all else fails refer to the Webster’s dictionary which defines defense as: “The Steel Curtain”.
Good night now!
What about the great line backers from the Ravens, can anyone argue that Ray Lewis is one of the best linebackers in the league. Surely, the Ravens have sent more linebackers to the Pro Bowl than the Steelers, right?
Now I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure 7 in greater than 4, once again telling me the defense to reference would be that of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The modern Steel Curtain versus the Feather Curtain, you be the judge? Are the analysts correct in referencing the Ravens when discussing defense? My answer, the next time you hear NFL analysts ‘bumping their gums’ about the Ravens defense, just remember these are the same guys that said. Tony Romo would lead the Cowboys to the Super Bowl in 08/09, by years end the 08/09 Steelers would be the most disappointing team, and in 09/10 the Broncos would finish last the in NFL.When all else fails refer to the Webster’s dictionary which defines defense as: “The Steel Curtain”.
Good night now!
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