Top 5 seasons of all time

[Walter34 3]

1. 1972 Fish. Only because I would look like a homer putting the 85 Bears #1 even though they are clearly the most dominant force in the history of the game and should be #1. The Bears dominated the regular season except 1 game. The Bears went 8-1 against teams with 10 wins or more and outscored their playoff opposition 91-10. But hey, let's watch the old fish focks toast champagne every year.

 

2. 85 Bears - 18-1 - See #1

 

3. 89 Niners 17-2. outscored playoff teams 126-26. The best of the Niners dynasty years. No 85 Bears but good enough for #3

 

4. 84 Niners 18-1, 82-26 playoff score. Dominated the battle of the titans against the 84 nFish in the SB. Fortunately they peaked a year before the 85 Bears and escaped an ass kicking

 

5. 04 Pats 17-2. The first 4 were pretty clear imo and the 5th team could have gone to several others, but I settled on the Pats 04 version, the best of the early 2000s dynasty. The 85 Bears in their 50s and 60s could have pumked them.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

The 85 Bears were better than the 72 Dolphins. The Dolphins played a chump schedule.

[mgs316 14]

I hate them more than can be expressed here but the 90's Cowboys were pretty fricken good. Not as good as Michael Irvin thinks HE is but very good.

 

Guess you are looking at records, not in the conversation then.

[Raider 84 29]

1. 89 49ers were just awesome, especially in the playoffs.

 

2. 85 Bears one of, if not the best D of all time.

[ens189 1]

86 Giants 17-2, 105-23 Playoff Scores, NFL MVP and Def. Player of the year in LT, and Simms 88% passing day in the Super Bowl.

 

Not 72 Fins, or 85 Bears, but a season that gets overlooked a lot.

[redtodd 7]

That 89 Niners may have been the best ever.

[Walter34 3]

Others that just missed:

 

66 Packers

76 Raiders

78 Steelers

86 Giants

91 Redskins

92 Cowboys

96 Packers

98 Broncos

99 Rams

 

Hard to differentiate between many of these as far as one being better than another.

 

One team that didnt win the SB that I considered was the 76 Steelers. They allowed only 26 points over the last 8 weeks of the regular season with 5 shutouts. An amazing stat. They lost to the eventual champion Raiders in the conference final.

 

Throughout the 2000s, there has been alot more parity and less "super teams".

[Raider 84 29]

That 89 Niners may have been the best ever.

 

Totally agreed. That team was awesome and loaded, and this is coming from a Raider fan.

[pimptastic69 0]

Totally agreed. That team was awesome and loaded, and this is coming from a Raider fan.

 

That was a pretty badass team.

 

No love for the 1998 Vikes?

[Juggernauts 0]

One team that didnt win the SB that I considered was the 76 Steelers. They allowed only 26 points over the last 8 weeks of the regular season with 5 shutouts. An amazing stat. They lost to the eventual champion Raiders in the conference final.

 

Throughout the 2000s, there has been alot more parity and less "super teams".

 

What about the undefeated Pats that ALMOST won the Superbowl? You didn't even consider them?

[pimptastic69 0]

Throughout the 2000s, there has been alot more parity and less "super teams".

You know, in some ways, I miss the "super teams". I miss the dynasties. It was always something to look forward to on the schedule for a potential upset.

 

Baseball still has it - when the Red Sox or Yankees come to town it's a big deal to see your team try and knock off baseball's "royalty".

[mambokings 0]

1991 Washington Redskins

14-2 record, best in the NFL

Super Bowl Champions

Mark Rypien SBXXVI MVP

 

* 1st in scoring offense

* 2nd in scoring defense

 

* 1st in total offense

* 2nd in total defense

 

* 1st in scoring differential (+16.3!)

* 1st in turnover differential (+18)

 

* 2nd in Kicking/Punting

* Top 5 in Punt Coverage

* Top 10 in Kickoff Coverage

 

* started 11-0, almost went undefeated. Their two losses were by a combined 5 points (3-point loss vs. Dallas and 2-point loss in season finale with starters resting)

* 3/5 first games were shutouts and their margins of victory all season were often huge (45-0, 34-0, 23-0, 42-17, 56-17, 41-14, 27-6)

* gave up only 7 sacks all season while their defense recorded 50 sacks (only three teams since 1950 have boasted a +40 sack differential)

* strength of schedule: they played 11 teams with 10 or more wins

 

[donhaas 18]

I am curious what W34's top-5 Bruce Springsteen songs of all time are....

 

Well, I actually know what #1 is.... I'm more curious about 2-5

[Chronic Husker 85]

I am curious what W34's top-5 Bruce Springsteen songs of all time are....

 

Well, I actually know what #1 is.... I'm more curious about 2-5

Set up complete.

 

T-minus three posts to payoff.

[remote controller 143]

The "85" Bears were easily the best team ever. I couldn't include a Patriot in the top 10 even before it was uncovered they were cheATERS. I would put the "78" Steelers in for the patsies. After their 1st Super Bowl victory I remember thinking that was one of the 3 worst Super Champion team ever.

[Saint Elistan 106]

Listed in order of year, not in measure of awesomeness.

 

T1. 1972 Miami Dolphins

T1. 1985 Chicago Bears

T1. 1989 San Francisco 49ers

T1. 1991 Washington Redskins

-------------------------------------

T5. 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers

T5. 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers

T5. 1984 San Francisco 49ers

T5. 1994 San Francisco 49ers

T5. 1996 Green Bay Packers

-------------------------------------

[e-factor 13]

The "85" Bears were easily the best team ever. I couldn't include a Patriot in the top 10 even before it was uncovered they were cheATERS. I would put the "78" Steelers in for the patsies. After their 1st Super Bowl victory I remember thinking that was one of the 3 worst Super Champion team ever.

 

Sorry, no team with Jim McMahon as its QB could ever be the best team ever. Wasn't Willie Gault their best WR?

 

They had a great defensive team, but the 84 Niners would have beat them into the ground, much like they did in 1988 NFC Championship game, when they beat the Bears like dogs in their own back yard. Montana could shred the best defense. The 84 Niners had a great offense and a very underrated defense. Much better overall team than the 85 Bears................

[Walter34 3]

Sorry, no team with Jim McMahon as its QB could ever be the best team ever. Wasn't Willie Gault their best WR?

 

They had a great defensive team, but the 84 Niners would have beat them into the ground, much like they did in 1988 NFC Championship game, when they beat the Bears like dogs in their own back yard. Montana could shred the best defense. The 84 Niners had a great offense and a very underrated defense. Much better overall team than the 85 Bears................

 

Thet smoked the niners 26-10 in 85. How was that team different than the 84 version?

 

Also, people tend to forget that the 85 team was 2nd in the NFL with 456 pts to go along with the D. They had 2761 rush yd and 27 Tds on the ground. Say what you will about McMahon, but he made the offence move in the passing game, the short time that he was healthy in his career. He and the WRs were enough to keep defences honest and not stack the run.

 

Also, a couple of interesting defence stats:

 

Att Com Yds TDs Ints

522 249 2816 16 34

 

The above is the qb totals facing the Bears. This includes Montana, Marino and Theisman along with the lesser qbs.

 

610 - 2761 - 27 - 4.5

359 - 1319 - 6 - 3.7

 

The above are Bears rushing #s and then the opponents rushing #s

[e-factor 13]

Thet smoked the niners 26-10 in 85. How was that team different than the 84 version?

 

Please tell me you're kidding...............

 

Teams change dramatically year to year. Injuries, coaching changes etc. That's why you see very few repeat champs.

 

But using your theory, the 84 Niners smoked the Bears 23-0 in the 84 NFC Championship game.

 

Both those teams at their peaks, I'll take the Montana led Niners any day of the week................

[Walter34 3]

Please tell me you're kidding...............

 

Teams change dramatically year to year. Injuries, coaching changes etc. That's why you see very few repeat champs.

 

But using your theory, the 84 Niners smoked the Bears 23-0 in the 84 NFC Championship game.

 

Both those teams at their peaks, I'll take the Montana led Niners any day of the week................

 

I wasn't joking, as a niners fan, I'm asking you to elaborate how the 84 and 85 teams were different.

 

The difference for the Bears from 84 to 85 were the following:

 

- Healthy McMahon (DNP after week 10, Bears went 3-4 after that)

- Added Wilbur Marshall - probowl LB

- Added dave Duerson - probowl safety

 

Without mcmahon, the Bears were not at their peak in 84. They were one dimentional on offence

 

Both teams were 10-6 one year and 15-1 the other.

 

Let's look at it this way, I'll give you the edge @ QB, WR and CB. I would say the Bears were superior everywhere else. RBs, Oline, Dline, LBs, safeties, special teams. I dont think its very close for any of the above.

[e-factor 13]

I wasn't joking, as a niners fan, I'm asking you to elaborate how the 84 and 85 teams were different.

 

The difference for the Bears from 84 to 85 were the following:

 

- Healthy McMahon (DNP after week 10, Bears went 3-4 after that)

- Added Wilbur Marshall - probowl LB

- Added dave Duerson - probowl safety

 

Without mcmahon, the Bears were not at their peak in 84. They were one dimentional on offence

 

Both teams were 10-6 one year and 15-1 the other.

 

Let's look at it this way, I'll give you the edge @ QB, WR and CB. I would say the Bears were superior everywhere else. RBs, Oline, Dline, LBs, safeties, special teams. I dont think its very close for any of the above.

 

Their personnel on paper was better in 1985 because they added a WR from Mississippi Valley State who ended up being pretty good. The main difference was that Montana was beat up in 85. While he only missed one game, he played hurt and the offense just didn't click. Team was solid but never put it all together. It happens.

 

However, we are comparing 84 SF to the 85 Bears. Your list of "advantage" Bears on the position charts is very skewed. Big edge for SF at QB, WR and CB as you stated. I can also argue they had an edge at RB with both Wendell Tyler and Roger Craig on the field at the same time. They were incredible. Peyton was an all time great, but he was at the end of his career. At that time, I would give the edge to SF. Same at the safety position. Williamson and Hicks were both pro-bowl players, so spare me the 'big edge" for Chicago. In fact, all 4 starting DBs made the 84 all pro team. I'll give you the DL and LB edge, but it's not as great as you think. SF had the number one defense in 84 for points allowed. They had 8 solid DL that alternated, including pro bowlers like Fred Dean, Gary Johnson and Dwayne Board. Fresh players on the field at all times. I'll also give you O-line but again, not the huge edge you think. SF had an excellent O-line. No real big names, but McKindrick got the most out of them.

 

These were two of the great teams of all time in back to back seasons. Both lost only one game and both those losses were by three points (Wershing missed what was a chip shot for him to tie the Steeler game at the end). Both dominated the conference playoffs and super bowl. IMO, the fact that SF was led by probably the greatest QB of all time gives them the edge. As great as the 85 Bear defense was, SF would have put up points with their offense, at least 20 I think. I honestly can't say that I think McMahon would have been able to do the same against the number one defense in the NFL for 1984.

 

Anyway............

[Walter34 3]

For 84, your safeties didn't make the pro bowl. In fact, Chi's Todd Bell did.

 

As for RBs ... Blasphene!!@@##!! Payton had 1685 yards in 85. hardly showing signs of age.

[e-factor 13]

For 84, your safeties didn't make the pro bowl. In fact, Chi's Todd Bell did.

 

As for RBs ... Blasphene!!@@##!! Payton had 1685 yards in 85. hardly showing signs of age.

 

Yes, our safeties did make the Pro Bowl in 84. Not all pro as I mistakenly (I meant pro-bowl) stated in my post, but all were on the Pro-Bowl roster.

 

Also, if you look at the combined numbers of Tyler/Craig in 84 and Payton/Suey in 85, they are virtually identical in total yardage and TDs. While Payton was the greater player, the fact is SF had just as effective of a running game, from a production standpoint. This is something that is overlooked oftentimes because SF was always viewed as a passing team.

 

Also, they had Fahnhorst and Cross on the 84 first team all pro (Cross repeated in 85 and Fahnhorst was 2nd team in 85). Chicago had Jimbo on the first team in 85. While the overall OL was probably a bit better for Chicago, it wasn't by much.

[Dan 62]

Yes, our safeties did make the Pro Bowl in 84. Not all pro as I mistakenly (I meant pro-bowl) stated in my post, but all were on the Pro-Bowl roster.

 

Also, if you look at the combined numbers of Tyler/Craig in 84 and Payton/Suey in 85, they are virtually identical in total yardage and TDs. While Payton was the greater player, the fact is SF had just as effective of a running game, from a production standpoint. This is something that is overlooked oftentimes because SF was always viewed as a passing team.

 

Also, they had Fahnhorst and Cross on the 84 first team all pro (Cross repeated in 85 and Fahnhorst was 2nd team in 85). Chicago had Jimbo on the first team in 85. While the overall OL was probably a bit better for Chicago, it wasn't by much.

 

That's because they were a passing team. The running game was very effective, but let's not deceive ourselves; it was set up by the passing game. Great overall offense, and I'm saying nothing against the plan, but to compare that running game to one that lined with the intention of running it is a little misleading, methinks.

[Raider 84 29]

1998 Vikings if you are considering top 5 fantasy seasons.

[BMoney 0]

where are the 1929 green bay packers?

 

won the league....8 shutouts...shut da bears out 3 times in that season....with red grange and coached by halas

 

gave up 1.7 points per game...

 

[Jeremy 0]

where are the 1929 green bay packers?

 

won the league....8 shutouts...shut da bears out 3 times in that season....with red grange and coached by halas

 

gave up 1.7 points per game...

 

 

Don't you know that football didn't begin until they started playing Superbowls?

[donhaas 18]

where are the 1929 green bay packers?

 

won the league....8 shutouts...shut da bears out 3 times in that season....with red grange and coached by halas

 

gave up 1.7 points per game...

 

 

I remember that!

 

Walter34 avoided this site for a month!

[Cuse9 129]

1. 85 Bears

 

2. 89 49ers

 

3. 98 Broncos

 

All three were heavy favorites that crushed everyone on their way to their title, they were loaded with stars and/or great personalities that made them fun to watch.

[Reality 3,043]

The '94 9ers dont get near enough respect in these lists.. The team was loaded with as much talent as any team ever.

[Cuse9 129]

The '94 9ers dont get near enough respect in these lists.. The team was loaded with as much talent as any team ever.

Good call. Young, Watters, Rice, Rathman, Lott, Haley.....ton of great players on that team. I think the reason they get overlooked is because it seems like the Niners were "owned" by Walsh and Montana and the Young/Siefert team was just riding their coat tails. It's somewhat true (system wise), but not none the less, great team they had in 95.

[Portis26 0]

91 Skins were dominate... lost to Dallas on a hail mary from steve walsh and then they lost the last game of the season with basically all their starters out.

 

No one came close to them in the playoffs. One of the greatest teams that gets little press when talking bout the great teams of all times.

[The Grand Master 0]

Good call. Young, Watters, Rice, Rathman, Lott, Haley.....ton of great players on that team. I think the reason they get overlooked is because it seems like the Niners were "owned" by Walsh and Montana and the Young/Siefert team was just riding their coat tails. It's somewhat true (system wise), but not none the less, great team they had in 95.

 

Deion and his 1 year in SF, Eric Davis, Merton Hanks, and Tim McDonald in the secondary. If I recall correctly, Eric Davis picked off Aikman's first 2 passes in the playoffs and took them to the house. That secondary was awesome and as a lowly Lions fan, the 94 49ers are probably my favorite team of all time that didn't have Barry Sanders.

[Dan 62]

Good call. Young, Watters, Rice, Rathman, Lott, Haley.....ton of great players on that team. I think the reason they get overlooked is because it seems like the Niners were "owned" by Walsh and Montana and the Young/Siefert team was just riding their coat tails. It's somewhat true (system wise), but not none the less, great team they had in 94.

 

I think the other factor in this is that they played a Chargers team that many felt was lucky to be there. And at that, they were probably the AFC team that matched up worst against the powerhouse 49ers. The whole thing became about "Young getting the monkey off his back," and seemed to diminish the team itself.

 

They were wicked talented, but I think I don't think you can keep this team in the discussion of five greatest. It's kinda like trying to add the '79 Steelers ('80 Super Bowl). Great players, but obviously at the end of their run; they won their fourth Super Bowl on experience . . .

[e-factor 13]

The '94 9ers dont get near enough respect in these lists.. The team was loaded with as much talent as any team ever.

 

As a Niner fan, I loved that team. Offensively, they were equal to the 89 team, but defensively, 84 and 89 were better teams. The 84 Niners led the NFL in defense which is why I think they are the best of the SF Super Bowl teams...........

[BunnysBastatrds 2,127]

09 New Orleans Saints are in the top ten. Beat four future Hall of Fame QB'S. Three of them in the playoffs to win the Super Bowl. I can't recall another team ever doing that.

[Walter34 3]

09 New Orleans Saints are in the top ten. Beat four future Hall of Fame QB'S. Three of them in the playoffs to win the Super Bowl. I can't recall another team ever doing that.

 

93 Cowboys beat Young, Favre and Kelly in the playoffs.

 

In the regular season, they also beat Simms x 2, Favre again, Esaison, Young again, Kelly again.

 

That said, I dont think your criteria is very good. Most SB winners beat great qbs along the way. It doesn't distinguish them much from other winners.

[BunnysBastatrds 2,127]

93 Cowboys beat Young, Favre and Kelly in the playoffs.

 

In the regular season, they also beat Simms x 2, Favre again, Esaison, Young again, Kelly again.

 

That said, I dont think your criteria is very good. Most SB winners beat great qbs along the way. It doesn't distinguish them much from other winners.

 

 

Really? Please tell me another team that did this Walter, if you can? And beating Great QB"S does distinguish them from others, IMO!

 

Who did the Saints beat this year? In no order-or refference on my part!

 

The Saints beat four first vote future Hall Of Fame QB's in 2009.

 

1-Brett Favre- 2 Super Bowls- One Win- 1 Super Bowl MVP- 3 NFL MVP'S

2-Kurt Warner- 3 SB's- One Win- 1 SBMVP- 2 NFL MVP's

3-Tawm Brady- 4 SB's- Three wins- 2 SBMVP's- 1 NFL MVP

4- Peyton Manning- 2 SB's- One Win- 1 SBMVP- 4 NFL MVP's

5-Eli Manning- 1 SB- One Win- 1 SBMVP-O NFL MVP's

 

Please name another team that has done this!? The Saints beat three teams with HOF credentials to win the Super Bowl! In the playoffs alone!!!! Favre, Warner, Manning!!!! If you want to go on number counts, the Saints beat four future QB HOF's, five Super Bowl winners with a trophy count of seven, ten regular season MVP's, and a few more. Please tell me! Forget numbers. What the Saints did this year was incredible! It has NEVER been done before!!!! TOP FIVE EVER!!!!!!!! If the Giants did this, there would be no argument! Agree or disagree, the Saints had a top five year!

[Cruzer 1,994]

All mentioned were incredible teams - no doubt. That being said - I would send my '92 Cowboys team out against any of them, any day of the week and like my chances.

[Walter34 3]

Really? Please tell me another team that did this Walter, if you can?

 

I did - the 93 cowboys.

 

If you look through the years, every champ had a strong list of qbs that they beat including HOFers.