2 years ago
via nfl-questions.com
Who is the best Defensive Back in NFL history?
This includes players before the Super Bowl era. That allows players like Emlen Tunnell, Dick "Night Train" Lane, and Herb Adderley to be included in the discussion. Take into account the style of offenses that opponents ran during that era, the quality of quarterbacks, the quality of receivers, and the role defenders took int he defense during that time. If you want to list out CB's and Safeties feel free, but please list reasons for each player. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question!
videos:
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$1 Answer
The argument about who is the best defensive back is a hard one. It is hard not to say Emlen Tunnel just because of his numbers at a time when teams were just really learning to through the ball. Tunnel had 79 interceptions in 167 games. Yet the rules were different then. You could almost mug a receiver before the ball was in the air and it was ok.
So I will say that I have to give the nod for best defensive back to Mel Blount of the Pittsburg Steelers. He played both sides of the rule change and excelled in both times. Maybe it was because some of my first memories of really watching football were during some of his Super Bowl successes, but you have to admit he was good. He had 13 fumble recoveries and 57 interceptions and never had a year of his 14 seasons without an interception. And he could hit too. On top of the four super bowls Blount was defensive player of the year in 1975 and was selected to five pro bowls.
So I will say that I have to give the nod for best defensive back to Mel Blount of the Pittsburg Steelers. He played both sides of the rule change and excelled in both times. Maybe it was because some of my first memories of really watching football were during some of his Super Bowl successes, but you have to admit he was good. He had 13 fumble recoveries and 57 interceptions and never had a year of his 14 seasons without an interception. And he could hit too. On top of the four super bowls Blount was defensive player of the year in 1975 and was selected to five pro bowls.
images:
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$Report Abuse
