Four years ago, I wrote version 1 of this article. With Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis retiring, I thought it would be fun to revisit the topic.

This post is NOT a look at the greatest linebacker groups ever. Instead, this post seeks to identify teams that had a bunch of great linebackers playing together while those players were in their primes.

The first thing we need to do is rate the linebackers. I used PFR’s Approximate Value system, which assigns a value to measure the approximate contribution of each player in each season since 1950. I then analyzed each player’s single-season AV score to come up with a base rating for each linebacker. ^[1]One other note: I applied an AFL qualifier for players in the earlier days of the AFL. It’s always difficult figuring out how to grade a player’s career, as you need to balance career length with peak production. I decided to average the best five years (they need not be consecutive) for every linebacker since 1950 to come up with a “peak AV rating” for each linebacker. Then I adjusted each linebacker’s peak AV rating for each season of his career depending solely on his age. That age adjusted score is the rating I’m giving each linebacker for each season of play, not his actual AV grade. ^[2]If you used the actual AV score, you would essentially be compiling a list of the best defenses of all time and little more.

How do you adjust for age? I selected the top 100 linebackers in NFL history (according to peak AV) and measured what percentage of their peak AV they produced at each age. After smoothing out the numbers a bit, you get the following age adjustments. For example, a linebacker peaks at age 27, and produces at 81% of his peak level at age 24.

Lewis has the highest five-year peak of any linebacker with a peak AV of 20.2. Urlacher isn’t far behind at 17.6. Here is how many “estimated” points of AV they are assigned in each year of their career in this system:

Obviously these numbers are nothing more than rough estimates. But overall, I think they work just fine for these purposes. Now that we have the age-adjusted peak AV score for each linebacker, we can create a list of the best linebacker groups playing together by simply averaging the age-adjusted peak AV scores for the starting linebackers on each team.

The table below shows the 200 highest rated sets of 4-3 linebackers since 1960. It is sorted simply by the average of the three age-adjusted peak AV scores of each of the starting linebackers. The top combination comes from the 2001 Ravens. Baltimore’s best linebacker was Lewis, who was 26 and has an “estimated AV” that year of 20.0. The second best linebacker was Peter Boulware, who was 27 and receives an age-adjusted AV of 10.4. Jamie Sharper, also 27, was the third best linebacker, and gets an “estimated AV” of 9.6.

One note: I decided not to re-list linebacker trios that would otherwise appear multiple times on the list. Any time a linebacker trio appeared more often than once, I only listed the best one (which would, of course, be based solely on the ages of the three players) in the table below. So that’s why the 2000 Ravens aren’t on there, because the 2001 version was a year older (and presumably closer to their peak). A similar fate sacked the ’85 Bears, replaced by the more physically mature ’86 version.

Rank	Team	Year	Avg. AV	Linebacker 1	Linebacker 2	Linebacker 3
1	BAL	2001	13.3	Ray Lewis (26): 20	Peter Boulware (27): 10.4	Jamie Sharper (27): 9.6
2	GNB	1961	13.1	Ray Nitschke (25): 14.2	Bill Forester (29): 13.2	Dan Currie (26): 11.9
3	PIT	1977	13.1	Jack Ham (29): 16.9	Jack Lambert (25): 15.8	Loren Toews (26): 6.5
4	CHI	1986	12.9	Mike Singletary (28): 16.8	Wilber Marshall (24): 12.3	Otis Wilson (29): 9.7
5	KAN	1971	12.9	Willie Lanier (26): 15.6	Jim Lynch (26): 11.7	Bobby Bell (31): 11.4
6	CHI	2006	12.7	Brian Urlacher (28): 17.4	Lance Briggs (26): 14.1	Hunter Hillenmeyer (26): 6.7
7	RAM	1976	12.7	Isiah Robertson (27): 17	Jack Reynolds (29): 11.1	Jim Youngblood (26): 10.1
8	BAL	1973	12.3	Ted Hendricks (26): 16	Mike Curtis (30): 12.1	Stan White (24): 8.9
9	PIT	1979	12.3	Jack Lambert (27): 17.4	Jack Ham (31): 13.2	Dirt Winston (24): 6.3
10	PIT	1980	12.2	Jack Lambert (28): 17.2	Jack Ham (32): 11.5	Robin Cole (25): 8
11	BAL	1972	12.2	Ted Hendricks (25): 14.7	Mike Curtis (29): 14	Ray May (27): 7.8
12	MIN	1969	12.1	Wally Hilgenberg (27): 12.8	Roy Winston (29): 12.2	Lonnie Warwick (27): 11.4
13	GNB	1967	12.1	Dave Robinson (26): 13.5	Ray Nitschke (31): 11.9	Lee Roy Caffey (26): 11.1
14	BAL	2006	12.1	Ray Lewis (31): 15.4	Adalius Thomas (29): 10.7	Bart Scott (26): 10.3
15	CHI	1960	11.9	Bill George (31): 13.4	Joe Fortunato (30): 12.3	Larry Morris (27): 10.2
16	RAM	1975	11.9	Isiah Robertson (26): 16.8	Jack Reynolds (28): 11.3	Ken Geddes (29): 7.6
17	CHI	1970	11.9	Dick Butkus (28): 15	Lee Roy Caffey (29): 10.9	Doug Buffone (26): 9.7
18	GNB	1974	11.8	Ted Hendricks (27): 16.2	Fred Carr (28): 10.9	Jim Carter (26): 8.3
19	RAM	1967	11.8	Maxie Baughan (29): 14.4	Myron Pottios (28): 11.5	Jack Pardee (31): 9.4
20	CHI	1984	11.6	Mike Singletary (26): 16.8	Otis Wilson (27): 10	Al Harris (28): 8.1
21	DAL	1966	11.5	Chuck Howley (30): 13.3	Lee Roy Jordan (25): 11.8	Dave Edwards (27): 9.4
22	PIT	1976	11.4	Jack Ham (28): 17.2	Jack Lambert (24): 14.1	Andy Russell (35): 2.9
23	DET	1960	11.1	Joe Schmidt (28): 15.4	Wayne H. Walker (24): 9.6	Carl Brettschneider (29): 8.1
24	CHI	2008	10.8	Brian Urlacher (30): 14.8	Lance Briggs (28): 14.1	Nick Roach (23): 3.7
25	KAN	1966	10.7	Bobby Bell (26): 14.9	E.J. Holub (28): 9.4	Sherrill Headrick (29): 7.8
26	TAM	1999	10.7	Derrick Brooks (26): 18.2	Shelton Quarles (28): 8.7	Hardy Nickerson (34): 5
27	TAM	2000	10.6	Derrick Brooks (27): 18.4	Shelton Quarles (29): 8.5	Jamie Duncan (25): 4.9
28	MIN	1978	10.6	Jeff Siemon (28): 12.1	Matt Blair (28): 11.3	Fred McNeill (26): 8.3
29	CHI	1968	10.5	Dick Butkus (26): 15	Jim Purnell (27): 8.6	Doug Buffone (24): 7.9
30	DAL	1965	10.5	Chuck Howley (29): 15.3	Dave Edwards (26): 9.3	Jerry Tubbs (30): 6.7
31	DAL	1964	10.4	Chuck Howley (28): 15.6	Lee Roy Jordan (23): 7.9	Jerry Tubbs (29): 7.8
32	CHI	2003	10.4	Brian Urlacher (25): 16	Lance Briggs (23): 8.7	Warrick Holdman (28): 6.5
33	DEN	1976	10.3	Randy Gradishar (24): 12	Tom Jackson (25): 11.6	Joe Rizzo (26): 7.1
34	CIN	1971	10.2	Bill Bergey (26): 14.1	Al Beauchamp (27): 9.4	Ken Avery (27): 7.2
35	NYG	1978	10.1	Harry Carson (25): 11.6	Brad Van Pelt (27): 9.8	Brian Kelley (27): 9
36	CHI	1982	10.1	Mike Singletary (24): 13.8	Otis Wilson (25): 9.1	Gary Campbell (30): 7.6
37	MIA	1999	10.1	Zach Thomas (26): 16	Derrick Rodgers (28): 7.3	Robert Jones (30): 6.9
38	TAM	2002	10	Derrick Brooks (29): 17.8	Shelton Quarles (31): 6.7	Alshermond Singleton (27): 5.6
39	CIN	1973	10	Bill Bergey (28): 14.1	Al Beauchamp (29): 9.1	Ron Pritchard (26): 6.9
40	SFO	1971	10	Dave Wilcox (29): 12.2	Frank Nunley (26): 9.1	Skip Vanderbundt (25): 8.7
41	PIT	1972	10	Jack Ham (24): 14.1	Andy Russell (31): 9.6	Henry Davis (30): 6.2
42	RAM	1977	9.9	Isiah Robertson (28): 16.8	Jim Youngblood (27): 10.2	Bob Brudzinski (22): 2.8
43	CHI	2010	9.9	Lance Briggs (30): 11.9	Brian Urlacher (32): 11.6	Pisa Tinoisamoa (29): 6.2
44	WAS	1970	9.9	Chris Hanburger (29): 15.5	Marlin McKeever (30): 8.6	Harold McLinton (23): 5.5
45	NYG	1960	9.7	Sam Huff (26): 15.4	Harland Svare (30): 7.1	Cliff Livingston (30): 6.7
46	TAM	1997	9.7	Derrick Brooks (24): 14.9	Hardy Nickerson (32): 9	Rufus Porter (32): 5.3
47	NYG	1961	9.7	Sam Huff (27): 15.6	Tom Scott (31): 7.4	Cliff Livingston (31): 6.1
48	DAL	1962	9.6	Chuck Howley (26): 15.6	Jerry Tubbs (27): 8	Mike Dowdle (25): 5.3
49	BAL	1968	9.6	Mike Curtis (25): 13.1	Dennis Gaubatz (28): 10.1	Don Shinnick (33): 5.5
50	OAK	1969	9.6	Dan Conners (28): 12.9	Gus Otto (26): 8.9	Bill Laskey (26): 6.9
51	CHI	1971	9.6	Dick Butkus (29): 14.7	Doug Buffone (27): 9.8	Ross Brupbacher (23): 4.1
52	TAM	1996	9.6	Derrick Brooks (23): 11.2	Hardy Nickerson (31): 10.3	Lonnie Marts (28): 7.1
53	OAK	1975	9.5	Phil Villapiano (26): 12.3	Gerald Irons (28): 9.7	Monte Johnson (24): 6.6
54	PHI	1993	9.5	Seth Joyner (29): 12.2	William Thomas (25): 8.7	Byron Evans (29): 7.6
55	WAS	1973	9.5	Chris Hanburger (32): 10.6	Dave Robinson (32): 9	Harold McLinton (26): 8.9
56	OAK	1973	9.4	Phil Villapiano (24): 10	Gerald Irons (26): 9.7	Dan Conners (32): 8.6
57	NYJ	2001	9.4	James Farrior (26): 12.5	Marvin Jones (29): 8	Mo Lewis (32): 7.8
58	ATL	1972	9.4	Greg Brezina (26): 10.1	Tommy Nobis (29): 9.3	Don Hansen (28): 8.7
59	MIN	1968	9.4	Roy Winston (28): 12.5	Lonnie Warwick (26): 11.3	John Kirby (26): 4.4
60	MIN	1976	9.4	Jeff Siemon (26): 12.1	Matt Blair (26): 11.3	Wally Hilgenberg (34): 4.7
61	GNB	1972	9.3	Fred Carr (26): 10.9	Dave Robinson (31): 10.3	Jim Carter (24): 6.8
62	PHI	1974	9.3	Bill Bergey (29): 13.8	Steve Zabel (26): 7.5	John Bunting (24): 6.6
63	BAL	1970	9.3	Mike Curtis (27): 14.4	Ted Hendricks (23): 9.9	Bob Grant (24): 3.6
64	ARI	1994	9.2	Seth Joyner (30): 10.6	Wilber Marshall (32): 10	Eric Hill (28): 7.1
65	KAN	1996	9.2	Derrick Thomas (29): 14	Tracy Simien (29): 7.8	Anthony Davis (27): 6
66	BUF	2003	9.2	London Fletcher (28): 11.1	Takeo Spikes (27): 10.8	Jeff Posey (28): 5.7
67	DAL	1961	9.2	Chuck Howley (25): 14.4	Jerry Tubbs (26): 7.9	Gene Babb (27): 5.3
68	STL	1960	9.1	Dale Meinert (27): 9.8	Bill Koman (26): 9.3	John Tracey (27): 8.3
69	KAN	1994	9.1	Derrick Thomas (27): 14.4	Tracy Simien (27): 8	George Jamison (32): 5
70	WAS	2003	9.1	Jeremiah Trotter (26): 12.1	LaVar Arrington (25): 8.6	Jessie Armstead (33): 6.8
71	WAS	1966	9.1	Chris Hanburger (25): 14.6	Sam Huff (32): 10.3	John Reger (35): 2.4
72	CLE	1960	9.1	Walt Michaels (31): 9.4	Galen Fiss (29): 9.3	Vince Costello (28): 8.5
73	PHI	1976	9.1	Bill Bergey (31): 10.8	Frank LeMaster (24): 8.3	John Bunting (26): 8.1
74	KAN	1967	9	Bobby Bell (27): 15	Sherrill Headrick (30): 6.8	Willie Lanier (22): 5.2
75	DET	1966	9	Wally Hilgenberg (24): 10.4	Mike Lucci (27): 10.2	Ernie Clark (29): 6.4
76	BAL	2005	9	Adalius Thomas (28): 10.9	Bart Scott (25): 9.5	Tommy Polley (27): 6.6
77	MIN	1980	8.9	Matt Blair (30): 9.6	Scott Studwell (26): 8.9	Fred McNeill (28): 8.3
78	KAN	1999	8.9	Donnie Edwards (26): 11.3	Derrick Thomas (32): 9.5	Marvcus Patton (32): 5.9
79	WAS	1967	8.9	Chris Hanburger (26): 15.8	Sam Huff (33): 8.3	Jim Carroll (24): 2.6
80	PHI	1965	8.9	Maxie Baughan (27): 14.8	Dave Lloyd (29): 8	Mike Morgan (23): 3.9
81	RAM	1966	8.9	Maxie Baughan (28): 14.7	Jack Pardee (30): 10.4	Bill George (37): 1.6
82	SDG	1996	8.9	Junior Seau (27): 15.4	Lewis Bush (27): 6.2	Kurt Gouveia (32): 5
83	HOU	1969	8.9	George Webster (24): 9.9	Garland Boyette (29): 8.7	Olen Underwood (27): 8
84	WAS	1992	8.9	Wilber Marshall (30): 12.8	Kurt Gouveia (28): 7.5	Andre Collins (24): 6.3
85	DET	1964	8.8	Wayne H. Walker (28): 11.7	Dennis Gaubatz (24): 8.3	Ernie Clark (27): 6.6
86	MIA	2002	8.8	Zach Thomas (29): 15.7	Derrick Rodgers (31): 5.6	Morlon Greenwood (24): 5.2
87	PIT	1971	8.8	Jack Ham (23): 10.6	Andy Russell (30): 10.6	Chuck Allen (32): 5.2
88	TAM	1998	8.8	Derrick Brooks (25): 16.7	Hardy Nickerson (33): 7.2	Jeff Gooch (24): 2.4
89	SEA	2007	8.8	Julian Peterson (29): 10.7	Lofa Tatupu (25): 9.1	LeRoy Hill (25): 6.6
90	PHI	2004	8.8	Jeremiah Trotter (27): 12.2	Dhani Jones (26): 8.1	Mark Simoneau (27): 6
91	CHI	1969	8.8	Dick Butkus (27): 15.2	Doug Buffone (25): 8.9	Rudy Kuechenberg (26): 2.2
92	KAN	1976	8.8	Willie Lanier (31): 12	Jim Lynch (31): 9	Billy Andrews (31): 5.3
93	SDG	1995	8.7	Junior Seau (26): 15.2	Lewis Bush (26): 6.1	Dennis Gibson (31): 4.9
94	DET	1965	8.7	Wayne H. Walker (29): 11.4	Joe Schmidt (33): 8.3	Ernie Clark (28): 6.5
95	NYG	1996	8.7	Jessie Armstead (26): 12.7	Corey Widmer (28): 6.7	Corey Miller (28): 6.7
96	KAN	1975	8.7	Willie Lanier (30): 13.3	Jim Lynch (30): 9.9	Bill Peterson (30): 2.9
97	HOU	1993	8.7	Wilber Marshall (31): 11.6	Al Smith (29): 9.1	Eddie Robinson (23): 5.4
98	DAL	2002	8.7	Kevin Hardy (29): 9.7	Dexter Coakley (30): 8.9	Dat Nguyen (27): 7.4
99	TAM	2004	8.7	Derrick Brooks (31): 14	Ian Gold (26): 7.3	Shelton Quarles (33): 4.7
100	PHI	1994	8.7	Bill Romanowski (28): 9.9	William Thomas (26): 9.5	Byron Evans (30): 6.6
101	DEN	1975	8.6	Tom Jackson (24): 10.4	Randy Gradishar (23): 9	Ray May (30): 6.6
102	SEA	1998	8.6	Chad Brown (28): 12.3	Darrin Smith (28): 7.7	Dean Wells (28): 5.9
103	NYJ	1968	8.6	Larry Grantham (30): 9.3	Ralph Baker (26): 8.4	Al Atkinson (25): 8.2
104	SFO	1975	8.6	Skip Vanderbundt (29): 9.3	Dave Washington (27): 8.8	Frank Nunley (30): 7.7
105	SDG	1994	8.6	Junior Seau (25): 14	David Griggs (27): 6.4	Dennis Gibson (30): 5.4
106	CHI	1988	8.6	Mike Singletary (30): 14.3	Ron Rivera (26): 5.7	Jim Morrissey (26): 5.7
107	GNB	1994	8.6	Bryce Paup (26): 9.7	George Koonce (26): 8.7	Fred Strickland (28): 7.3
108	WAS	1988	8.6	Wilber Marshall (26): 15	Neal Olkewicz (31): 6.4	Monte Coleman (31): 4.3
109	DEN	2002	8.6	Al Wilson (25): 10.4	John Mobley (29): 9.3	Ian Gold (24): 6
110	NYJ	1996	8.5	Mo Lewis (27): 11.8	Bobby Houston (29): 7.2	Marvin Jones (24): 6.6
111	TEN	2002	8.5	Keith Bulluck (25): 10.6	Randall Godfrey (29): 10.3	Peter Sirmon (25): 4.7
112	NYJ	2011	8.5	David Harris (27): 10.8	Bart Scott (31): 7.9	Calvin Pace (31): 6.8
113	DAL	1990	8.5	Ken Norton (24): 8.7	Jack Del Rio (27): 8.6	Eugene Lockhart (29): 8.1
114	RAM	1961	8.5	Jack Pardee (25): 11.3	Les Richter (31): 8.7	Bill Jobko (26): 5.5
115	DAL	1999	8.5	Dexter Coakley (27): 10.6	Randall Godfrey (26): 10.5	Darren Hambrick (24): 4.4
116	KAN	1992	8.5	Derrick Thomas (25): 13.1	Tracy Simien (25): 7.3	Chris Martin (32): 5
117	PHI	1963	8.5	Maxie Baughan (25): 13.5	Dave Lloyd (27): 8.2	Lee Roy Caffey (22): 3.7
118	MIN	1971	8.4	Wally Hilgenberg (29): 12.4	Roy Winston (31): 9.6	Carl Gersbach (24): 3.2
119	CHI	2009	8.4	Lance Briggs (29): 13.8	Hunter Hillenmeyer (29): 6.6	Nick Roach (24): 4.9
120	MIA	2003	8.4	Zach Thomas (30): 13.6	Morlon Greenwood (25): 5.8	Junior Seau (34): 5.7
121	PHI	1995	8.4	Bill Romanowski (29): 9.7	William Thomas (27): 9.6	Kurt Gouveia (31): 5.8
122	DAL	1998	8.3	Dexter Coakley (26): 10.5	Randall Godfrey (25): 9.6	Fred Strickland (32): 4.9
123	PIT	1969	8.3	Andy Russell (28): 12.5	Ray May (24): 6.3	Jerry Hillebrand (29): 6.2
124	TAM	2003	8.3	Derrick Brooks (30): 15.5	Shelton Quarles (32): 5.8	Ryan Nece (24): 3.7
125	BAL	1974	8.3	Mike Curtis (31): 10.9	Stan White (25): 10	Tom MacLeod (23): 4
126	SDG	2002	8.3	Donnie Edwards (29): 11.1	Junior Seau (33): 8.2	Ben Leber (24): 5.7
127	WAS	1964	8.3	Sam Huff (30): 13.1	Rod Breedlove (26): 6.1	John Reger (33): 5.6
128	BAL	1965	8.3	Dennis Gaubatz (25): 9.3	Don Shinnick (30): 8.7	Steve Stonebreaker (27): 6.8
129	MIA	1975	8.3	Doug Swift (27): 9.8	Mike Kolen (27): 9.2	Bob Matheson (31): 5.8
130	DAL	1991	8.2	Ken Norton (25): 9.8	Jack Del Rio (28): 8.5	Vinson Smith (26): 6.3
131	CIN	1979	8.2	Jim LeClair (29): 8.9	Reggie Williams (25): 8.4	Bo Harris (26): 7.3
132	RAM	1963	8.2	Jack Pardee (27): 12.4	Marlin McKeever (23): 6.2	Mike Henry (27): 6
133	MIA	1973	8.2	Doug Swift (25): 8.9	Mike Kolen (25): 8.4	Nick Buoniconti (33): 7.3
134	DET	1967	8.2	Mike Lucci (28): 10.1	Wayne H. Walker (31): 9	Ernie Clark (30): 5.5
135	HOU	1971	8.2	George Webster (26): 12.1	Garland Boyette (31): 6.8	Ron Pritchard (24): 5.7
136	STL	1997	8.2	Mike Jones (28): 8.3	Roman Phifer (29): 8.1	Robert Jones (28): 8.1
137	NYJ	1998	8.2	Mo Lewis (29): 11.4	Bryan Cox (30): 8.9	Pepper Johnson (34): 4.1
138	DEN	2006	8.1	Al Wilson (29): 11.1	Ian Gold (28): 7.3	D.J. Williams (24): 6
139	RAM	1979	8.1	Jim Youngblood (29): 9.9	Jack Reynolds (32): 7.5	Bob Brudzinski (24): 6.8
140	CLE	1976	8.1	Gerald Irons (29): 9.5	Charlie Hall (28): 7.7	Bob Babich (29): 7
141	BOS	1965	8.1	Nick Buoniconti (25): 12.6	Tom Addison (29): 7.1	Jack Rudolph (27): 4.5
142	WAS	1991	8	Wilber Marshall (29): 14.7	Andre Collins (23): 4.8	Matt Millen (33): 4.6
143	KAN	2006	8	Kendrell Bell (28): 8.5	Derrick O. Johnson (24): 8.1	Kawika Mitchell (27): 7.4
144	CLE	1961	8	Vince Costello (29): 8.3	Walt Michaels (32): 8.2	Dave Lloyd (25): 7.5
145	WAS	1971	8	Chris Hanburger (30): 13.4	Myron Pottios (32): 7.7	Jack Pardee (35): 2.9
146	TEN	2000	8	Randall Godfrey (27): 10.6	Eddie Robinson (30): 7.4	Greg Favors (26): 5.9
147	OAK	1971	8	Dan Conners (30): 10.9	Gus Otto (28): 8.9	Phil Villapiano (22): 4.1
148	MIN	1973	7.9	Wally Hilgenberg (31): 9.7	Jeff Siemon (23): 7.4	Roy Winston (33): 6.7
149	DET	1968	7.9	Mike Lucci (29): 9.9	Wayne H. Walker (32): 7.8	Paul Naumoff (23): 6.1
150	WAS	1975	7.9	Brad Dusek (25): 8.9	Harold McLinton (28): 8.9	Chris Hanburger (34): 5.9
151	WAS	2005	7.9	LaVar Arrington (27): 9.4	Marcus Washington (28): 8.9	Lemar Marshall (29): 5.4
152	WAS	1984	7.9	Neal Olkewicz (27): 8.4	Mel Kaufman (26): 7.7	Rich Milot (27): 7.6
153	SFO	2003	7.9	Julian Peterson (25): 10	Derek Smith (28): 7.9	Jeff Ulbrich (26): 5.7
154	WAS	2004	7.9	Antonio Pierce (26): 9.1	Marcus Washington (27): 9	Lemar Marshall (28): 5.5
155	RAM	1972	7.9	Isiah Robertson (23): 10.4	Marlin McKeever (32): 6.7	Jim Purnell (31): 6.5
156	TEN	2006	7.9	Keith Bulluck (29): 11.3	David Thornton (28): 7.3	Peter Sirmon (29): 5
157	PIT	1970	7.9	Andy Russell (29): 12.2	Chuck Allen (31): 6	Jerry Hillebrand (30): 5.4
158	BAL	1960	7.9	Don Shinnick (25): 9.5	Dick Szymanski (28): 9.1	Bill Pellington (33): 5
159	MIA	1993	7.8	Bryan Cox (25): 9.6	John Offerdahl (29): 8.7	John Grimsley (31): 5.2
160	WAS	1989	7.8	Wilber Marshall (27): 15.2	Neal Olkewicz (32): 5.5	Ravin Caldwell (26): 2.8
161	SEA	1999	7.8	Chad Brown (29): 12	Darrin Smith (29): 7.6	Anthony Simmons (23): 3.9
162	CIN	1978	7.8	Jim LeClair (28): 9.1	Reggie Williams (24): 7.5	Glenn Cameron (25): 6.9
163	NWE	2001	7.8	Tedy Bruschi (28): 10.1	Mike Vrabel (26): 8.9	Roman Phifer (33): 4.5
164	PHI	2005	7.8	Jeremiah Trotter (28): 12.1	Dhani Jones (27): 8.2	Keith Adams (26): 3.2
165	SFO	1998	7.8	Lee Woodall (29): 8.1	Winfred Tubbs (28): 8.1	Ken Norton (32): 7.1
166	OAK	1996	7.8	Greg Biekert (27): 8.4	Mike Jones (27): 8.4	Rob Fredrickson (25): 6.6
167	MIN	1965	7.8	Roy Winston (25): 11.5	Rip Hawkins (26): 7.1	Bill Jobko (30): 4.7
168	SEA	1997	7.8	Chad Brown (27): 12.4	Dean Wells (27): 6	Winston Moss (32): 4.9
169	NOR	2008	7.8	Jonathan Vilma (26): 9.7	Scott Shanle (29): 7	Scott Fujita (29): 6.6
170	NYJ	1993	7.8	Mo Lewis (24): 9.6	Bobby Houston (26): 7.3	Kyle Clifton (31): 6.4
171	STL	1996	7.7	Roman Phifer (28): 8.3	Robert Jones (27): 8.2	Carlos Jenkins (28): 6.7
172	SFO	1974	7.7	Frank Nunley (29): 8.9	Dave Wilcox (32): 8.3	Willie Harper (24): 6
173	NYG	1962	7.7	Sam Huff (28): 15.4	Tom Scott (32): 6.5	Bill Winter (22): 1.3
174	DET	1975	7.7	Charlie Weaver (26): 9.3	Paul Naumoff (30): 8.4	Jim Laslavic (24): 5.5
175	SEA	2001	7.7	Chad Brown (31): 9.4	Levon Kirkland (32): 7.9	Anthony Simmons (25): 5.8
176	WAS	1969	7.7	Chris Hanburger (28): 15.8	Tom Roussel (24): 3.7	Sam Huff (35): 3.6
177	OAK	1968	7.7	Dan Conners (27): 13	Gus Otto (25): 8.2	Chip Oliver (24): 1.9
178	GNB	1995	7.7	George Koonce (27): 8.8	Fred Strickland (29): 7.2	Wayne Simmons (26): 7.1
179	CHI	2001	7.7	Brian Urlacher (23): 10.7	Warrick Holdman (26): 6.5	Rosevelt Colvin (24): 5.8
180	IND	2002	7.7	Mike Peterson (26): 9.9	Marcus Washington (25): 8.2	Rob Morris (27): 5
181	WAS	1995	7.7	Marvcus Patton (28): 8.9	Ken Harvey (30): 7.9	Rod Stephens (29): 6.2
182	ARI	2007	7.6	Calvin Pace (27): 9	Karlos Dansby (26): 8.5	Gerald Hayes (27): 5.4
183	PHI	1989	7.6	Seth Joyner (25): 11.5	Byron Evans (25): 7.1	Al Harris (33): 4.3
184	CIN	2001	7.6	Takeo Spikes (25): 9.8	Brian Simmons (26): 7.1	Steve Foley (26): 5.9
185	STL	2001	7.6	London Fletcher (26): 11.1	Mark Fields (29): 7.8	Tommy Polley (23): 4
186	SDG	1997	7.6	Junior Seau (28): 15.2	Lewis Bush (28): 6.1	Patrick Sapp (24): 1.5
187	JAX	1999	7.6	Kevin Hardy (26): 9.9	Bryce Paup (31): 7.4	Lonnie Marts (31): 5.5
188	CIN	1969	7.6	Bill Bergey (24): 11.5	Al Beauchamp (25): 8.6	Bill Peterson (24): 2.8
189	PHI	1991	7.6	Seth Joyner (27): 12.6	Byron Evans (27): 7.8	Jessie Small (25): 2.4
190	HOU	1991	7.6	Al Smith (27): 9.4	Lamar Lathon (24): 7.8	Johnny Meads (30): 5.5
191	WAS	1977	7.6	Brad Dusek (27): 9.8	Harold McLinton (30): 7.6	Mike Curtis (34): 5.3
192	ATL	1971	7.6	Greg Brezina (25): 9.3	Don Hansen (27): 8.8	Ron Acks (27): 4.6
193	MIN	2007	7.5	E.J. Henderson (27): 8.2	Chad Greenway (24): 7.6	Ben Leber (29): 6.8
194	HOU	1995	7.5	Eddie Robinson (25): 8	Micheal Barrow (25): 7.6	Joe Bowden (25): 6.9
195	GNB	1975	7.5	Fred Carr (29): 10.7	Jim Carter (27): 8.4	Tom Toner (25): 3.5
196	GNB	1998	7.5	Bernardo Harris (27): 8.6	George Koonce (30): 7.4	Brian M. Williams (26): 6.5
197	JAX	2003	7.5	Mike Peterson (27): 10	Danny Clark (26): 6.3	Akin Ayodele (24): 6.2
198	RAM	1981	7.5	Carl Ekern (27): 8.6	Jim Youngblood (31): 7.8	George Andrews (26): 6.1
199	JAX	2005	7.5	Mike Peterson (29): 9.7	Akin Ayodele (26): 7.5	Daryl Smith (23): 5.2
200	BAL	1975	7.5	Stan White (26): 10.9	Jim Cheyunski (30): 6.2	Tom MacLeod (24): 5.3

The 1962 Packers had one of the greatest defenses of all time, and their slightly younger predecessor comes in at #2. Jack Ham and Jack Lambert are joined by a third linebacker at the 3rd, 9th, 10th, and 22nd spots on the list. In 1975, Ham, Lambert and Andy Russell all made the Pro Bowl, although that trio rates higher in ’76 as Lambert moved closer to his estimated peak.

Urlacher and Lance Briggs check in at #6, in between the Mike Singletary/Wilber Marshall/Otis Wilson Bears from the mid-’80s and the Bill George/Joe Fortunato/Larry Morris team that led Chicago to a title in 1963. Butkus’ Bears also show up in the top 20 when he was teamed with Lee Roy Caffey. But that’s not even the highest grade of Caffey’s career, as he teamed with two Hall of Fame linebackers on the ’67 Packers.

We can do the same with 3-4 linebackers. As always, both tables are fully searchable and sortable. And Lewis makes a couple of high showings on this list, too.

Rank	Team	Year	Avg. AV	Linebacker 1	Linebacker 2	Linebacker 3	Linebacker 4
1	NOR	1988	12.6	Sam Mills (29): 14.9	Pat Swilling (24): 13.1	Rickey Jackson (30): 11.8	Vaughan Johnson (26): 10.7
2	BAL	2003	11.6	Ray Lewis (28): 20	Adalius Thomas (26): 10.9	Peter Boulware (29): 10.1	Ed Hartwell (25): 5.5
3	BAL	2007	11.1	Ray Lewis (32): 13.3	Terrell Suggs (25): 12.6	Bart Scott (27): 10.4	Jarret Johnson (26): 8.1
4	DEN	1979	11.1	Randy Gradishar (27): 14.8	Tom Jackson (28): 12.7	Bob Swenson (26): 9.9	Joe Rizzo (29): 7
5	PIT	1994	11	Greg Lloyd (29): 14.2	Levon Kirkland (25): 10.9	Chad Brown (24): 10	Kevin Greene (32): 8.8
6	PIT	2003	10.8	Joey Porter (26): 13.3	James Farrior (28): 12.5	Jason Gildon (31): 9.6	Kendrell Bell (25): 7.8
7	OAK	1976	10.4	Ted Hendricks (29): 15.7	Phil Villapiano (27): 12.4	Monte Johnson (25): 7.5	Willie Hall (27): 6.2
8	BAL	2004	10.3	Ray Lewis (29): 19.6	Adalius Thomas (27): 11	Ed Hartwell (26): 5.9	Terrell Suggs (22): 4.6
9	PIT	2004	10.2	Joey Porter (27): 13.4	James Farrior (29): 12.2	Clark Haggans (27): 7.6	Larry Foote (24): 7.5
10	DEN	1981	10.1	Randy Gradishar (29): 14.4	Tom Jackson (30): 10.8	Bob Swenson (28): 9.9	Larry Evans (28): 5.3
11	PIT	1997	10.1	Levon Kirkland (28): 11.9	Jason Gildon (25): 11.5	Greg Lloyd (32): 9.6	Earl Holmes (24): 7.3
12	PIT	1998	10	Jason Gildon (26): 12.5	Levon Kirkland (29): 11.6	Earl Holmes (25): 8.2	Carlos Emmons (25): 7.6
13	PIT	1991	9.9	Greg Lloyd (26): 14.5	Hardy Nickerson (26): 13.5	David Little (32): 6.1	Bryan Hinkle (32): 5.8
14	OAK	1979	9.9	Ted Hendricks (32): 10.7	Phil Villapiano (30): 10.4	Rod Martin (25): 10.4	Monte Johnson (28): 8.1
15	NYG	1991	9.7	Lawrence Taylor (32): 11.5	Pepper Johnson (27): 11.2	Carl Banks (29): 9.3	Gary Reasons (29): 7
16	DET	1993	9.7	Pat Swilling (29): 15.7	Chris Spielman (28): 11.1	Dennis Gibson (29): 6.2	George Jamison (31): 5.8
17	PIT	2000	9.7	Jason Gildon (28): 12.5	Levon Kirkland (31): 9.1	Earl Holmes (27): 9	Joey Porter (23): 8.2
18	PIT	1996	9.7	Chad Brown (26): 12.3	Levon Kirkland (27): 12	Jason Gildon (24): 10.2	Jerry Olsavsky (29): 4.3
19	PIT	2007	9.7	James Harrison (29): 14.7	Larry Foote (27): 9.2	James Farrior (32): 8.3	Clark Haggans (30): 6.4
20	NYG	1988	9.6	Lawrence Taylor (29): 16.9	Carl Banks (26): 9.5	Pepper Johnson (24): 9.1	Harry Carson (35): 2.9
21	DEN	1980	9.5	Randy Gradishar (28): 14.7	Tom Jackson (29): 12.4	Larry Evans (27): 5.4	Rob Nairne (26): 5.3
22	NYG	1986	9.4	Lawrence Taylor (27): 17.4	Carl Banks (24): 7.8	Harry Carson (33): 6.8	Gary Reasons (24): 5.8
23	CLE	1985	9.4	Clay Matthews (29): 11.8	Chip Banks (26): 11.1	Tom Cousineau (28): 7.7	Eddie Johnson (26): 7.1
24	PIT	1992	9.4	Greg Lloyd (27): 14.6	Hardy Nickerson (27): 13.6	David Little (33): 4.9	Jerrol Williams (25): 4.4
25	NYG	1990	9.3	Lawrence Taylor (31): 13.2	Pepper Johnson (26): 11.1	Carl Banks (28): 9.5	Steve DeOssie (28): 3.6
26	NYG	1982	9.3	Harry Carson (29): 12.4	Lawrence Taylor (23): 10.6	Brad Van Pelt (31): 7.4	Brian Kelley (31): 6.8
27	PIT	2001	9.3	Jason Gildon (29): 12.2	Joey Porter (24): 10.9	Earl Holmes (28): 8.9	Kendrell Bell (23): 5.2
28	PIT	2008	9.3	James Harrison (30): 12.8	Larry Foote (28): 9.1	LaMarr Woodley (24): 8.6	James Farrior (33): 6.7
29	DEN	1989	9.2	Karl Mecklenburg (29): 14.4	Michael Brooks (25): 9.1	Simon Fletcher (27): 8.8	Rick Dennison (31): 4.6
30	NYG	1989	9.1	Lawrence Taylor (30): 14.6	Carl Banks (27): 9.6	Gary Reasons (27): 7.2	Johnie Cooks (31): 4.9
31	BUF	1991	9	Cornelius Bennett (26): 11.7	Shane Conlan (27): 9.4	Carlton Bailey (27): 7.8	Darryl Talley (31): 7.3
32	NWE	2000	8.9	Tedy Bruschi (27): 10.2	Willie McGinest (29): 9.7	Chris Slade (29): 8.7	Ted Johnson (28): 7.1
33	PIT	1986	8.9	Mike Merriweather (26): 10.9	David Little (27): 9.2	Bryan Hinkle (27): 8.8	Robin Cole (31): 6.7
34	NYJ	2009	8.8	Bart Scott (29): 10.1	David Harris (25): 9.8	Calvin Pace (29): 8.7	Bryan Thomas (30): 6.7
35	CLE	1986	8.8	Chip Banks (27): 11.2	Clay Matthews (30): 10.2	Eddie Johnson (27): 7.2	Anthony Griggs (26): 6.5
36	TAM	1980	8.8	Richard Wood (27): 10	Dave R. Lewis (26): 8.7	Dewey Selmon (27): 8.2	Cecil Johnson (25): 8.2
37	MIN	1981	8.8	Jeff Siemon (31): 9.3	Scott Studwell (27): 9	Matt Blair (31): 8.7	Fred McNeill (29): 8.1
38	SFO	1988	8.8	Charles Haley (24): 11.2	Riki Ellison (28): 8.1	Keena Turner (30): 8.1	Mike Walter (28): 7.7
39	PIT	1982	8.7	Jack Lambert (30): 14.6	Robin Cole (27): 8.8	Jack Ham (34): 6.4	Loren Toews (31): 5
40	HOU	1977	8.7	Robert Brazile (24): 10.4	Gregg Bingham (26): 9.5	Ted Washington (29): 8	Steve Kiner (30): 6.9
41	OAK	1977	8.6	Ted Hendricks (30): 13.6	Monte Johnson (26): 8.1	Floyd Rice (28): 6.3	Willie Hall (28): 6.1
42	KAN	1997	8.5	Derrick Thomas (30): 12.1	Donnie Edwards (24): 9.2	Terry Wooden (30): 6.9	Anthony Davis (28): 5.9
43	DEN	1982	8.5	Randy Gradishar (30): 12.4	Tom Jackson (31): 9.7	Jim Ryan (25): 6.7	Larry Evans (29): 5.2
44	KAN	1998	8.5	Derrick Thomas (31): 10.9	Donnie Edwards (25): 10.4	Wayne Simmons (29): 7	Anthony Davis (29): 5.8
45	DEN	1988	8.5	Karl Mecklenburg (28): 14.7	Simon Fletcher (26): 8.7	Jim Ryan (31): 5.6	Rick Dennison (30): 5
46	SFO	1989	8.5	Charles Haley (25): 12.6	Mike Walter (29): 7.6	Keena Turner (31): 7.3	Matt Millen (31): 6.5
47	NYG	1985	8.4	Lawrence Taylor (26): 17.2	Harry Carson (32): 8.4	Gary Reasons (23): 4.4	Byron Hunt (27): 3.6
48	DAL	2007	8.4	DeMarcus Ware (25): 12.6	Bradie James (26): 7.7	Akin Ayodele (28): 7.5	Greg Ellis (32): 5.8
49	NOR	1986	8.4	Sam Mills (27): 15.4	Rickey Jackson (28): 13.9	James Haynes (26): 3	Alvin Toles (23): 1.3
50	PHI	1984	8.4	Jerry Robinson (28): 10.7	Joel Williams (28): 9.1	Reggie Wilkes (28): 8.3	Anthony Griggs (24): 5.3
51	NYG	1979	8.4	Harry Carson (26): 12.7	Brad Van Pelt (28): 9.7	Brian Kelley (28): 8.9	Dan Lloyd (26): 2.2
52	BUF	1981	8.3	Isiah Robertson (32): 11.2	Jim Haslett (26): 8.1	Lucius Sanford (25): 7.1	Shane Nelson (26): 6.9
53	IND	1990	8.3	Duane Bickett (28): 9.7	Fredd Young (29): 9.3	Chip Banks (31): 8.5	Jeff Herrod (24): 5.8
54	NOR	1984	8.3	Rickey Jackson (26): 13.9	Dirt Winston (29): 7.6	Whitney Paul (31): 6.1	Jim Kovach (28): 5.5
55	DEN	1990	8.3	Karl Mecklenburg (30): 12.4	Michael Brooks (26): 9.9	Simon Fletcher (28): 8.7	Marc Munford (25): 2
56	PIT	1983	8.3	Jack Lambert (31): 13.2	Robin Cole (28): 8.7	Mike Merriweather (23): 6.7	Loren Toews (32): 4.4
57	PHI	1982	8.2	Jerry Robinson (26): 10.7	Frank LeMaster (30): 8.6	Reggie Wilkes (26): 8.3	John Bunting (32): 5.4
58	NWE	1984	8.2	Andre Tippett (25): 12.7	Don Blackmon (26): 7.9	Larry McGrew (27): 7.2	Steve Nelson (33): 5.1
59	SDG	1987	8.2	Chip Banks (28): 11.1	Gary Plummer (27): 7.6	Billy Ray Smith (26): 7.5	Thomas Benson (26): 6.7
60	SFO	1991	8.2	Charles Haley (27): 13.8	Bill Romanowski (25): 9.1	Mike Walter (31): 5.9	Keith DeLong (24): 4.1
61	MIA	1981	8.2	Larry Gordon (28): 8.9	A.J. Duhe (26): 8.5	Bob Brudzinski (26): 8.3	Earnest Rhone (28): 6.9
62	DEN	1987	8.1	Karl Mecklenburg (27): 14.8	Simon Fletcher (25): 8	Jim Ryan (30): 6.2	Ricky Hunley (26): 3.6
63	NYJ	1999	8.1	Mo Lewis (30): 9.9	Marvin Jones (27): 8.2	Bryan Cox (31): 8.1	Roman Phifer (31): 6.4
64	BUF	1990	8	Cornelius Bennett (25): 10.7	Shane Conlan (26): 9.3	Darryl Talley (30): 8.1	Ray Bentley (30): 4
65	SFO	2011	8	Patrick Willis (26): 15.8	Parys Haralson (27): 6.6	Ahmad Brooks (27): 5.4	Navorro Bowman (23): 4.3
66	DEN	1991	8	Karl Mecklenburg (31): 11.2	Michael Brooks (27): 10	Simon Fletcher (29): 8.5	Mike Croel (22): 2.2
67	SFO	2010	8	Patrick Willis (25): 14.6	Manny Lawson (26): 6.9	Parys Haralson (26): 6.5	Takeo Spikes (34): 4
68	NWE	1975	8	George Webster (30): 10.2	Steve Nelson (24): 7.8	Steve Zabel (27): 7.6	Sam Hunt (24): 6.3
69	DEN	1983	8	Randy Gradishar (31): 11.2	Tom Jackson (32): 8.4	Jim Ryan (26): 7.3	Steve Busick (25): 4.9
70	NYJ	2008	7.9	Calvin Pace (28): 8.9	David Harris (24): 8.7	Bryan Thomas (29): 7.8	Eric Barton (31): 6.2
71	DAL	2009	7.9	DeMarcus Ware (27): 13.8	Bradie James (28): 7.7	Anthony Spencer (25): 6.2	Keith Brooking (34): 3.9
72	RAM	1989	7.9	Kevin Greene (27): 13.4	Mike Wilcher (29): 7.8	Mel Owens (31): 5.9	Fred Strickland (23): 4.5
73	GNB	2009	7.8	Nick Barnett (28): 9.3	Aaron Kampman (30): 8.4	A.J. Hawk (25): 7.6	Clay Matthews (23): 6
74	KAN	1991	7.8	Derrick Thomas (24): 11.7	Dino Hackett (27): 7.4	Tracy Simien (24): 6.5	Chris Martin (31): 5.8
75	BAL	2010	7.8	Terrell Suggs (28): 13.7	Jarret Johnson (29): 8	Jameel McClain (25): 4.9	Ray Lewis (35): 4.6
76	PIT	2009	7.8	James Harrison (31): 11.6	LaMarr Woodley (25): 9.6	Lawrence Timmons (23): 5.2	James Farrior (34): 4.7
77	KAN	1993	7.8	Derrick Thomas (26): 14.3	Tracy Simien (26): 7.9	Lonnie Marts (25): 6.6	Tracy Rogers (26): 2.4
78	CLE	1987	7.8	Clay Matthews (31): 9.3	Mike Johnson (25): 8.7	Eddie Johnson (28): 7.1	Lucius Sanford (31): 5.9
79	NWE	1988	7.8	Andre Tippett (29): 13.6	Johnny Rembert (27): 7.6	Larry McGrew (31): 5.5	Ed Reynolds (27): 4.4
80	CIN	1981	7.8	Reggie Williams (27): 9.2	Glenn Cameron (28): 7.5	Bo Harris (28): 7.3	Jim LeClair (31): 7
81	MIA	1980	7.7	Larry Gordon (27): 9	Kim Bokamper (26): 8.5	A.J. Duhe (25): 7.8	Rusty Chambers (27): 5.6
82	BAL	2009	7.7	Terrell Suggs (27): 13.8	Jarret Johnson (28): 8.1	Ray Lewis (34): 7.5	Tavares Gooden (25): 1.5
83	DET	1994	7.7	Chris Spielman (29): 10.9	Broderick Thomas (27): 7.6	Mike Johnson (32): 6.3	Tracy Scroggins (25): 6
84	HOU	1979	7.7	Robert Brazile (26): 12.7	Gregg Bingham (28): 9.5	Ted Washington (31): 6.2	Art Stringer (25): 2.4
85	PIT	2012	7.7	LaMarr Woodley (28): 10.5	Lawrence Timmons (26): 8.5	Larry Foote (32): 6.1	James Harrison (34): 5.6
86	GNB	1993	7.7	Bryce Paup (25): 8.9	George Koonce (25): 8	Johnny Holland (28): 7.9	Wayne Simmons (24): 5.8
87	SEA	1985	7.7	Bruce Scholtz (27): 8.6	Fredd Young (24): 7.8	Keith Butler (29): 7.6	Michael Jackson (28): 6.7
88	NWE	1977	7.7	Steve Nelson (26): 9.5	Sam Hunt (26): 7.7	Steve Zabel (29): 7.4	Pete Barnes (32): 6.1
89	SFO	1990	7.6	Charles Haley (26): 13.7	Bill Romanowski (24): 8.1	Matt Millen (32): 5.7	Keith DeLong (23): 3.1
90	SFO	1992	7.6	Tim Harris (28): 10.9	Bill Romanowski (26): 9.9	Mike Walter (32): 5.1	Keith DeLong (25): 4.6
91	NWE	1978	7.5	Steve Nelson (27): 9.6	Sam Hunt (27): 7.8	Steve Zabel (30): 6.4	Rod Shoate (25): 6.4
92	CLE	1983	7.5	Clay Matthews (27): 12.2	Chip Banks (24): 9.1	Tom Cousineau (26): 7.7	Scott Nicolas (23): 1.1
93	NOR	1982	7.5	Rickey Jackson (24): 11.3	Dirt Winston (27): 7.8	Jim Kovach (26): 5.5	Rob Nairne (28): 5.3
94	NYG	1993	7.5	Michael Brooks (29): 9.7	Carlton Bailey (29): 7.6	Lawrence Taylor (34): 6.4	Corey Miller (25): 6.2
95	GNB	1990	7.5	Tim Harris (26): 10.9	Brian Noble (28): 7.3	Johnny Holland (25): 7.3	Scott Stephen (26): 4.4
96	DAL	2008	7.5	DeMarcus Ware (26): 13.7	Bradie James (27): 7.8	Greg Ellis (33): 4.7	Zach Thomas (35): 3.7
97	RAM	1985	7.5	Jim Collins (27): 8.2	Mel Owens (27): 7.8	Mike Wilcher (25): 7.3	Carl Ekern (31): 6.5
98	BUF	1996	7.4	Bryce Paup (28): 9.7	Chris Spielman (31): 8.5	Sam Rogers (26): 7.3	Mark Maddox (28): 4.2
99	NYG	1980	7.4	Harry Carson (27): 12.8	Brad Van Pelt (29): 9.5	John Skorupan (29): 5.4	Frank Marion (29): 1.9
100	BUF	1989	7.4	Cornelius Bennett (24): 9.6	Darryl Talley (29): 9.3	Scott Radecic (27): 6	Ray Bentley (29): 4.7

Of course, the top of the list is reserved for the Dome Patrol, arguably the best quartet of linebackers in NFL history. In 1992, all four starters made the Pro Bowl while the offense set a modern record for slowest tempo. Mostly, this list is dominated by Steelers teams from the last two decades. The Orange Crush Broncos crack the top five, with Randy Gradishar, Tom Jackson, Bob Swenson and Joe Rizzo — the same group that took the team to the Super Bowl in 1977 — peaking two years later. The ’76 Raiders that went 13-1 and won the Super Bowl also crack the top ten, and a couple of Dr. Doom groups make the list. The ’91 Bills defense may have been anchored by Bruce Smith, but the linebackers behind him also show up relatively high on the list.

What sticks out to you? Leave your thoughts in the comments.