5 best, and 5 worst, defending-NFL champs, ’33-thru-’65

[74_75_78_79_]

As with the SB era thread, defending-champs who failed to repeat.

Got a hunch (just a hunch) that the ’51 Browns will be a popular #1.

[ChrisBabcock]

Nominees for best......
1934 and 1942 Bears both had undefeated regular seasons. That 1934 team was Beattie Feathers' one year wonder. Just glancing at p-f-r, NINE different players threw a TD pass, but none more than 3. This was possibly the most impressive year for the Lions single wing teams as well. (not that they were champs the year before) 2740 yards rushing as a team. Still a per game league record if I'm not mistaken? Didn't allow a point until the 8th game of the year.

The 1948 Cardinals are worth a mention too. ...and the 1963 Packers,

[JuggernautJ]

Nominees for best......
1934 and 1942 Bears both had undefeated regular seasons....
. ...and the 1963 Packers,

Those Bears squads are what first came to mind for me.
The '63 Pack is a great choice, too.

And it's nice to see the Lions mentioned in a "Best of..." topic.

And speaking of Lions, how about the 1954 squad?
They were champions in '52 and '53 then lost the championship game in '54 with the number one offense and third best defense in the league.

[Jay Z]

It took extreme circumstances, but the 1964 Bears are fairly clearly the worst NFL defending champion, 1933 to present.

Despite the Galimore and Farrington deaths, the lion's share of the falloff belonged to the defense. 144 points allowed to 379! LBs Larry Morris and Bill George each missed a chunk of playing time, but the DBs Petitbon, McRae, Rosey Taylor, and Dave Whitsell were all back. They intercepted 27 passes in 1963, returned 4 for TDs. In 1964 it was down to 6 total. From 10 TDs and 36 INT overall in 1963 to 27-10 in 1964.

[74_75_78_79_]

It took extreme circumstances, but the 1964 Bears are fairly clearly the worst NFL defending champion, 1933 to present.

Despite the Galimore and Farrington deaths, the lion's share of the falloff belonged to the defense. 144 points allowed to 379! LBs Larry Morris and Bill George each missed a chunk of playing time, but the DBs Petitbon, McRae, Rosey Taylor, and Dave Whitsell were all back. They intercepted 27 passes in 1963, returned 4 for TDs. In 1964 it was down to 6 total. From 10 TDs and 36 INT overall in 1963 to 27-10 in 1964.

The ’58 Lions (4-7-1) not much better. ’56 Browns (5-7) ought to be a bottom-5 qualifier as well.

EDIT -

My 5 best are ’34 Bears, ’42 Bears, ’48 Cardinals, ’51 Browns & ’63 Packers (HMs - ’39 Giants, ’54 Lions).

5 worst - ’50 Eagles, ’56 Browns, ’58 Lions, ’60 Colts & ’64 Bears.