Eagles 1980 & 1981 defense discussion

[74_75_78_79_]

#1 in points and #2 in yards allowed in their '80 Super Bowl campaign. #1 in BOTH the following year in their 6-0 start but collapse to 10-6/one-and-out. In either event, this unit seems to be overlooked historically not just league-wise but franchise as well. The Buddy Ryan defenses seem to get more 'brotherly' love in hindsight. Perhaps because they were more 'sexier', had more Pro Bowlers/All Pros who were selected more often.

Carl Hairston never even made a Pro Bowl but everyone forgets he was a starter on those late-'80s Browns teams who made it to three conference championship games. They had quite a foursome of LBs in that Super Bowl year in Bunting, Bergey, LeMaster, and Robinson. Al Chesley did a fine-enough job in replacing #66 the following year.

Maybe front-wise they weren't as effective, but overall I'd like to think more balanced. If Buddy Ryan was a better DC than Marion Campbell, was it by that much? Was it Eagles' D those two years being seemingly 'boring' in comparison to Buddy's D along with Ryan at least having some success as HC (playoffs) as opposed to Swamp Fox's resume as a HC that may give such an impression?

[JohnTurney]

#1 in points and #2 in yards allowed in their '80 Super Bowl campaign. #1 in BOTH the following year in their 6-0 start but collapse to 10-6/one-and-out. In either event, this unit seems to be overlooked historically not just league-wise but franchise as well. The Buddy Ryan defenses seem to get more 'brotherly' love in hindsight. Perhaps because they were more 'sexier', had more Pro Bowlers/All Pros who were selected more often.

Carl Hairston never even made a Pro Bowl but everyone forgets he was a starter on those late-'80s Browns teams who made it to three conference championship games. They had quite a foursome of LBs in that Super Bowl year in Bunting, Bergey, LeMaster, and Robinson. Al Chesley did a fine-enough job in replacing #66 the following year.

Maybe front-wise they weren't as effective, but overall I'd like to think more balanced. If Buddy Ryan was a better DC than Marion Campbell, was it by that much? Was it Eagles' D those two years being seemingly 'boring' in comparison to Buddy's D along with Ryan at least having some success as HC (playoffs) as opposed to Swamp Fox's resume as a HC that may give such an impression?

Charlie Johnson was an excellent nose. LBers, as you mention very good. An in nickel, good nickel rusher in Humphrey.

[Bryan]

Charlie Johnson was an excellent nose. LBers, as you mention very good. An in nickel, good nickel rusher in Humphrey.

Always thought it odd that Johnson had 3 INTs in 1980. Is that the single-season record for NTs? Did he ever drop into coverage, or were they all off deflections?