Is it harder to build a great offense or a great defense?

[Kaylore]

There will be no poll in the interest of not killing ourselves with polls.

We all know that a lot of teams are unbalanced and usually have one strong area and then aren't as strong in another part. Which area - offense or defense - is it harder or easier to improve and why?

I also wonder what the board thinks is the harder unit to groom to an elite level. Offense seems to have advantages as far as the rules and way the game is designed to go. There isn't a lot of love for the defenders in the game today so you could argue it's easier to get an offense to perform well enough to be offensively consistent.

I think the problem is that an offense is so dependent on putting together a good line and having a good player at so many key positions to become elite: wideout, tackle, running back, tight end and quarterback. I think the quarterback especially is the main reason it could be the hardest because there are so few truly great quarterbacks. Some teams have gone more than a decade without seeing even a decent one and without one you can never really have a great offense.

Conversely an NFL defense doesn't as heavily rely on the abilities and skills of one player the way an NFL offense does. Bot are the summation of the team working as a whole, but it's harder to disrupt a defense by just picking on one guy the way attacking a QB can upend an offense. Also it seems that with time, a good coach and smart drafting you can put together a defense easier and faster than it is find a QB that doesn't suck.

Then again, a lot of teams really struggle to find those missing pieces to take their defenses to the next level. They lack one thing or another that can't seem to make it work: That shutdown corner, that game changing defense end (how many teams blow picks on these guys hoping for the next Reggie White?), a linebacker you can build your team around, a hard hitting safety. Some of those pieces can almost as hard as finding a QB and when you need more than a few, it can be extremely expensive and difficult.

Thoughts?

[SureShot]

Its true you can't have a great offense without a great QB, but you can have a great D just by getting a great D coordinator(of course you do have to have some talent). Look what Wade Phillips did for our defense.

[RhymesayersDU]

I would say offense, purely based off the QB position.

[listopencil]

It's the lines.

[youcandoit1687]

Hmmm, I'd say offense just because of the quarterback position affecting every other position more than any other position and the lack of "elite" or "great" quarterbacks. If you can get the quarterback set, the rest of the offense can fall into place, if the QB is truty great, that is.

As for defense, you could say that a MLB is like a QB but I don't think that's necessarily true. Off the top of my head, the Bucaneers didn't have an elite MLB. They had Warren Sapp(a very good player, pro bowl no doubt), Derrick Brooks(a very good WLB, but not a HOF), John Lynch(again, very good, pro bowler), Ronde and Kelly, . All are very good players, but none is at an elite level like QBs who have an elite offense. There are elite defenses that can do without elite players at MLB, CB, S, DE, or whatever you deem the big position but no elite offense has had a role player QB.

So, I guess offense is easy if you can find an elite QB, hard if you can't

[NFLBRONCO]

I think its equally tough if you are weak at DE and QB positions.

[sirhcyennek81]

Harder to build a great defense. Hard to find impact defensive linemen, linebackers and db's. Even one on each level of the defense is difficult to do. Offense is easier to build, in 1998 the rams offense was beyond pathetic...in 1999, they set records and won a superbowl, all because they acquired Marshall Faulk and drafted tory holt, and signed some hayseed named warner.

:Broncos:

[chaz]

i would definitely say defense...simply because all three levels have to be strong, there is no way to hide a weakness. the offense is in soo much more control of what happens on the field and can easily exploit a weakness in the D. an offense can stay away from champ, but a defense cant stay away from LT

[houghtam]

Look at the great (legendary) defenses. Most of them only kept it up for 2-3 years. How long was San Francisco a legendary offense? 10 years? How long did we keep it up from 1996 on?

I think that right there is a pretty good indicator that defenses are at least harder to keep together, if not to build.

[Kaylore]

I agree that you don't often see defenses stay very long in that "sweet" zone. Seems elite offenses are harder to put together because of the QB. But for that same reason they are easier to sustain whereas elite defenses rarely stay on top more than two years. That said, some teams like the Ravens, the Bears, the Steelers, and whoever Wade Phillips is the coordinator for seem to always be good.

[Odysseus]

There are so many variables that I don't think there is one smart guy answer.

You can isolate and improve defense faster but it also falls apart quicker. Salary cap makes it impossible to get or keep real heavy hitters. If you aren't getting turnovers, sacks, pressures and keeping your guys healthy problems start to show up fast. Right now teams are tending to focus strictly on the defensive line while they are using mediocre players at other key positions because of salary cap. I think teams tend to overpay on defense which makes building a solid defense really tough but not impossible. Defense is all about having heart and playing smart.

A solid performance offense is harder to build but lasts longer. You have to have a QB, WR, RB, TE and OL that are on the same page to prosper. It's still a team sport. As long as you don't turn the ball over and execute you can appear to be high performing. This is the side of the ball where you need to have elite players. Not taking anything from the defense but offensive players initiate contact and if they aren't able to be consistent and precise the defense will show them out every time. Offense is all about execution.

Injuries can be devastating on either side of the ball. Colts defense is nothing without Bob Sanders. I have no idea why one guy makes so much of an impact for them but he does. Chiefs didn't miss a beat without Trent Green. Huard isn't that much better of a QB but he's got a big upside.

Special teams you can fix in one year but you need a little luck as well.

I think the Broncos can build a top five offense next year but they need two key pieces for that to happen and both of those are on defense. Why? It is still a team sport. Broncos run up 17 points on someone defense HAS to shutdown the opponents offense. Why? THAT is how you have a powerhouse offense! This isn't arena football?!

[cutthemdown]

Building an offense is much harder IMO. QB/WR one of the hardest areas to make a strength. Oline also very tough to build. Unlike the Dline the Oline has no help behind them so they are at a premium. Defense is more about a squad working together, knowing there assignments and tackling well. Offense you need a lot more talent to get it done.

[elsid13]

I think both are difficulty to develop. For offense you need to find that QB that special, and that can take a long time, but once you get him there is a chance for extended run. On defense it not one player but a difference maker on each level that important. The guys are easier to come by but for a number of reason they dont have a long stay.

So to answer the question I going with the money and say the offense. Based upon how hard it is to find a elite QB.

[rmsanger]

Either way you slice it, it comes down to development and execution... It's the Front Office and Coaching staff that are clearly under-rated in the NFL. A great combination of FO, HC, position coaches, and scouts will keep an Organization strong for long periods of time.

The true benchmark of success in the NFL isn't Super Bowls, even though everyone is quick to point out that is all they are focused on.

What makes there Organization successful is can you put your team in a competitive situation each year? Look over a 20 year period and has your team been at .500 or above over this time? Has your team been relevant in the playoff discussion nearly every year?

Teams like: Dallas, Pittsburgh, Denver, Miami, NE, KC, Philly, and NYG have done a good job at this.

[Odysseus]

If you look at this as produce that has an amazing short shelf life you'll see how truly brutal this business really is.

Some of the issues are timing issues. Will this old guy hang in there? Will this star player hold out? Whose injured? Who steps up? Which rival team copies what you do only better? What can you do or have that gives your team just one more game than the next guy.

I think offense is harder to build but you have to look at a team from a TEAM point of view to get the right results.

[Willynowei]

Much easier to build a great defense, and thats why so many teams start there. Offense has a lot more gambles and takes a lot more time to build up.

[Cito Pelon]

I say O is harder to build also because the Qb is so important.

[27atwater]

I think it's harder to build the O, but the D is more important. A decent enuff QB can gravy train a great D to the SB. Just ask the Ravens, Bucs and Bears. Very few teams can win w/o a very good D. Even the Colts only made a push when the D got it's $hit together.

[Kaylore]

I think having a good QB is the most important. I know that "defense wins championships" and whatnot, but we went on our big run on '98 with pass defense that was in the bottom third of the league. I think if you don't have a great QB you don't have a prayer regardless of how good your defense is.

[SureShot]

Defense can win championships, but great QBs win out more often.

[Drek]

Its hardest to build a great all around offense because you're heavily reliant on just two guys to carry you, QB and RB. They need to both be elite for an elite offense. On D you can have 11 very good guys and a very good scheme produce elite results. Finding those superstar team leaders is the hardest thing in football.

By importance though I'd rank it like this:
1. Passing Offense: League management has forced this with rules changes. With all the new pass friendly regulations its important to match an opponent with quick strike opportunities, because they could very well do it to you.

2. Rush Defense: You got to stop the run, otherwise you'll have the clock worn out on you. Look at the Colts, their D couldn't do crap right all regular season, then they stop the run in the playoffs and walk away champions. Or the Steelers in '05, tough front seven stopped the run letting their mediocre DBs have it easy. The Colts would have never beat the Pats if they hadn't held their running game somewhat in check, the clock would've run out.

3. Rushing Offense: Its how great teams finish games. Control the clock and you control posessions for the end of the game.

4. Passing Defense: DBs get screwed now, so their role is minimized. Also, its real hard to get elite talents who consistantly produce. An all world secondary is priceless for sure, as it takes away the #1 most important feature, passing offense, but its nearly impossible to assemble. Name a truely great five man secondary that didn't have an exploitable weak link last season, or since the rules changes for that matter.

[NW Bolt Fan]

Offense is tougher to build. Defense can be assembled, offense has to mesh. If that makes sense.

[youcandoit1687]

I think a case in point of the importance of a QB vs. the importance of a defense would be this Super Bowl. Rex Grossman vs. a pretty weak defense, Peyton Manning vs. a very good defense.

[watermock]

I've said this before...I love how we are approaching this offseason, but established performers and our new QB.

No more on our heels defense with Bates, hopefully. We might give up some big plays more often, but we will have more big plays and spend less time on the field so they aren't dragging their asses late in the game. I'll trade a few good games for some equal big sacks, picks ect.

Khan make a very valid point...we can hopefully get a few Mongos for the DL You don't have to groom certain positions like a QB or OL for example. Conversely, other positions like RB and especially DL can make immediate impacts. I'm getting antsy for the draft. I still want Griffin and Antonio Pittman first...then alot of DL. I think we would have to move up in the second to snag Pittman tho.

[spdirty]

I think with offense, its frickin hard to get that elite/great/ or even good QB and Left Tackle.

But once you get those, it shouldnt be too hard to get the rest of the peices.

On defense, the most important position is the D-Line. If you can get consistent pressure on the Qb with your D-Line, it can make your secondary look at lot better than they actually are. Especially in the 4-3.

Problem is that great D-Linemen are such a premium right now its so damn hard to get it. I mean when Patrick Kerney, who is in his 8th or 9th year is making the money he is, you know that getting that great line is real hard to come by.

I just hope we get lucky in this draft in regards to the D-Line.

[spdirty]

I think a case in point of the importance of a QB vs. the importance of a defense would be this Super Bowl. Rex Grossman vs. a pretty weak defense, Peyton Manning vs. a very good defense.

Colts Defense was pretty good during the playoffs though, and The Bears were without 2 key players though in Harris and Brown.

An example Id make to you is the Bucs great defense vs the Faids great offense. Remember their QB was League MVP that year.

[watermock]

Gruden had a hard time from breaking into tears laughing and falling down. He drilled the team on the audibles that Gannon would call...that's why they were able to jump so many plays for picks. Stupid Callahan.

[Kaylore]

Colts Defense was pretty good during the playoffs though, and The Bears were without 2 key players though in Harris and Brown.

An example Id make to you is the Bucs great defense vs the Faids great offense. Remember their QB was League MVP that year.

I'm still shocked that Bob Sanders is apparently the only guy on their team who can play run defense. I've rarely seen one player affect a team so dramatically.

[youcandoit1687]

I'm still shocked that Bob Sanders is apparently the only guy on their team who can play run defense. I've rarely seen one player affect a team so dramatically.

Agreed - Maybe from the MLB position since they call the plays and the defense revolves around them, in a sense, but at the safety position he carried that team in some strange way.

As for that Buc defense, that is a good example, but you have to wonder how accurate that was since the defense knew what the offense was doing. Maybe if Gruden didn't know everything lil' Callahan was going to do, it might be a case in point.

[Odysseus]

What makes a good quarterback good?

1. He doesn't make mistakes. He might not have all the throws but he just does not make big mistakes. He can read defenses.
2. He's a leader and his team is willing to follow him.
3. He has a running back who can carry some of the load.
4. He has a favorite target that makes the play when it's needed.
5. His offensive line isn't totally hideous.
6. He has a good head coach who gives him every chance to win
7. He doesn't quit or let things get to him.
8. Defenses might know what he's going to do but still cannot stop him.
9. He isn't stupid. He doesn't have to be smart just NOT stupid.

[watermock]

I'll never forget some corner or safety laughing after the game knowing exactly what Oakland was calling.

Ironically, I was at the game where Elway flipped off Shanahan. I saw it with my own eyes...Shanny told the D exactly what play Denver would run. This is a game that Reeves turtled worse than Griese after building a 24-0 lead or something like that.

That was the seed that sprouted the Reeves/Elway confrontation. It's historic irony that the coach that helped Elway go to several superbowls in the 80's was fired by Reeves, and how he eventually got the Duke his double rings.

Ya think Bowlen made the right call or was I the only one that went WTF when we took Maddox in the supplemental draft?

He was nothing more than Mark Herman.

[2KBack]

Denver did boast a top 5 offense 4 times with the likes of Griese and Plummer under center.

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

There will be no poll in the interest of not killing ourselves with polls.

We all know that a lot of teams are unbalanced and usually have one strong area and then aren't as strong in another part. Which area - offense or defense - is it harder or easier to improve and why?

I also wonder what the board thinks is the harder unit to groom to an elite level. Offense seems to have advantages as far as the rules and way the game is designed to go. There isn't a lot of love for the defenders in the game today so you could argue it's easier to get an offense to perform well enough to be offensively consistent.

I think the problem is that an offense is so dependent on putting together a good line and having a good player at so many key positions to become elite: wideout, tackle, running back, tight end and quarterback. I think the quarterback especially is the main reason it could be the hardest because there are so few truly great quarterbacks. Some teams have gone more than a decade without seeing even a decent one and without one you can never really have a great offense.

Conversely an NFL defense doesn't as heavily rely on the abilities and skills of one player the way an NFL offense does. Bot are the summation of the team working as a whole, but it's harder to disrupt a defense by just picking on one guy the way attacking a QB can upend an offense. Also it seems that with time, a good coach and smart drafting you can put together a defense easier and faster than it is find a QB that doesn't suck.

Then again, a lot of teams really struggle to find those missing pieces to take their defenses to the next level. They lack one thing or another that can't seem to make it work: That shutdown corner, that game changing defense end (how many teams blow picks on these guys hoping for the next Reggie White?), a linebacker you can build your team around, a hard hitting safety. Some of those pieces can almost as hard as finding a QB and when you need more than a few, it can be extremely expensive and difficult.

Thoughts?

I think its pretty clear which is harder. At the scouting combine. Out of 8 people that ran the 40 under 4.4s 6 were by DBs. If you're putting most of your talent on defense side of the ball it must be harder to build a good defense. Also the offense has all the advantage. The O knows what is going to happen whether is a run or pass and what route is called. But on the defense all the player must react to what the O is doing.

[Cito Pelon]

Either way you slice it, it comes down to development and execution... It's the Front Office and Coaching staff that are clearly under-rated in the NFL. A great combination of FO, HC, position coaches, and scouts will keep an Organization strong for long periods of time.

The true benchmark of success in the NFL isn't Super Bowls, even though everyone is quick to point out that is all they are focused on.

What makes there Organization successful is can you put your team in a competitive situation each year? Look over a 20 year period and has your team been at .500 or above over this time? Has your team been relevant in the playoff discussion nearly every year?
Teams like: Dallas, Pittsburgh, Denver, Miami, NE, KC, Philly, and NYG have done a good job at this.

I agree with this. But above all I would ask, "How many playoff games has your team won over the past 20 years?" You can't expect to win a Conference Title more than 2 out of each five years in 20, but winning one or two playoff games on average every other year, a Conference Title say 2 of every 5 years, and a Lombardi say on average every 6th year is quite a benchmark.

That may be a benchmark no team has reached, but it's something to shoot for instead of just running that tired old rubric up the flagpole every training camp, "We want to win the Super Bowl this year."

[Cito Pelon]

Colts Defense was pretty good during the playoffs though, and The Bears were without 2 key players though in Harris and Brown.

An example Id make to you is the Bucs great defense vs the Faids great offense. Remember their QB was League MVP that year.

For the sake of argument, Oakland came back to within 7 I believe in the 3rd Q. The two SB's were similar though in that the Bucs had to get their weak O going in the playoff run and the SB to complement their D, and the Colts had to get their weak D going in the playoff run and SB to complement their O.

On a side note, has Gruden f'd that team up, or what? He won a power struggle with the GM - Mueller, was it? - that put that SB team together, and tore the team apart, since then he's been last place in the Div every year I believe.

[Cito Pelon]

I'm still shocked that Bob Sanders is apparently the only guy on their team who can play run defense. I've rarely seen one player affect a team so dramatically.

Sanders had an excellent playoffs. That was quite an exhibition of safety play in the big games. I think the Colts changed their DL approach in the playoffs also. Freeney didn't take his usual outside rush on dang near every down, he stayed closer to the DT.