With training camp just weeks away, Football Outsiders has taken on the task of ranking the top 30 teams of the past 30 years, and the Buccaneers' championship team has climbed all the way into the top ten. In their rankings, Football Outsiders has the Bucs' championship team as the No. 9 team in the past 30 years.
Football Outsiders broke down their top teams into several subcategories, including the top offenses and defenses. The Buccaneers' defense, led by Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp, came in at No. 2. The 1991 Eagles were the only defense ranked ahead of the Buccaneers, but that group did not end the season as the Super Bowl champions.
"This is the best pass defense of the past 30 years," Adam Schantz wrote. "According to DVOA, the Bucs were 51.9 percent more efficient than the baseline during the regular season. They allowed 4.5 net yards per pass, the third-best figure of the past 20 years. They allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete just 51 percent of passes.
"They led the league with 31 interceptions, nearly double the league average of 16.5. They were at their best in the most important situations: No. 1 in the red zone, No. 1 in the second half of close games, and No. 3 against the pass on third downs. Defensive end Simeon Rice, defensive tackle Warren Sapp and linebacker Derrick Brooks were all selected as first-team All-Pros, with linebacker Shelton Quarles and safety John Lynch joining them in the Pro Bowl."
For Football Outsiders' full list, click **HERE**.
