Falcons' 1977 Grits Blitz defense rated best in NFL history
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons' 1977 defense, known as the Grits Blitz, is now confirmed as the best in NFL history according to a modern metric, DVOA. Under head coach Leeman Bennett, the defense allowed just 128 points in a 14-game season, averaging 9.2 points per game, a record still unbroken. The Falcons transitioned from a poor 1976 defense to the top-ranked unit, excelling in both rushing and pass defense, showcasing innovative blitz-heavy schemes. Bennett and his coaching staff utilized 3-4 concepts and five-man packages, leading to significant success against opposing offenses. This recognition reaffirms the historical significance of the Grits Blitz in the NFL.
- •1977 Falcons defense allowed fewest points ever in a season
- •DVOA confirmed Falcons as top defense over Super Bowl champions
- •Transition from 1976's poor defense to a remarkable improvement
- •Innovative blitz-heavy tactics employed by coaching staff
- •Defense excelled in both rush and pass statistics
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — Yes, the Falcons’ 1977 Grits Blitz defense really was the NFL’s best
"The 1977 ‘Grits Blitz’ Falcons defense was thought to be one of the best in NFL history. Now, one particular modern metric confirms the theory.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Jun 9, 2026, 5:42 PMRams OT Alaric Jackson reportedly arrested for felony domestic battery- NFL•Jun 9, 2026, 5:36 PMMike Vrabel reveals Christian Gonzalez's status for mandatory minicamp
- NFL•Jun 9, 2026, 5:11 PMCeeDee Lamb: Our new defense is "annoying to prepare against"
- NFL•Jun 9, 2026, 5:00 PMCowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 96
- NFL•Jun 9, 2026, 4:41 PMJaylen Waddle clearly unlocks one aspect of Broncos' offense
- NFL•Jun 9, 2026, 4:35 PMCowboys QB Dak Prescott's problem is obvious, but the solution eludes Dallas
