Do defenses' win Championships?

In a word, yes. And in another word, no. The reality is, teams win championships. Offense, defense, special teams, all executing their assignments properly and making plays. That's what wins championships. As a fan of the San Francisco 49ers (more on that later) I am acutely aware of the value of a good defense. Because (I know grammar whores) for the best part of a decade the 49ers offense under the direction of Bill Walsh worked like a well oiled, well tuned machine. It scored points, like all good offenses do. But it was only in '81, '84, '88 and '89 that all the goodies came together and the 49ers brought home the big trophy. The missing link in the off years was largely defense. So the argument that defense wins championships seems valid. Except till you look at this year alone. Three teams spring to mind. The Redskins, the Bengals and the Jets. All three teams have put on a great defensive show, and all three teams have struggled mightily on offense. The closest team to lifting the big prize were the Jets, who ironically epitomized the "great defense, average offense" approach. But even they fell short. The simple fact is, no defense can survive too long without a good offense to help it. Your great defense only needs to have an off day at an inopportune moment and it's lights out, 'cos you're going home. Even those hearty and determined linebackers can't help but weep into their helmets when they see their offense go three and out again. Defense needs offense, just as much as offense needs defense. And this years Superbowl is really the crowning example of that. Two teams who've been great offensively in the last few seasons. Two teams who've had a checkered recent history on defense. Two teams who've finally found their groove this year, on both sides of the ball, and are now set to play for the ultimate prize in all of Football. But enough about them, let's talk 49ers again. Specifically October 31st, 2010. Because (sorry again grammar people) on this day the 49ers will be in London, at Wembley stadium. And I'm going to be right there with them. Well, I'll be sitting up in block 529, but that's kind of being there with them. It'll be my first ever live, in the flesh 49ers game and I can't wait. The cost was heavy, but I'm sure it will be worth it. Just please God (and more importantly, Jimmy Raye), give the ball to GORE!!!!!!!