Buddy Ryan: A Defensive Genius!

 Now, it is no secret that I really love the game of Football. Even more so, I am more of a defensive kind of guy when it comes to the sport. And in my humble opinion, one of, if not the greatest defensive coach in the history of football and than James David Ryan aka "Buddy Ryan".

After serving in the Army during the Korean War. Thank You for your service! Ryan joined into the college ranks as a defensive line coach during the early 60s.

By the end of the decade, Buddy found himself in the NFL as a defensive line coach for the New York Jets. Which ultimately led to him winning his first Super Bowl thanks to the guarantee that was made by Broadway Joe Namath where they defeated the Colts.

Ryan then moved on to the Minnesota Vikings for a few seasons getting to work with the Purple People Eaters. It was during these times with the Jets and Vikings is where Ryan would soon become what he is most famous for and that was the 46 defense.

When Ryan arrived to Chicago to become the defensive coordinator of the Bears, no one could have ever imagine the carnage that was about to be displayed all over the NFL. From 1978 to 1985, the Monsters of the Midway certainly lived up to their name.

Obviously I wasn't alive when it happened, but hearing these stories about Buddy Ryan and the Bears defense certainly caught my curiosity. And thanks to the power of the internet and documentaries about this team, I was finally able to see what people were talking about. And all I have to say was HOLY CRAP! If these guys would play in the league today, that would be playing for free because of all of the fines that they would have received or possibly be out of the league. I mean just WOW with the intensity they played with against their opponents was incredible to watch.

In large part of the defense, I must say, the Bears completely torn the entire league a new one in their road to the Super Bowl championship during the 1985 season. I mean these guys pitched back to back shutouts against the Giants and then the Rams before absolutely terrorizing the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. I never thought I'd feel so bad for a Quarterback until I saw what they did to Tony Eason. 😬

Sadly, this would be the last time Buddy would be with the Bears as prior to the Super Bowl it was announced that Ryan was going to become the Eagles new Head Coach. And boy did he ever create an amazing defense there as well. To be honest, I truly believe that it was a mistake by the Eagles to let Buddy go in 1990 as it was the Eagles third straight season making the playoffs. Can you imagine Buddy Ryan and the Eagles throughout the 90s against Jimmy Johnson and the Dallas Cowboys during that time? That be some fun football to watch!

I just love the attack mentally about Buddy, his style of play was to take away his opponent's quarterback. He wasn't purposely trying to hurt nobody, but was not to afraid to tell his players to go all out. Say what you want about his personally, but I also hear how all of his former players loved him so much and were willing to fight for him so, he must have done something right.

And again, I am a defensive guy when it comes to football and in my humble opinion, I wish defenses could be a little more aggressive nowadays.

Not only did he create some amazing defenses, but also help produce some incredible talent throughout his coaching career. Players like Mike Singletary who basically dominated the middle of the field, Otis Wilson, Gary Fencik, Wilbur Marshall, Dave Duerson, Steve McMichael, Richard Dent, William "The Refrigerator" Perry, Dan Hampton. And that was just on the Bears team.

When Buddy coached the Eagles, he coached great players like Reggie White aka "The Minister of Defense", Jerome Brown, Seth Joyner, Clyde Simmons and would definitely give a ton of credit to Buddy for the Gang Green Defense of 1991. 

It is a shame that Buddy is no longer with us and I do wish I could see more amazing defense in football like it was back in the day. Again, say what you want about Buddy and the way he did things, but you can not deny the fact he was one heck of football coach.

Rest In Peace Buddy!

Until Next Time!

God Bless and Be Safe Everybody! 🙏🙏🙏 

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