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The 1968 Baltimore Colts defense poses for a group photo. When the topic of great defenses in NFL history is discussed, most pundits mention the Steelers of the 1970s, the 1985 Chicago Bears or the 2000 Baltimore Ravens. The 1968 Colts are often forgotten in history due to a shocking upset loss to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III at the Orange Bowl. The 1968 Colts had one of the most dominating seasons in NFL history. Led by head coach Don Shula, Baltimore finished with a 13-1 record, including 3 regular season shutouts. The Colts only defeat came against the Cleveland Browns. They would avenge that loss by demolishing Cleveland 34-0 in the NFL Championship Game. The Colts were so dominant, the Browns offense never crossed the 50 yard line.
Heading into Super Bowl III, the Colts were hailed by some as the greatest team of all time. They were a 18 point favorite against the upstart AFL champion New York Jets. But led by a brash, young Joe Namath, the Jets would shock the football world with a 16-7 victory. Despite the loss, the Colts defense surrendered only one touchdown. However, the Colts could not overcome 5 turnovers by their offense. Like the 2007 New England Patriots, the 1968 Colts are often buried in the history books as just another Super Bowl runner up.
Pictured below: Bottom Row: Ordell Braase (#81), Fred Miller (#76), Billy Ray Smith (#74), Bubba Smith (#78). Middle Row: Don Shinnick (#66), Dennis Gaubatz (#53), Mike Curtis (#32). Back Row; Lenny Lyles (#43), Rick Volk (#21), Jerry Logan (#20) and Bobby Boyd (#40).
