Troy Polamalu recently said he believes the Steelers' defense is better this season than it was when they won the Super Bowl in 2005, and the numbers back him up. This year's team has allowed fewer yards per game (239.1 to 284.0), fewer points per game (13.7 to 16.1) and forced more turnovers per game (1.9 to 1.8).

But where does this rank among the Steelers' greatest defenses since their Super Bowl run began in the mid-1970s? Near the top, at least statistically.

Using solely yards allowed per game, this season ranks behind only the 1976 team, which allowed an average of 237.3. Points-wise, the Steelers have allowed fewer per game four times: 9.9 in 1976, 11.5 in 1975, 12.2 in 1978, and 13.3 in 2001.

The only measure in which this year's unit lags behind is turnovers forced. Several past Steelers defenses were much better at ball-hawking, led by that 1978 team, which forced an amazing 48 turnovers, or three per game.

Below are the top 10 Steelers defenses since 1975, ranked first by yards allowed per game and second by points allowed per game.