The Greatest Individual Defensive Performances in Super Bowl History
Defense rarely earns the spotlight in the Super Bowl, but when a single player dominates at the highest level, the performance becomes legendary. For us who love a better defense more than a spectacular offense, writing this article was a pleasure.
These five individual defensive efforts stand above all others, measured by impact plays, statistical disruption, and direct influence on the final result.
Von Miller — Super Bowl 50
- Broncos vs. Panthers
- Result: Broncos won 24–10
Stats:
- 2.5 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles
- 3 QB hits
- 1 fumble recovery
Von Miller killing the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 is widely regarded as the greatest individual defensive Super Bowl performance ever. Miller repeatedly strip-sacked league MVP Cam Newton, directly setting up touchdowns. Carolina’s offense collapsed under his pressure, and Miller earned Super Bowl MVP by completely controlling the game off the edge.
Malcolm Smith — Super Bowl XLVIII
- Seahawks vs. Broncos
- Result: Seahawks won 43–8
Stats:
- 1 interception returned for TD
- 1 fumble recovery
- 9 tackles
Smith delivered one of the most impactful single-play defensive performances ever. His pick-six before halftime crushed the Broncos’ momentum and symbolized Seattle’s dominance. While surrounded by stars, Smith’s timing and execution earned him an unlikely Super Bowl MVP. Even though he didn’t go on to make a notable career, Smith will always be remembered because of this game.
Chuck Howley — Super Bowl V
- Cowboys vs. Colts
- Result: Cowboys lost 16–13
Stats:
- 2 interceptions
- 1 forced fumble
Howley remains the only Super Bowl MVP from a losing team. In a sloppy, turnover-filled game, he was everywhere defensively, creating takeaways and preventing points. His performance was so dominant that voters had no choice but to give him the award despite the loss. If his QB Craig Morton had a bit better showing (127 passing yards for one TD and 3 interceptions), the Cowboys would have won this event. Instead Jim O’Brien hit a 32-yard field goal with 5 seconds remaining for the win.
Richard Dent — Super Bowl XX
- Bears vs. Patriots
- Result: Bears won 46–10
Stats:
- 1.5 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles
- 3 QB hits
Dent was the spearhead of the most feared defense in NFL history. He terrorized New England quarterbacks all game, forcing turnovers and collapsing the pocket repeatedly. His pressure helped limit the Patriots to 10 points, earning him Super Bowl MVP. Overall, the Bears’ famous “46 defense” had 7 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Rod Martin — Super Bowl XV
- Raiders vs. Eagles
- Result: Raiders won 27–10
Stats:
- 3 interceptions (Super Bowl record)
- 1 interception returned 44 yards
Martin produced the most interception-heavy Super Bowl performance ever. His three picks completely dismantled Philadelphia’s passing attack and flipped field position repeatedly. No defensive back has ever matched that interception total in a Super Bowl. Probably because there weren’t any defenses like the Raiders’.
