Midseason Report Card Grades for Every NFL Defense

In order to establish midseason grades for each NFL defense, I looked at a wide range of statistics. The ones with the biggest impact were total yards allowed, turnovers created, total number of sacks and strength of schedule.

The inclusion of strength of schedule is important to note, as there are a few teams that benefited from facing a handful of poor offenses.

Dallas Cowboys: B+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 105 yards per game/15th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 187 yards per game/third

One of the major keys to the Dallas Cowboys season is the improved play of the secondary. Jerry Jones’ aggressive offseason moves to bring in Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne have paid off. This tandem allows Rob Ryan to get creative with his play-calling.

However, nobody should overlook the impact that a healthy Sean Lee had on the entire defense. Lee’s range in the running game and solid pass coverage make him an excellent all-around player. This is why his season-ending injury could really hurt the Cowboys.

It’s important to note that Dallas has been dealing with injury problems along the defensive line. Starters Jay Ratliff and Kenyon Coleman have both missed time this season. Look for the Cowboys' numbers against the run to improve as the players' health improves.

New York Giants: C

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 126 yards per game/23rd

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 253 yards per game/21st

The New York Giants defense hasn't met expectations his season. However, a lot of that has to do with injury problems in the secondary. Defensive backs like Terrell Thomas, Prince Amukamara, Jayron Hosley, Michael Coe, Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips have all missed time with injuries.

That type of turnover in one unit hurts communication and continuity. However, the defensive line hasn't really helped much. This is a group that features top-notch pass-rushers like Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. Combined, those three only have 8.5 sacks.

New York's defensive success relies heavily on the front four's ability to generate pressure.

Philadelphia Eagles: B-

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 104 yards per game/14th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 226 yards per game/15th

Dealing with an offense that's turnover-prone is a tough task for any defense. The Philadelphia Eagles defense has constantly been put in terrible situations thanks to Michael Vick's inability to protect the football. Despite the turnover issues, the defense has done a good job limiting opponents' points.

The biggest key to the Eagles' defensive success is the play of linebacker DeMeco Ryans, as his addition solidified a linebacking unit that struggled last season. Ryans has also done a good job mentoring rookie Mychal Kendricks, who is quickly developing into an impact player.

It's important to note that Philadelphia has seemed to figure out how to properly use Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Allowing both players to line up on the outside in press coverage is important to their success.

However, the overall defense's production was limited because of the game plan drawn up by Juan Castillo. That's why Andy Reid made the decision to make a change at defensive coordinator. Todd Bowles will take over the play-calling duties.

Bowles is a talented coach and has been on the head-coaching radar for several years.

Washington Redskins: D-

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 85 yards per game/seventh

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 328 yards per game/32nd

The Washington Redskins' numbers against the run look good because teams are able pass on them with ease. This secondary’s poor play is one of the things keeping Washington out of the playoff hunt. For example, Washington should’ve beaten the New York Giants this past weekend, but the secondary allowed a 77-yard touchdown pass in the final minutes.

Of course, the team’s ability to stop the pass is impacted by the injury to Brian Orakpo. With him out of the lineup, Washington isn’t generating a lot of pressure on the quarterback.

Buffalo Bills: F

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 177 yards per game/32nd

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 247 yards per game/20th

The Buffalo Bills' poor defensive play is a complete mystery. This group features a lot of talent along the defensive line, veteran linebackers and young playmakers in the secondary. It's shocking to see such a good collection of talent struggle so much.

A lot of blame is being placed on second-year corner Aaron Williams. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams has given up the most touchdowns of any cornerback in the NFL.

However, Williams isn’t the one allowing opposing offenses to run for 176 yards per game. As a whole, this group has severely disappointed.

It’s possible some changes to the staff are made in the coming weeks.

Miami Dolphins: C+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 78 yards per game/fourth

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 285 yards per game/28th

When looking at the output of the Miami Dolphins defense, it’s important to note the presence of Ryan Tannehill. Because of Tannehill’s up-and-down play, the defense sees a lot more time on the field. Simple math tells us that more time on the field typically means more yards allowed.

However, the Dolphins have done a great job overcoming the issues on offense to play strong defense. Miami’s ability to shut down the run has been especially impressive. It's yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season.

Miami has some problems slowing down the opponent’s passing attack. A lot of that has to do with the trade of Vontae Davis and injury to Richard Marshall.

New England Patriots: C-

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 86 yards per game/eighth

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 290 yards per game/29th

The New England Patriots defense as a whole is much better than last season’s group. They’ve especially improved their ability to stop the run. This has a lot to do with the strong play of a linebacking group featuring Jerod Mayo, Dont’a Hightower and Brandon Spikes.

New England’s secondary is dealing with some mistakes from a group of youngsters. They have several players like Devin McCourty, Ras-I Dowling, Alfonzo Dennard, Tavon Wilson and Nate Ebner receiving significant playing time. Each of those players has three years' experience or less in the NFL.

The fact that these young players are seeing a lot of snaps should pay dividends down the line.

New York Jets: C+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 148 yards per game/30th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 215 yards per game/ninth

Rex Ryan and the New York Jets have to be pleased with the way the defense has performed. Several injuries, most notably the one to Darrelle Revis, have taken a toll on the depth of the unit. This, combined with an ineffective offense, typically spells disaster.

However, the defense is holding its own because several players have raised their level of play. Antonio Cromartie, Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples are all playing at a very high level.

Unfortunately, it’s tough to imagine the defense keeping up this pace for the rest of the season. The offense’s inability to sustain drives will wear on the defense.

Arizona Cardinals: B+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 121 yards per game/20th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 191 yards per game/fourth

The Arizona Cardinals defense is another unit succeeding despite the poor play of its offense. This defense is constantly on the field and put in poor situations. It’s safe to say the only reason the Cardinals have a winning record is thanks to the defense.

Because of a poor offensive line, the Cardinals offense can’t sustain drives and turns the ball over often. This forces the defense to spend extra time on the field and deal with poor field position.

When talking about the Cardinals defense, Daryl Washington’s name must be mentioned. The third-year linebacker is playing at an All-Pro level. He’s on pace to record over 100 tackles and top the double-digit-sack mark. Don’t be surprised if Washington’s name is mentioned in the Defensive Player of the Year race.

San Francisco 49ers: A

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 99 yards per game/10th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 173 yards per game/first

For the second year in a row, the San Francisco 49ers defense ranks as one of the top units in the NFL. This is a group that does a good job in pass coverage, dominating the line of scrimmage and rushing the passer.

The play of linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis sets the tone for the entire unit. While Willis gets the majority of the media attention, it’s Bowman who leads the team in tackles.

San Francisco also must be impressed with the development of a few of its younger defensive backs. Perrish Cox, Chris Culliver and Tarell Brown give the 49ers good depth in the secondary.

One area of concern is the low total of recorded sacks. As a team, they rank 24th in the league with only 11 sacks. This is an area that must be improved upon in the second half of the season.

Seattle Seahawks: A

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 85 yards per game/sixth

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 212 yards per game/eighth

The Seattle Seahawks defense is an aggressive and physical group. The players are above-average in all phases of the game, including stopping the run, defending the pass and rushing the passer. The balance they have at all levels is what makes them so effective.

It starts with the defensive line and players like Red Bryant, Alan Branch and Brandon Mebane, who do a great job controlling the line of scrimmage. Chris Clemons and Bruce Irvin complement this group with their speed off the edge.

The linebacker unit is young and very active. Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright are quickly developing into one of the better duos in the league.

However, it's the secondary that sets the tone for the entire defense. This group is physical, nasty and effective. The size of cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner make it tough for wide receivers to get comfortable. Earl Thomas' range and ball skills give Seattle a ball hawk in the back end of the defense, and Kam Chancellor is an intimidating force.

Overall, this group is one of the better units in the NFL.

St. Louis Rams: C+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 99 yards per game/11th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 226 yards per game/14th

The St. Louis Rams boast a young and developing defensive unit. Youngsters like Michael Brockers, Robert Quinn and Janoris Jenkins are great building blocks for the future. Each of these three has had games where it's easy to see the type of potential they possess.

Against the Green Bay Packers, Brockers showed that he is capable of dominating the line of scrimmage. He recorded four tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack.

Brockers is part of a defensive line that is quickly becoming a very effective unit. They have balance with Brockers stuffing the run and the pass rush of Chris Long and Quinn.

The secondary also has some really nice pieces. Cortland Finnegan, Quintin Mikell and Jenkins form a group with a ton of potential.

Look for the Rams defense to continue to improve as the season progresses.

Denver Broncos: C+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 115 yards per game/18th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 215 yards per game/10th

The biggest issue plaguing the entire Denver Broncos team is its inability to start games on a positive note. This is true on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

Offensively, the Broncos are struggling with turnovers early in the game. This puts the Broncos defense in tough situations, typically resulting in points for the other team. The defense needs to do a better job bailing out the offense. Good football teams have that ability to overcome mistakes.

Outside of the slow starts, the Broncos defense has had its share of ups and downs. For example, they've held running backs like Michael Turner and Darren McFadden under the 50-yard mark. However, they also have allowed someone like Stevan Ridley to top the 150-yard mark.

Despite some inconsistencies, Denver's defense has shown potential. This is especially true for Von Miller. He's quickly developing into one of the more dangerous defenders in the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs: D+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 125 yards per game/22nd

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 225 yards per game/13th

The only real bright spot for the Kansas City Chiefs defense is the play of outside linebacker Justin Houston. He has developed into a good edge-rusher and already has six sacks this season. His development is important because it gives Kansas City another option opposite Tamba Hali.

Kansas City's biggest defensive problem is keeping opponents out of the end zone. On the season, this group is allowing just over 30 points per game. Because of the limitations of the Chiefs offense, the team has little chance of winning games allowing this many points.

On a side note, rookie Dontari Poe is showing signs of his potential. He's far from a finished product, but each week he is improving.

Oakland Raiders: D

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 102 yards per game/13th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 255 yards per game/22nd

Due to salary-cap issues, the Oakland Raiders were forced to make a lot of changes to the roster. This mostly impacted the secondary, where Oakland started the season with bargain veterans like Shawntae Spencer and Ron Bartell.

These changes have made it difficult for the defense to play competitive football.

Despite the overall struggles, the Raiders are getting solid play from a young linebacking unit. Rolando McClain, Philip Wheeler and Miles Burris have shown signs of promise. This is a group that the Raiders can start to build around.

San Diego Chargers: C

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 71 yards per game/second

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 268 yards per game/25th

The San Diego Chargers defense has put up good numbers this season. However, that production is deceiving because they've faced some terrible offenses. Teams like the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs really struggle to move the football.

However, this doesn't mean the Chargers lack talent on the defensive side of the ball. They have a group of younger players, featuring Melvin Ingram and Kendall Reyes, that only figures to get better as the season progresses.

It's also important to note that former first-round pick Corey Liuget is starting to play good football. His play, combined with the emergence of Donald Butler, gives this defense a good chance to have a strong second half.

Chicago Bears: A

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 71 yards per game/first

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 228 yards per game/16th

The main reason the Chicago Bears sit atop the NFC North is their defense. Chicago’s defense isn’t only keeping opposing offenses out of the end zone; this group is scoring touchdowns of its own. The defense has converted five of its 21 turnovers into scored points.

This was supposed to be the year that the Bears offense surpassed the defense. However, the offense has struggled to find consistency.

Players like Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings are having career years, and this group is also playing well as a unit.

Detroit Lions: B-

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 109 yards per game/16th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 211 yards per game/sixth

The Detroit Lions defense has performed well despite dealing with a lot of injuries in the secondary. It's tough for any defense to succeed when the majority of its secondary has missed a significant amount of time. This often results in experienced players seeing playing time, which in turn results in a lot of mistakes.

Detroit is getting good production from its defensive line. The group of Ndamukong Suh, Cliff Avril, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Nick Fairley and Corey Williams does a good job controlling the line of scrimmage. However, it's the group's ability to rush the passer that makes a difference.

That pass rush is the main reason the Lions pass defense doesn't look terrible on paper. It's not because of the secondary; it's because the defensive line forces poor throws.

The linebacking corps also deserves a lot of credit. This group quickly flows to the football and makes plays sideline to sideline.

Green Bay Packers: C

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 110 yards per game/17th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 232 yards per game/17th

Last season, the Green Bay Packers defense was one of the worst in the league, so just about anything they did this season would've been an improvement. Despite dealing with some injury issues, the Packers defense has taken a step forward.

A lot of the improvements are because of the contributions made by several key rookies. Jerel Worthy, Casey Hayward, Jerron McMillian and Nick Perry have all looked good this season. All four are major parts of Green Bay's weekly plan.

Another major key is Clay Matthew's ability to rebound from only recording six sacks in 2011. He has already surpassed that mark with nine so far this season. His ability to create pressure on the quarterback is the catalyst for the entire Packers defense.

The news that Charles Woodson is expected to miss time with an injury hurts. He's one of the leaders and top playmakers on the roster.

Minnesota Vikings: B-

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 100 yards per game/12th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 219 yards per game/11th

The Minnesota Vikings' defensive success has a lot to do with its schedule. Having the ability to face offenses with limited explosiveness like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans really helps a unit look good.

However, not all of Minnesota's success can be tied to the schedule. The defense has a good mix of veteran talent and young playmakers. Jared Allen's ability to generate pressure on the quarterback is the one constant that keeps the group together.

Rookie safety Harrison Smith is proving to be a real difference-maker. He does a good job not only in coming up to support the run but also dropping back in deep coverage. Smith possesses a great feel for the game and is rarely out of position.

Minnesota's overall defensive numbers will drop as it starts to face tougher competition. However, this is a defense that possesses some good talent.

Baltimore Ravens: D+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 143 yards per game/27th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 257 yards per game/23rd

The wheels are starting to fall off for the Baltimore Ravens defense. Injuries, losing players to free agency and the constant rotation of coaches have taken their toll. It seems like every year the Ravens are forced to find a new defensive coordinator because the previous one got a head-coaching job.

However, this year’s struggles are more about the injuries. Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis, Lardarius Webb, Haloti Ngata and Ed Reed have all dealt with injury problems.

The Ravens could be in real trouble if defensive coordinator Dean Pees can’t find a way to right the ship.

Cincinnati Bengals: C-

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 124 yards per game/21st

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 233 yards per game/18th

One of the biggest issues the Cincinnati Bengals defense is dealing with this year is the poor play of its veteran cornerbacks. The Bengals were counting on Nate Clements, Terence Newman and Adam Jones to play slightly above-average football.

However, the struggles of this group is the top factor in the 233 passing yards Cincinnati allows per game. The preseason injury to first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick only adds to the issues in the secondary.

This defense still boasts a lot of talent and has a chance to turn things around. The strong play of Michael Johnson and Geno Atkins and development of Vontaze Burfict give this unit potential. They just need the secondary to start playing better.

Cleveland Browns: D+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 134 yards per game/24th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 277 yards per game/26th

The Cleveland Browns defense has a lot of youth making an impact. They have as many as five players with less than three years' experience seeing significant playing time. This widespread youth is one of the main reasons the Browns defense has struggled so much. There's talent on this defense, but the group is prone to mistakes.

Losing Joe Haden for a four-game stretch didn't help. His suspension forced the Browns to give players like Buster Skrine and Trevin Wade meaningful snaps. It hurt even more that Haden was forced to sit out after he had a very impressive game against the Philadelphia Eagles—it just killed his momentum.

Some positives include the strong play of rookies Billy Winn and L.J. Fort. Both players were forced into action because of injury but played well from the start. These two can now be counted on as building blocks for the future.

Pittsburgh Steelers: B+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 93 yards per game/ninth

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 185 yards per game/second

Injuries to Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley have impacted the play of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. However, they've still managed to play good football because younger players like Ryan Mundy and Jason Worilds stepped in.

This defense has an issue with aging veterans, but it appears that this group has one more good run left. Things should only get better once Polamalu returns to the lineup sometime during the second part of the season.

The healthier this group gets, the better they'll play on the field.

Atlanta Falcons: C+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 144 yards per game/28th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 223 yards per game/12th

One thing keeping the Atlanta Falcons defense from really struggling is the 17 turnovers it has generated. These takeaways have masked the fact that this defense is giving up big chunks of yardage on both the ground and through the air.

The struggles they're having stopping the run are a real concern. This is something opponents can use to slow down Atlanta's offense. Running the football eats up time on the clock, and the Falcons will only continue their success if they get Matt Ryan a ton of possessions.

Another area of concern is the limited pass rush from the defensive ends. John Abraham (six sacks) and Kroy Biermann (one sack) are the only defensive ends to register a sack.

Because of its hot start, Atlanta has its sights set on a Super Bowl appearance. This will only happen if the defense raises the level of its play.

Carolina Panthers: D+

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 120 yards per game/19th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 246 yards per game/19th

The Carolina Panthers defense just isn't making enough impact plays. This is one of the main reasons why Carolina is having such a disappointing season. On the season, the defense has only generated seven turnovers.

Injuries have played a major role in the Panthers' defensive struggles. Impact players like Jon Beason and Chris Gamble have already been lost for the season. It's tough for a team with limited talent to overcome injuries to some of its best players.

Outside of injuries and lack of turnovers, Carolina is also struggling to generate pressure on the quarterback. The highly paid Charles Johnson has only been able to manage 3.5 sacks so far this season.

New Orleans Saints: F

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 161 yards per game/31st

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 305 yards per game/30th

The New Orleans Saints are lucky they have Drew Brees at quarterback because the defense is just awful. Opposing offenses are averaging over 30 points per game and 460 yards of offense. This defense has made average quarterbacks like Josh Freeman and Matt Cassel look like elite signal-callers.

New Orleans' struggles aren’t limited to just one area, as it is equally bad against the run and the pass. However, the team’s inability to generate a consistent pass rush is a real issue. The success of Steve Spagnuolo’s system relies on the front four being able to get after the quarterback.

This group will continue to struggle all season, which is why Brees’ presence has never been more important.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C-

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 76 yards per game/third

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 323 yards per game/31st

The root of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive problems is the lack of a pass rush. On the season, the Buccaneers have only been able to register eight sacks. This lack of pressure has impacted the secondary's ability to hold up in coverage.

It's hard enough handling the NFL's long list of explosive wide receivers, but it's harder when the quarterback has extra time to locate open targets. The secondary itself needs to shoulder some of the blame. However, there's no way to properly evaluate it because of the poor pass rush.

The one positive to take from the Buccaneers defense is the play of its linebackers. Youngsters Mason Foster and Lavonte David are building blocks for the future. Both possess good instincts and the ability to make plays sideline to sideline.

Houston Texans: A

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 83 yards per game/fifth

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 200 yards per game/fifth

The Houston Texans have arguably the best defense in the entire NFL. They have standouts like J.J. Watt and Johnathan Joseph, but they also play well as a group. Watt is playing at such a high level that he’s a strong candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award and maybe even the MVP.

Watt is such a special player because of his versatility. He impacts the game with his ability to rush the passer, stuff the run and bat balls down at the line of scrimmage. He’s quickly becoming one of the more dominant players in the league.

It’s because of this defense that Houston is such a strong Super Bowl contender.

Indianapolis Colts: C-

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 142 yards per game/26th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 211 yards per game/seventh

The Indianapolis Colts just don't have enough talent on defense to contend with the other teams in the NFL. However, they are getting a good look at some younger players who might be building blocks for the future. This includes second-year linebacker Jerrell Freeman.

Freeman leads the team in both tackles and interceptions. His play has been important because the Colts were in a tough spot when Pat Angerer went down with an injury.

A few other bright spots for the Colts are Robert Mathis, Vontae Davis, Cory Redding and Kavell Connor.

Look for Indianapolis to go heavy on defense in the upcoming draft.

Jacksonville Jaguars: D

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 147 yards per game/29th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 265 yards per game/24th

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has recorded a league-worst five sacks this season, with two of those sacks coming from 330-pound defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. Jacksonville can pin just about all its defensive problems on this inability to rush the quarterback.

Another issue surrounds the offense's inability to sustain drives. It boasts the league's worst third-down conversion percentage at 27 percent. This means the defense gets very little time to rest and regain its energy.

Obviously, Jacksonville's problems can't be pinned to one specific area. This is a team that has a lot of issues.

Tennessee Titans: F

Rushing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 135 yards per game/25th

Passing Yards Allowed/NFL Rank: 281 yards per game/27th

The Tennessee Titans are another one of those teams with a defense that struggles because of limited pressure on the quarterback. Expectations were high for a group that included Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan. At this point in the season, those two have a combined sack total of only four.

Another contributing factor to the struggles of Tennessee's defense is youth. The Titans have as many as six players with three years' experience or less seeing significant playing time. This youth has especially impacted the consistency of the linebacking corps.

Colin McCarthy, Akeem Ayers and Zach Brown are very talented, but their inexperience has a tendency to put them out of position.