Power Ranking Every NFL Team's Defense Entering Week 8
Defense wins championships. Weโve all heard it said before, but there is some actual merit when it comes to that saying.ย
Teams like the 1985 Chicago Bears have proven that with a strong defense, success is never too far away. We see teams every week that have good games on defense, but only a few can truly say they are โgreatโ defenses.ย
When looking at the NFLโs best defensive squads, some teams immediately come to mind. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are two teams that have built around strong defensive units and have developed winning habits because of it.ย
Having a strong offense doesnโt hurt, but a championship defense can stop anyone and truly make a contender out of virtually any team.
When deciding which team ranks where, there's a lot to consider. Obviously, statistics are the easiest and most efficient measuring stick, but the intangibles also have to be there. Especially since we're less than halfway through the season, a teams' stats could easily be negatively skewed by a bad game or two.ย
Finding a defense that has the total packageโstats, intangibles and that certain fear that they strike into opposing offensesโis hard, but there are definitely a handful of great defenses in the NFL.
*All stats courtesy of NFL.com*
32. Philadelphia Eagles
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The Philadelphia Eagles have had a weak secondary for a few years now, but itโs been especially exploited in 2013. Theyโre allowing 28 points per game and have given up 2,181 yards to their opponents.
While an innovative offense can cause problems for the opposing team, it means nothing if your defense canโt stop anyone, and thatโs what Philly is struggling with at this point in time. The secondary must improve if the Eagles want any chance of winning the NFC East.
31. Detroit Lions
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Struggle is nothing foreign to the Detroit Lions, but now that their offense has turned it around and added some firepower, their defense has fallen behind. Theyโve allowed 99 first downs through the first seven weeks of the season and have given up 1,974 yards, fourth highest in the NFL.
Detroit hasn't even reached the toughest part of its schedule. Things definitelyย arenโt getting easier for the Lions.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Although their offense gets the lion's share of the blame, the defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars is not much better. Second-round pick Jonathan Cyprien has been disappointing to say the least, and the rest of their defense seems to be following the same trend.ย
They Jaguars have given up 15 touchdowns and only have three takeaways. You would think their defense would be better given the fact that Gus Bradley, former defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, is their new head coach, but it seems to have had very little effect.
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29. New York Giants
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Typically known for their defense, the New York Giants have not been playing like the Giants of old. Theyโve recorded just six sacks so far this season and are giving up 31 points per game.
While the Giants did win their first game Monday night against the Vikings, thatโs not saying much, especially when Josh Freeman is the opposing quarterback. The Giants defense did have a pretty good performance, but given the level of competition, itโs just not a big enough sample to say whether or not theyโre โback."
28. Minnesota Vikings
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Youโd think a team that drafted two highly touted defenders in the first round of this yearโs draft would have a better defensive output, but here we are, and the Minnesota Vikings are having a rough time making things work.
Theyโre giving up over 30 points a game and can barely stop anyone on offense. Minnesota still has to play the Seahawks, Ravens, Bengals and the Packers twice, meaning that things are only going to get rougher for them.
The Vikings' biggest issue may just be that theyโre so filled with youth on defense, but there is an abundance of talent within that youth. Once they do get things figured out, they will be a tough defense to take on.ย
27. Washington Redskins
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For a team which has two of the best rush linebackers in the NFL, the Washington Redskins have had another year of weak defensive play. Theyโve given up 24 plays of 20 yards or more, and three plays of 40 yards or more. Washington is also allowing 31 points per game, and thatโs just not how you win games.ย
In a division as competitive as the NFC East is, the Redskins must start doing better on defense if they want any chance of repeating as division champions.
26. St. Louis Rams
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Defense was something the St. Louis Rams prided themselves on last season, but they seem to have fallen off a bit. Theyโve given up 21 plays of 20 yards or more and five plays of 40 yards or more (most in the NFL).ย
The Ramsโ opponents have had a completion percentage of 69, the highest in the NFL. Their run defense has especially stunk, as they have allowed 126 yards per game, with eight runs of over 20 yards. St. Louis has also given up the most rushing touchdowns of any team this season (9).
25. Buffalo Bills
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Things have not been easy for the Buffalo Bills this season. While they were lucky enough to have struck gold in the second round of this yearโs draft with linebacker Kiko Alonso, their defense has still struggled to stop most offenses this year.ย
Theyโve given up more touchdowns than they have takeaways and have allowed 10 plays of 40 yards or more this season. Itโs pretty surprising that they still struggle even with guys like Marcellย Dareus and Jairus Byrd manning their defense.
24. San Diego Chargers
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The San Diego Chargers have been a more efficient team offensively, but their defense is falling behind. Theyโre allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 68 percent of their passes and often find themselves playing from behind.
The Chargers have also given up nearly 2,000 yards of offense through seven weeks; thatโs the most yards theyโve allowed through seven games in the past three years. Now that the Chiefs have become as good as they are, San Diego must step its game up defensively if it wants to keep up in the AFC West.
23. Dallas Cowboys
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Itโs normally the offense of the Dallas Cowboys thatโs getting harped on, but their defense has been the underwhelming unit thus far this season. While the Cowboys did lose a couple of players to free agency, they still have their core group of defenders that has been around for yearsโtheyโre just under-performing at this point.ย
Donโt get me wrong: Theyโve had some great games, but consistency has definitely been an issue. Theyโve allowed the seventh-most touchdowns so far this season (17) and have given up the third-highest passing-yard total this season (2,043).ย
Right now, theyโre on top of the NFC East, but with the Eagles and Redskins just a couple of games behind, itโs imperative that they firm up their defense.
22. Atlanta Falcons
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The Atlanta Falcons might be the most disappointing team in the NFL so far this season. Their streak of winning double-digit games is in danger, as theyโre off to a less-than-impressive 2-4 start. Opposing quarterbacks have had a 66 percent completion rate against the Falcons, who have also allowed 14 passing touchdowns through just seven games (second highest in the NFL).ย
Despite their woes against the pass, theyโve been pretty good against the run, giving up just 598 yards. This could very well turn into a lost season quickly, and the Falcons defense should catch most of the blame.ย
Their offense is averaging 26 points a game, good enough for ninth in the NFL, while their defense is giving up 26.2 points per game. With those kinds of numbers, you just wonโt win a lot of games in this league.
21. Oakland Raiders
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Things have been pretty rough for the Oakland Raiders over the years, particularly on defense. Theyโve gotten solid play from their offense, but their lack of a strong defense is whatโs led them to their current record of 2-4.ย
The Raiders have allowed a 68 percent completion rate through seven games this season, third highest in the NFL. If things donโt change on the field soon, things will be changing off the field.
20. Chicago Bears
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The Chicago Bears have the best cornerback tandem in the NFL with Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings, but outside of those two, things are kind of bland for the Bears on defense. Itโs hard enough to move on without Brian Urlacher, but now that Lance Briggs is injured, it will be even tougher for Chicago to find some leadership on defense.ย
The Bears are giving up 29.4 points per game, fifth most in the NFL. When you play in a division like the NFC North and face guys like Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson twice a year, defense is extremely important.ย
With the way theyโre going now, the Bears wonโt make the playoffs unless their defense picks up.
19. Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins defense had high expectations heading into the season, but it has yet to reach those expectations. The Dolphins are allowing an average of 372 yards per game and have one of the worst passing defenses in the league. Losing Sean Smith in free agency was big, and itโs showing, as theyโre allowing the eighth-most passing yards per game in the NFL.ย
Theyโre still in the mix for the AFC East title, but they will only achieve that if their defense steps up and starts making more plays.
18. Green Bay Packers
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The Green Bay Packers defense has made some positive strides in the past few years and has some of the best defenders in the NFL.ย
That being said, the Packers are without the leader of their defense, Clay Matthews, who is out with injury. Along with Matthews, Casey Hayward has also been out with a tweaked hamstring. Playing without these two guys has definitely impacted the Packers' defensive output, as theyโve allowed an average of 346 total yards a game.ย
Surprisingly, their pass rush hasnโt suffered too badly; theyโve recorded 20 sacks so far this season (sixth best in the NFL). If Green Bay can find some sort of consistency on the defensive side of the ball, then it will be an extremely dangerous team when the playoffs come around.
17. Arizona Cardinals
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The Arizona Cardinals had a great year in 2012 in terms of defense but arenโt doing quite as well in 2013.ย
Theyโve allowed the seventh-most touchdowns in the NFL so far this season (17) and have the sixth-most penalty yards in the league (447). Surprisingly, star corner and defensive leader Patrick Peterson hasnโt played so well this year. He surely hasnโt played badly, but Peterson has not been up to par for what weโre used to seeing from him; heโs on pace for a career-worst year in tackles.ย
This may seem a bit harsh, but for a guy who was considered by some to be the next great NFL cornerback, heโs sure not playing like it.ย
Itโs not all bad for the Cardinals defensively, thoughโKarlos Dansby has been playing at a Pro Bowl level so far this year, as heโs had 62 tackles, 2.5 sacks and nine passes defensed.
16. Baltimore Ravens
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What a difference a year makes. Last year, the Baltimore Ravens had one of the most vaunted defenses in the NFL with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed leading the way. Fast forward to 2013, and Lewis has retired, while Reed is in Houston.ย
They also lost stud pass-rusher Paul Kruger to the Browns and starting linebacker Dannell Ellerbe to the Dolphins. They did bring in Daryl Smith and Elvis Dumervil in free agency, as well as Matt Elam in the draft; all three of these players have done a pretty good job of making up for the team's losses this offseason, but itโs clear the defense just isnโt the same.ย
Baltimore has given up 10 plays of 40 yards or more and is dearly missing the defensive leadership it had for so long.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the best secondary in the NFL on paper.ย
That may sound a bit crazy considering theyโre 0-6, but when you have guys like Darrelle Revis and Mark Barron holding down the fort, itโs hard to argue. Throw in Dashon Goldson and rookie Johnthan Banks, and itโs evident thereโs a lot of talent back there, which shows up on Sundays.
Lavonte David is also a very good defender, and heโs made big waves for the Bucs since coming into the NFL last season. The youth on this Bucs defense portends a bright future for this team defensively.
14. Indianapolis Colts
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While the Indianapolis Colts surely donโt have a bad defense, they definitely donโt have a great one. Theyโve allowed 24 plays of 20 yards or more but have given up just eight passing touchdowns.ย
They did a great job against Peyton Manning and the Broncos last Sunday but looked pedestrian against Philip Rivers and the Chargers a few weeks ago.ย
Theyโve afforded their opposing passers a 59 percent completion rate, eighth lowest in the NFL. They lack a game-changing defense but definitely have some quality pieces in Pat Angerer and Vontae Davis.
13. Tennessee Titans
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The Tennessee Titans have had a pretty forgettable season so far, but they have been doing pretty well on defense.ย
Theyโre sixth in the NFL in sacks (20 through seven games) and have done a pretty good job of shutting down opposing passers (only six passing touchdowns allowed). Bernard Pollardโwhom they signed in free agencyโhas been a tackling machine for the Titans, recording 47 tackles in just seven games (seventh most of the defensive backs).ย
Second-year linebacker Zach Brown has also been a big bright spot for the Titans, and his stats to date portend a fruitful career in the NFL.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Many things have changed for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the years, but their always-intimidating defense is something thatโs hardly changed. Even with the loss of James Harrison this past offseason, Pittsburgh has still been able to post solid numbers defensively.ย
The Steelers have allowed just 11 offensive touchdowns (allowed 33 in 2012) this season, and have been especially good against the run, giving up just 656 yards in seven games.ย
Dick LeBeau has done a tremendous job keeping this defense consistently tough, and it definitely shows when the Steelers take the field.
11. Denver Broncos
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This may seem a bit low for the Denver Broncos, but they just haven't played like the same defense they were last year. That is largely due to the fact that theyโve had to play all but two games without Von Miller and Champ Bailey.ย
Now that these guys have returned, the Broncos defense should look a good bit better, and will probably scoot into the top ten sooner than later.
That being said, Denver has still allowed 2,779 total yards this season (third most in the NFL) along with 22 touchdowns (fourth most in the NFL). Luckily for the Broncos, theyโve got Peyton Manning, who has single-handedly outscored each of the team's opponents this season with his 25 touchdowns.ย
Regardless, improvements must be made in order to ensure and sustain a deep playoff run.
10. New England Patriots
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For a team thatโs known for its offense, the New England Patriots sure have played some good defense this season.ย
Their current record is 5-2, although they could have easily been 2-5 if not for their defense keeping them in games. Cornerback Aqib Talib has been playing lights-out this season, tallying four interceptions and nine passes defensed. Second-year defensive end Chandler Jones has also been an integral part of the defense, but itโs a rookie whoโs arguably been the most impressive Patriot defender so far.ย
Former Maryland Terp Joe Vellano has done a great job filling in for the injured Vince Wilfork. As an undrafted free agent, getting an opportunity to start (especially as a rookie) is tough to come by, but Vellano has made the most of it.
9. New Orleans Saints
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Drew Brees and the offense of the New Orleans Saints are always the talk of the town, but now that Rob Ryan has taken over the defensive coordinator position, the Saints defense has been every bit as impressive.ย
Rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro has been a big-time player for New Orleans, and the pass rush is the best itโs been in years.ย
The Saints are fourth in the league in terms of points allowed and have recorded 20 sacks (had just 29 all of last season). Now that their defense has caught up to their offense, itโs hard to argue that the Saints arenโt a Super Bowl contender.
8. Cleveland Browns
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The Cleveland Browns have gotten a lot of flak this season for several reasons. From trading Trent Richardson to allowing Brandon Weeden to once again be their starter, the Browns are a pretty easy team to hate on, but their defense is one thing you just canโt knock.ย
While it lacks big-name players outside of Paul Kruger and Joe Haden, the Browns defense has become one of the best units in the NFL. The first-round pick from this yearโs draft, Barkevious Mingo, has been great for Cleveland and is second on the team in sacks.ย
The Browns are one of those teams that, if it werenโt for their defense (and some luck with Brian Hoyer), probably wouldnโt have won any games yet this season.
7. New York Jets
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Nobody gave the New York Jets much of a chance heading into 2013, but here they are at 4-3, just one game out of first place in the division. The obvious reason for their surprising success this season is their stingy defense. They have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, but also have one of the most underrated defenders in the league as well.ย
Muhammad Wilkerson has been the most consistent defender in New York since he was drafted, and has been on an absolute tirade this season. Heโs tallied 26 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles so far, and is on pace to post career bests in sacks and forced fumbles.ย
If the Jets' defense keeps this up, they could very well steal the AFC East crown from the clutches of New England.
6. San Francisco 49ers
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The San Francisco 49ers have been on a roll defensively this season. They've recorded 17 sacks, four forced fumbles and nine interceptions in 2013 en route to a 5-2 record.
They added safety Eric Reid in this past draftโa move that is clearly paying off, as he has five passes defensed and three interceptions through seven games.ย
While the 49ers are a great defense overall, their strength lies in their linebacking corps. Whether itโs Patrick Willis or NaVorro Bowman, the linebackers of San Francisco are some of the most feared tacklers in the NFL.
5. Houston Texans
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Despite the team falling apart offensively, the Houston Texansโ defense has still stood strong this season. They did lose Brian Cushing for the season after last Sundayโs game, but theyโve been able to perform well without him and I expect the same this time around.ย
Their pass rush is headlined by J.J. Watt, but is enforced by guys like Brooks Reed and Whitney Mercilus. They also boast a pretty well-rounded secondary with guys like Jonathan Joseph and Ed Reed leading the way.ย
The Texans may not be the powerhouse team that they were last season, but they are every bit as talented defensively.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
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While already a talented group, the Cincinnati Bengals defense has the potential to be even better.ย
The Bengalsโ defensive unit is headed by Geno Atkins, a disruptive defensive tackle whoโs been looking like a modern-day John Randle as of late. He has yet to miss a game in his NFL career and is a big reason why the Bengals have been a playoff team the past couple of years.ย
Outside of Atkins, Cincy heavily leans on second-year linebacker Vontaze Burfict quite a bit, and for good reason. Despite having a rocky road to the NFL, Burfict has been a pleasant surprise for the Bengals.ย
After going undrafted, Burfict recorded 127 tackles in 2012 and added an extra โoomphโ to the team.
3. Carolina Panthers
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Gritty, smashmouth football; thatโs what the Carolina Panthers do. With second-year star Luke Kuechly leading the way, the Panthers have earned the moniker of most-feared front seven in the NFL.ย
Their secondary isnโt spectacular by any means, but itโs hard to look bad when you have over 1,200 pounds of pass rush along the defensive line. Rookie Star Lotulelei has turned out to be a tremendous addition at the nose tackle position, earning his stripes as a run-stuffing force in the middle.ย
Carolina has allowed just seven touchdowns this season, the least of any team in the NFL. Carolina has a young, tough defense that will help it accomplish great thing in the near future.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
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Andy Reid, while largely known for his implementation of the West Coast offense (and most recently for his resemblance to the Kool-Aid man), quietly put together a star-studded yet blue collar defense this past offseason.ย
The Chiefs added respected cornerbacks Sean Smith and Dunta Robinson, while also shoring up their defensive line with former New York Jet Mike DeVito. Theyโve allowed just eight touchdowns this season and are allowing 11.6 points per game.ย
As the only remaining undefeated team, the Chiefs have made a hell of a turnaround with much thanks going to their defense.
1. Seattle Seahawks
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The Seattle Seahawks are the class of the NFL when it comes to defense. With a defense built by Pete Carroll and now-head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars Gus Bradley, Seattle has compiled a group of hard-hitting, athletic defenders.ย
The Seahawks defense is highlighted by the secondary, better known as the Legion of Boomโcomprised of Brandon Browner, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and the corner everyone loves to hate, Richard Sherman.ย
While Sherman is the type to let you know how bad heโs beating you, the others arenโt quite as boisterous but are every bit as dangerous. Theyโve allowed a measly 12 touchdowns through seven weeks of the season, third fewest in the entire league.ย
The Seahawks are also the only team in the NFL with more than one recorded safety. Theyโre great, they know theyโre great and theyโll let you know theyโre great. Seattle is just plain scary on the defensive side of the ball.
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