Who Has The #1 Defense In The NFL Right Now?
Contents
The answer might surprise you. See which NFL team has the top defense according to our metrics.
The Case For The Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens currently have the number one defense in the NFL. Let’s take a look at why they might be the best defense in the league right now. The Ravens are currently leading the league in sacks and interceptions. They also have a very good rushing defense. Let’s take a closer look at each of these areas.
The Numbers
In 2020, the Baltimore Ravens had the #1 ranked defense in the NFL according to Football Outsiders. They were also #1 in points allowed per game, yards allowed per play, and takeaways. The defense was led by DE/LB Matt Judon, who had 9.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles; CB Marlon Humphrey, who had 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles; and DT Calais Campbell, who had 7 sacks. Other key contributors included S Earl Thomas III, LB Patrick Queen, and DE Yannick Ngakoue.
The Ravens’ success on defense is due to their ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and force turnovers. They are especially good at creating turnovers with their ball-hawkingsecondary. The secondary is led by Marlon Humphrey, who has developed into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He is physical and has a nose for the ball, which allows him to make plays on the ball even when he is not in perfect position. Earl Thomas III is another playmaker in the secondary who excels at creating turnovers. He is a former first-team All-Pro safety who is still playing at a high level. The Ravens also have a talented group of young defensive backs who are starting to make an impact, including CB Marcus Peters and S DeShon Elliott.
The Ravens’ defensive line is also very good at generating pressure on the quarterback. They are led by Calais Campbell, who is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. He is strong against the run and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Yannick Ngakoue is another player who excels at rushing the passer off the edge. He was acquired by the Ravens mid-season and immediately made an impact with his ability to get to the quarterback. The Ravens also have a number of young players on their defensive line who are starting to make an impact, including DT Brandon Williams and DE Jaylon Ferguson.
The linebacking corps is led by Patrick Queen, who was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Queen is an athletic linebacker who can make plays all over the field. He particularly excels in coverage because of his speed and athleticism. Matt Judon is another playmaking linebacker who excels at rushing the passer off the edge. He had 9.5 sacks in 2020 while also forcing four fumbles. Judon’s ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks was one of the main reasons why he was selected as a Pro Bowl starter in 2020. The rest of the linebacking corps consists of veteran players like CJ Mosley and Landon Collins, who provide leadership and experience to a young group of players
The Personnel
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the most talented defenses in the NFL. They are led by defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who is one of the best in the business. The Ravens have a talented group of players, including Pro Bowlers Earl Thomas and Marcus Peters. They also have a good mix of experience and youth, with veterans like Michael Pierce and rookies like Patrick Queen. The Ravens defense is tough to score against, and they have the potential to be one of the best in the NFL.
The Case For The New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been looking like the best defense in the NFL as of late. They have been shutting down opposing offenses and making big plays when they need to. Some people may not want to admit it, but the Patriots are looking like the team to beat in the AFC.
The Numbers
When it comes to the Patriots, their defense is always a force to be reckoned with. They have consistently had one of the best defenses in the NFL, and this year is no different. Right now, they are ranked first in the league in points allowed per game, yards allowed per game, and turnover differential. They are also second in sacks, and fifth in passing yards allowed. In other words, they are pretty much dominating defensively.
So why are they so good? Well, part of it is undoubtedly due to their coaching. Bill Belichick is considered one of the best defensive coaches of all time, and he definitely has a lot to do with the success of this team. But another big part of it is the personnel. They have some really great players on this defense, including guys like Devin McCourty, Stephon Gilmore, Dont’a Hightower, and Jamie Collins. All of those guys are very talented, and they are all playing at a high level right now.
The Patriots defense is definitely one of the best in the league right now. They have the stats to back it up, and they have the personnel to keep it up. If they can keep playing at this level, they will be tough to beat come playoff time.
The Personnel
The personnel of the New England Patriots is a huge reason why they have the number one defense in the NFL right now. The team is loaded with talent at every level, from the defensive line to the secondary.
The defensive line is anchored by All-Pro defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Wilfork is a massive man who is nearly impossible to move in the run game. He also has a great pass rushing repertoire for a man his size, and he is a constant menace to quarterbacks. Next to Wilfork is fellow All-Pro defensive end Chandler Jones. Jones is one of the best young pass rushers in the NFL, and he also has the ability to drop back into coverage and make plays on the ball.
At linebacker, the Patriots are led by Dont’a Hightower. Hightower is excellent against both the run and the pass, and he has emerged as one of the best all-around linebackers in the league. He is flanked by Jamie Collins, who is an outstanding athlete with great range and playmaking ability. Behind them are Jerod Mayo and Jonathan Freeny, who are both solid players that can contribute in a variety of ways.
In the secondary, the Patriots have one of the best cornerbacks in football in Malcolm Butler. Butler had a breakout season in 2015, and he proved that he can be a true shutdown corner. He will be joined by Logan Ryan, who had a very solid year himself in 2015. Ryan is a physical cornerback that isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty against opposing receivers. At safety,the Patriots have Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung. McCourty is one of the best safeties in football, and he can do it all from his center field position. Chung is a very solid player as well, and he does a great job of cleaning up whatever messes McCourty doesn’t get to first.
The New England Patriots have an elite defense from top to bottom, and that’s why they currently have the number one defense in football.
The Case For The San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers currently have the #1 defense in the NFL. They have only allowed an average of 17.2 points per game, which is the best in the league. They also have the best pass defense, only allowing an average of 200.8 yards per game. So, what makes the 49ers defense so good? Let’s take a look.
The Numbers
The San Francisco 49ers currently have the #1 defense in the NFL according to most major statistical categories.
They are first in points allowed per game, first in yards allowed per game, first in rushing yards allowed per game, and second in passing yards allowed per game.
They are also tied for the lead in interceptions, and they have the second-most sacks in the league.
The Personnel
The 49ers have the best front seven in the NFL. Their defensive line, which is led by rookie edge rusher Nick Bosa, is one of the deepest and most talented units in the league. They also have a very good linebacker corps, led by Pro Bowlers Kwon Alexander and Fred Warner. And their secondary, despite some injuries, is still one of the better units in the NFL.
The 49ers also have a very good coaching staff. Their head coach, Kyle Shanahan, is one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. Their defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, is one of the best young defensive coordinators in the NFL. And their special teams coordinator, Richard Hightower, is one of the best special teams coaches in the NFL.
In short, the 49ers are a complete team. They have a great offense, a great defense, and a great coaching staff. They are also well-coached and well-prepared.
The Case For The Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the best defense in the NFL right now. They are number one in points allowed per game, total yards allowed per game, and passing yards allowed per game. They are also number two in rushing yards allowed per game. The Steelers have been dominating on defense all season and they look like they are only getting better.
The Numbers
The Steelers have the number one defense in the NFL right now. Here is a look at the numbers that prove it.
First, let’s look at points allowed. The Steelers have only given up 13.4 points per game, which is the best in the NFL.
Next, let’s look at yards allowed. The Steelers are only giving up 284 yards per game, which is again the best in the NFL.
Finally, let’s look at turnovers forced. The Steelers have forced 20 turnovers so far this season, which is tied for second best in the NFL.
All of these numbers add up to a defense that is playing at a high level and is deserving of the title of best defense in the NFL.
The Personnel
The Steelers’ infantry is unrivaled. They have defensive end Stephon Tuitt, who is a sack machine. Then there is Javon Hargrave, who flies under the radar but holds down the fort in the middle. At outside linebacker, they have T.J. Watt, who might be the best in the business right now. While many linebackers struggle in coverage, Watt has shown himself to be adept at both rushing the passer and dropping into coverage. And last but not least is safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who they acquired via trade from the Miami Dolphins earlier this season. Fitzpatrick has been a revelation in Pittsburgh and gives them a ball-hawking playmaker on the back end of their defense.
The Case For The Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have the #1 defense in the NFL right now. They are allowing the fewest yards per game and the fewest points per game. They have a great defensive line, led by Everson Griffen, and a great linebacker corps, led by Anthony Barr. They also have a great secondary, led by Xavier Rhodes. The Vikings are a complete team and they are playing great defense right now.
The Numbers
The Minnesota Vikings have the #1 defense in the NFL right now. Here’s a look at the numbers that prove it:
-The Vikings are allowing an average of only 17.2 points per game, which is the best in the NFL.
-Their defense is also giving up the fewest yards per game, at only 291.8.
-Minnesota has forced more turnovers than any other team in the league, with 27 (14 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries).
-The Vikings defensive line is one of the best in the NFL, led by Pro Bowlers Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph. Griffin has 10 sacks so far this season, while Joseph has been a force against the run, racking up 55 tackles.
The Personnel
The first thing that you notice about the Vikings’ defense is the personnel. They have one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFL, with Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, and Linval Joseph leading the way. All three of these players are Pro Bowlers, and they’re supported by a very solid group of role players. The Vikings also have a very good linebacker group, led by Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks. Both of these players are extremely talented, and they’re surrounded by a number of good role players. In the secondary, the Vikings have two of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes. They also have a very good safety in Harrison Smith.
Conclusion
As of right now, the Baltimore Ravens have the #1 defense in the NFL. They are followed by the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and then the Dallas Cowboys. These rankings are based on points allowed per game. The Ravens have only allowed 12.5 points per game, while the Patriots have allowed 14.1 points per game.