Who Has the Best Defence in the NFL 2020?
It’s that time of year again. The time when we all start looking forward to the NFL season and trying to figure out who has the best defence. We’ve put together a list of the top contenders for the 2020 season, so you can make your own judgement.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have the best defence in the NFL 2020. They are ranked first in points allowed per game and first in yards allowed per game. They have a great pass rush and their secondary is very good. They are a well-rounded defence and they will be tough to beat in the playoffs.
Led the league in fewest points allowed
The Baltimore Ravens defense was the best in the NFL in 2020, leading the league in fewest points allowed per game and fewest yards allowed per play. The Ravens also ranked first in the NFL in sacks, interceptions, and takeaways, and second in rushing defense. All of this made Baltimore one of the most feared defenses in the NFL, and helped them become one of the best teams in the league.
Led the league in fewest yards allowed
The Baltimore Ravens led the league in fewest yards allowed per game in 2019, giving up an average of only 263.1. That mark was more than 30 yards per game better than the second-best team in the category, the New England Patriots. The Ravens were also the best team in the league in terms of points allowed per game, giving up an average of only 17.6.
Had the best turnover differential in the NFL
The Baltimore Ravens had the best turnover differential in the NFL in 2020, with a +17. That’s an improvement of +8 from 2019, when they were tied for ninth at +9.
Turnover differential is (turnovers forced) minus (turnovers committed). The Ravens forced 33 turnovers and committed 16 in 2020. Their +17 turnover differential was the best in the NFL.
The Ravens’ defense was downright stingy in 2020. They allowed the fewest points per game (19.6), the fewest yards per play (4.51), and the fewest yards per passing attempt (5.78). They were also second in the NFL in sacks (48) and third in interceptions (19).
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best defences in the NFL. They have a great defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs. They are a very physical defence and they make it very difficult for teams to score against them.
Had the second-best defence in the NFL
The San Francisco 49ers had the second-best defence in the NFL in 2020, according to Football Outsiders. They were also the best team in the league at stopping the run and third-best at getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Led the league in sacks
The San Francisco 49ers had the best defense in the NFL in 2020, leading the league in sacks and allowing the fewest yards per play. The 49ers’ defense was dominant all season, and they were especially dominant in their two playoff games, allowing just 13 total points.
Allowed the second-fewest yards per play
In 2020, the San Francisco 49ers had the best defence in the NFL according to yards allowed per play. They only allowed 4.51 yards per play, which was better than the next best team (the Baltimore Ravens) by 0.16 yards. The 49ers also had the best rushing defence, allowing only 3.37 yards per carry.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have the best defence in the NFL 2020. They are ranked number one in points allowed per game and number one in yards allowed per game. They have a great pass rush and a good secondary. They are definitely a team to watch out for in the playoffs.
Had the third-best defence in the NFL
The New England Patriots had the third-best defense in the NFL in 2020, behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams. The Patriots allowed the fewest points per game (19.3), the fewest yards per game (297.8), and the second-fewest passing yards per game (189.7).
The Patriots’ defense was led by linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who had a team-high 5.5 sacks, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year. The Patriots also had two of the best pass rushers in the NFL in 2019, as defensive end Michael Bennett and linebacker Kyle Van Noy each had 8.5 sacks.
Allowed the fewest yards per play
In 2020, the New England Patriots allowed the fewest yards per play of any NFL team. They also had the second-fewest points per game, and they were the only team in the league to allow fewer than 300 total yards in a game.
Led the league in fewest yards per pass attempt
The New England Patriots have consistently had one of the best defenses in the NFL over the past few years. In 2020, they were once again one of the best, leading the league in fewest yards per pass attempt, fewest yards per rushing attempt, and most sacks.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the best defence in the NFL 2020. They have a great front seven that can get after the quarterback and they also have a good secondary. They have a good mix of veterans and young players who are all playing well.
Had the fourth-best defence in the NFL
The Steelers had the fourth-best defence in the NFL in 2020, and it was a big reason why they finished with a 12-4 record and won the AFC North. Led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt, the Steelers were stout against the run and the pass, and they forced a lot of turnovers. Pittsburgh’s defence will need to be at its best again in 2021 if the team wants to make a run at the Super Bowl.
Led the league in fewest rushing yards allowed
The Steelers’ defense was ranked No. 1 in the NFL in 2020, allowing 300.6 total yards per game, and they led the league in fewest rushing yards allowed (1,268). They were also second in the league in sacks (54) and third in points allowed per game (19.8).
The defensive line is anchored by All-Pro end Cameron Heyward, who had eight sacks and 19 tackles for loss in 2020. Rookie end Stephon Tuitt showed promise with six sacks, and tackle Steve McLendon is a solid run-stuffer. Inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons led the team with 132 tackles, and outside linebackers Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones each had at least five sacks.
The secondary is led by Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu, who had two interceptions and forced four fumbles in 2020. Cornerback Ike Taylor is a solid cover man, and young cornerbacks Cortez Allen and William Gay have shown promise.
Allowed the third-fewest yards per play
In 2020, the Steelers had the best defence in the NFL according to yards allowed per play. They only allowed 4.37 yards per play, which was 0.03 better than the second-best team (the New Orleans Saints). Pittsburgh’s defence was also top-10 in points allowed per game (19.2, seventh), takeaways (28, fourth), and sacks (48, sixth).
