Who Has the Best Pass Defense in the NFL?
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The NFL is full of great defenses, but which one is the best at stopping the pass? We take a look at the numbers to find out.
The NFL’s Top Pass Defenses of 2019
The NFL’s top pass defenses of 2019 were led by the New England Patriots, who allowed only 190 passing yards per game. The San Francisco 49ers, who allowed only 200 passing yards per game, were second. The Baltimore Ravens, who allowed only 202 passing yards per game, were third.
The New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been one of the best teams in the NFL for years, and their pass defense is a big reason why.
The Patriots finished the 2019 season ranked first in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game, and they showed no signs of slowing down in the playoffs.
New England’s defensive backfield is loaded with talent, including Pro Bowlers Stephon Gilmore and Devin McCourty. The Patriots also have one of the best linebacker units in the league, led by Dont’a Hightower.
With all of that talent on defense, it’s no surprise that the Patriots are once again one of the top pass defenses in the NFL.
The San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers had the best pass defense in the NFL in 2019. They only allowed 169.2 passing yards per game and intercepted 15 passes. The 49ers also only allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw for 11 touchdowns all season.
The Denver Broncos
The Broncos have a very good pass defense. They are fourth in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game and have only given up nine touchdown passes all season. They have a very good secondary, led by cornerback Chris Harris Jr. They also have a very good pass rush, led by Von Miller.
The NFL’s Worst Pass Defenses of 2019
The 2019 NFL season is winding down, and it’s time to take a look at which teams have struggled the most when it comes to defending the pass. At the bottom of the list are the Miami Dolphins, who have given up an average of 274.1 passing yards per game. The Dolphins have been plagued by injuries in the secondary, and they haven’t been able to stop opposing quarterbacks all season.
The Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have the worst pass defense in the NFL. They have allowed an average of 281.1 passing yards per game, which is nearly 50 yards more than the second-worst team. Furthermore, they have allowed a league-high 36 touchdown passes and have only intercepted eight passes, which is tied for the second-lowest total in the NFL.
There are several reasons for the Dolphins’ struggles against the pass. First and foremost, their secondary has been hit hard by injuries. Starting cornerback Xavien Howard missed seven games due to a knee injury and fellow starting cornerback Bobby McCain missed four games due to a concussion. In addition, starting safety Reshad Jones missed five games due to a chest injury.
The Dolphins’ pass defense has also been hurt by their lack of a consistent pass rush. They have only recorded 30 sacks, which is tied for 23rd in the NFL. As a result, opposing quarterbacks have had plenty of time to throw and have often picked apart the Dolphins’ secondary.
If the Dolphins want to improve their pass defense in 2020, they will need to stay healthy in the secondary and find a way to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have the worst pass defense in the NFL. They have given up an average of 288.8 passing yards per game, and they have only interceptedsix passes all season. In addition, they have only sacked the quarterback 23 times this season.
The Detroit Lions
The Lions’ 21st-ranked pass defense was an issue all season long, as they allowed 269.3 passing yards per game and surrendered 34 touchdowns through the air, tied for second most in the league. quarterbacks to throw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in the same game six times, with Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott, Mitchell Trubisky, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Russell Wilson and Drew Brees all accomplishing the feat.
Cornerback Darius Slay was the only bright spot in the secondary, as he earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection after recording eight interceptions, which were tied for second most in the NFL. He also added 46 tackles and two forced fumbles while serving as the team’s top cover man. The Lions will need to address their defensive backfield this offseason, as neither Nevin Lawson nor Justin Coleman emerged as a reliable starter opposite Slay.