Week 10 saw some incredible defenses turn things around from week nine and secure well-needed victories. Week 10 also saw its share of defenses tiring out and ultimately giving it all up, resulting in their teams losing in come-from-behind heartbreaking fashion.
Here is where all 32 NFL Teams’ defenses look after week 10 games:
Arizona Cardinals: C (Last week F)
The Red Birds defense saw drastic improvement than in week nine with a 25-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Kyzir White led the team with 11 tackles while BJ Ojulari had eight tackles and two sacks, and Dennis Gardeck had five tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection. The Red Birds did not get any interceptions against Taylor Heinicke or Desmond Ridder on the afternoon but the win is far more important for a team that’s been craving a meaningful victory since their week three win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Atlanta Falcons: C (Last week C+)
The Falcons did whatever they could against the Arizona Cardinals only to fall just a bit short in the 23-25 loss. Jessie Bates III had 13 tackles, Kaden Elliss had 11 tackles and a sack, and Nate Landman had eight tackles, a sack, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 25 yards. The Falcons made some great plays on the field but couldn’t secure the victory over the Red Birds in the end.
Baltimore Ravens: B- (Last week A)
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The Ravens’ defense played lights out in the first half with a Kyle Hamilton pick-six to begin the game against DeShaun Watson and the Browns but then took a slight step back in the second half leading to a Browns come-from-behind victory. Roquan Smith had 21 tackles while Jadeveon Clowney had six tackles and two sacks, and Kyle Hamilton had eight tackles, two pass deflections, and one interception to open up the game as mentioned earlier. The Ravens defense needs to finish games against physical offenses like the Browns and other opponents like the Bengals coming up in week 11. The Ravens will undoubtedly be back to reign their terror on more opposing offenses for the remaining weeks.
Buffalo Bills: C (Last week C-)
The Bills defense had their hands tied with Russell Wilson and company paying them a visit on Monday night. Terrel Bernard had 13 tackles and a sack, Taylor Rapp had seven tackles and 0.5 sacks, and AJ Epenesa had three tackles and 1.5 sacks. The Bronco’s defense was hurt by two costly penalties at the very end of the game: a pass interference call on Taron Johnson and a 12-men on the field call giving the Denver Broncos an easy kick to give the Bills their second straight loss.
Carolina Panthers: D+ (Last week C)
The Panthers’ defense was quiet for most of their week 10 13-16 loss to the Chicago Bears. No one on the Panthers could land a sack or interception against Taylor Bagent. Ihmir Smith-Marsette had a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown (which was also the only touchdown scored by the Panthers all night) while Frankie Luvu led the defense with 11 tackles on the night. Carolina’s defense needs to radically step up, in the big play opportunities, or continue losing for a high draft pick that will potentially improve the unit for next season.
Chicago Bears: C+ (Last week F)
The Bears’ defense had a better performance against the woeful Carolina Panthers after their week nine drop to the New Orleans Saints. Justin Jones, Yannick Ngakoue, and Rasheem Green each had a sack against Bryce Young while the Bears also had four pass deflections on the night. The Bears also did not have any interceptions or fumble recoveries against the Panthers as well. The Bear’s defense played okay, but needs to improve against tougher opponents moving forward in the season.
Cincinnati Bengals: C+ (Last week B)
The Bengal’s defense played well but could’ve played better against a young and newly powerful Houston Texans offense. Cam Taylor-Britt led Cincinnati with nine tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for 30 yards while Logan Wilson had five tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a pass deflection, and Trey Hendrickson had four tackles and 0.5 sacks. The Bengals’ defense has good playmakers they just need to continue to finish strong and physical games, like this week 10 showing against the Texans. The Bengal’s defense has what it takes to play stronger against the rest of their opponents down the stretch of the season.
Cleveland Browns: B (Last week A-)
The Browns’ defense played just as well as their AFC North opponent, the Baltimore Ravens in a very intense afternoon showdown. Myles Garrett had three tackles and 1.5 sacks while Martin Emerson Jr. Had eight tackles, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had seven tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a pass deflection. Mike Ford caught an interception and Greg Newsome II also caught an interception and returned it for a 34-yard pick-six touchdown against the Ravens. It was a wild battle between these two AFC North foes and the Browns played great football on defense led by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz can potentially go far for the rest of the season.
Dallas Cowboys: B (Last week B-)
The Cowboy’s defense played very well as they dominated the New York Giants in a 49-17 victory at home. The defense had five sacks on the night as well as an interception from DaRon Bland. Bland also had four tackles and a pass deflection while Neville Gallimore had three tackles and a sack. It was an easy offense for the Cowboy’s defense to obliterate in front of the home crowd. They look primed to rope in more wins for the team in the weeks to come.
Denver Broncos: C+ (Last week Bye Week)
The Bronco’s defense is starting to shine as they continue their dominance against their second straight opponent, the Buffalo Bills. They may not have had any sacks but Justin Simmons had five tackles, a pass deflection, an interception, and Fabian also had five tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. The Bronco’s defense also had two fumble recoveries with one of them at the beginning of the game when James Cook dropped the ball giving the Broncos a winning drive that resulted in a field goal. The bottom line is, the Bronco’s defense is more talented than we thought, and can pose a threat to other opposing offenses.
Detroit Lions: C (Last week Bye Week)
Even though the Lions won 41-38 in a come-from-behind victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, the defense was almost nonexistent in the contest. The team had five pass deflections and one interception caught by Kerby Joseph but they had no sacks as this was an offensive battle between the Lions and Chargers all game. The Lion’s defense surely will be back to terrorize their upcoming opponents for the following weeks to come.
Green Bay Packers: C (Last week C-)
The Packer’s defense played a fair game in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. Rudy Ford led the Packers with 10 tackles while Preston Smith had four tackles and the team’s only sack on the day. The Packers didn’t pick off any of Kenny Pickett’s passes but did have five pass deflections against Pickett. It was an okay day for the Packers but against a tougher opponent, they will need to bring a stronger defense if they are gong to be competitive for a win.
Houston Texans: B+ (Last week B-)
It was a great afternoon for DeMeco Ryans and Matt Burke’s defense against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tavierre Thomas had eight tackles, DeAndre Houston-Carson had seven tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 13 yards, Sheldon Rankins had six tackles and led the Texans defense with three sacks against Joe Burrow, and Shaquill Griffin had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception on the day. The Texans’’ defense is a great unit and will continue to pose a serious threat to any opposing offense they face as the season winds down to the end.
Indianapolis Colts: C+ (Last week B)
The Colts defense played a decent game against the New England Patriots in Germany. Sierra Franklin had 15 tackles on the day while Dayo Odeyingbo had four tackles and three sacks and Kwity Paye and Tyquan Lewis both had a sack each. Julian Blackmon caught an interception and Rodney Thomas II caught the game-ending interception against Bailey Zappe who tried to make something out of a fake spike. The Colts defense can play and can make noise for the rest of the season with a potential playoff appearance- but there’s still a lot of football to go.
Jacksonville Jaguars: D- (Last week Bye Week)
The Jaguars’ defense was silenced by the reawakened 49er’s offense in their week 10/ 3-34 loss at home. Devin Lloyd had 10 tackles while Foyeside Olukun had nine tackles and two sacks against Brock Purdy. The rest of the Jags’ defense couldn’t intercept a pass from Purdy all game or recover any 49ers fumbles as the 9ers ran all over the Jags in this humiliating beatdown.
Kansas City Chiefs: Bye Week (Last week B-)
The Chief’s defense, even though they were on a bye week, looks to get rested and focus on their remaining opponents coming up as they look to make another potential Super Bowl run.
Las Vegas Raiders: B- (Last week B)
The Raiders defense had a good night against Zach Wilson and the New York Jets in their 16-12 victory at home. Robert Spillae led the Raiders with seven tackles, a sack, a pass deflection, and an interception while Malcolm Koonce had three tackles and a sack. The Raiders also had five pass deflections but overall, the Raider’s defense may be turning the page for the better with Antonio Perce as their interim head coach.
Los Angeles Chargers: D+ (Last week B-)
Similar to the Lions, the Chargers’ defense was almost nonexistent as both team’s offenses duked it out all game. The defensive unit didn’t land any sacks or interceptions against the Lions but they did have two pass deflections on the day and Derwin James Jr. led the team with 13 tackles. The Charger’s defense is a good unit but did not stop the incredible Lions offense all game long.
Los Angeles Rams: Bye Week (Last week D+)
The Ram’s defense needs to recover and get back to striking fear in opposing offenses or just tank and secure a much-needed draft pick in 2024.
Miami Dolphins: Bye Week (Last week C)
The Dolphin’s defense had a tough break in Germany back in week nine but will rebound from that loss after some rest in their bye week.
Minnesota Vikings: B+ (Last week C+)
The Viking’s defense gave the Saint’s offense a rough time by keeping them out of the endzone except with a field goal in the first quarter. Josh Mettelus had seven tackles on the night while D.J. Wonnum had four tackles and a sack. The Vikings had three sacks on the afternoon while Byron Murphy Jr. had three tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception returned for four yards, and Mekhi Blackmon had two tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. The Vikings’ defense has strong playmakers and if they reach the playoffs as a Wildcard team can potentially make some serious noise against opposing offenses.
New England Patriots: D+ (Last week C)
The Patriots’’ defense had some good plays against Gardner Minshew and company, but couldn’t secure the win for New England in Germany. The team couldn’t get any sacks on Minshew but Myles Bryant did have an interception against Minshew in the game. Davon Godchaux led the team with eight tackles and Jahlani Travis had seven tackles and a pass deflection. It’s going to be back to the drawing board for the Patriots as they try to figure out how to fix their defense during their week 11 bye week.
New Orleans Saints: D+ (Last week B+)
The Saints’ defense had somewhat of a tough day trying to stop Joshua Dobbs and the Viking’s offense. Demario Davis led the team with nine tackles and the team’s only sack on the day. The Saints didn’t even pick off a pass against Dobbs although they had six pass deflections. The Saint’s defense needs to step it up if they want to try and compete for the NFC South crown. The crown looks to be heading towards either the Saints or the Buccaneers- depending on how each franchise finishes the season.
New York Giants: D- (Last week F)
The Giant’s defense couldn’t make a stop against the high-powered Dallas Cowboys offense in their week 10 showdown. The Giant’s defense did not have any sacks on the day but they did have a Cor’Dale Flott interception and five pass deflections. Bobby Okereke led the team with 11 tackles, Axier McKinney had 10 tackles, and Darney Holmes had six tackles and a pass deflection. It may be time for the Giants to tank and secure a high draft pick that will help the team on defense for the 2024 season.
New York Jets: C (Last week C-)
The Jets defense continued their dominance against the Las Vegas Raiders despite the 12-16 loss on the road. C.J. Mosley led the team with 14 tackles, Jordan Whitehead had nine tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Quinnen Williams had four tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a pass deflection. The defense played very well and has some very talented playmakers, but they couldn’t secure the victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in the end.
Philadelphia Eagles: A- (Last week A-)
The Eagle’s defense will continue to be a dominant force as they look to earn more wins and lock up the NFC East from the Dallas Cowboys.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B (Last week B+)
The Steeler’s defense, which is the reason why they have a good record, continued to show their dominance against Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers. T.J. Watt led the Steelers with eight tackles and had the team’s only sack on the day while Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee both had interceptions against Love. The Steeler’s defense is a vicious unit that enjoys being unleashed against opposing offenses on any given Sunday, Monday night, or Thursday night. They are a “bring it on” unit, regardless of the opposition.
San Francisco 49ers: A (Last week Bye Week)
With the 49ers well rested and reloaded on defense- they conquered the jungle and tamed the Jacksonville Jaguars in a statement 34-3 victory. Nick Bosa had three tackles, 1.5 sacks, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery, Javron Hargrave had four tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Chase Young making his 49ers debut had one tackle and 0.5 sacks. Fred Warner and Talona Hufanga both had interceptions against Trevor Lawrence as the rest of the defense had themselves quite a day making things tough for the Jaguar’s offense in Duval County.
Seattle Seahawks: C+ (Last week F)
The Seahawk’s defense returned to making some noise against their opponents after a very silent and embarrassing week nine performance to the Baltimore Ravens. Bobby Wagner led the team with 10 tackles 0.5 sacks, and two pass deflections, Boye Mafe had five tackles and a sack, and Riq Woolen had three tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery. The Seahawk’s defense needed this victory to make up for week nine’s debacle and make sure they snag a playoff slot or even win the NFC West.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B- (Last week C+)
The Buc’s defense truly gave Will Levis and the Titan’s offense a challenge on the field as they sacked Levis four times in the game and Antonie Winfield Jr. had an interception returned for 28 yards against Levis. Winfield Jr. also had six tackles and a pass deflection on the day while Lavonte David had five tackles and a pass deflection, and Devin White had four tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection. Is this the turning point for the Buccaneers’ defense? Can they successfully challenge opposing offenses and come up victorious? Only time will tell.
Tennessee Titans: D+ (Last week D)
The Titans’ defense was able to make some noise against the Buc’s offense, but couldn’t help secure a victory as they were defeated 6-20. Harold Landry III had nine tackles and a sack as the rest of the Titan’s defense had three sacks in total against Baker Mayfield. Roger McCreary had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 18 yards on the day. The Titans’ defense has playmakers, but is not finishing games- which is resulting in painful losses.
Washington Commanders: D+ (Last week C-)
The Commander’s defense played okay but could’ve played better. Jamin Davis had 11 tackles, Jonathan Allen had four tackles, and the team’s only sack on the night, and Benjamin St-Juste had seven tackles and two pass deflections. It’s not easy to play football in Seattle due to the 12th man and the explosiveness of the Seahawk’s defense/ They just could not secure the win in the last seconds of the game. Heartbreaking, is the understatement.
