Week 12 had some incredible defenses go to work and earn their stripes to claim their freshly cooked turkey’s on Thanksgiving to some intense action on Black Friday, Sunday, and Monday Night. Some defenses fell flat and couldn’t get to opposing offenses and incredible quarterback play which shows some teams need to head back to the lab and work on their craft for the remaining six weeks of the season.
Let’s Talk Turkey- Here is where all 32 NFL Teams’ defenses look after week 12 games:
Arizona Cardinals: D- (Last week C+)
The Cardinals’ defense couldn’t stop the Los Angeles Rams offense from dropping 37 points against them in their 14-37 loss to their NFC West rivals. The team didn’t have a sack against Matthew Stafford but Jalen Thompson did have one interception against him as well as seven tackles on the day. Buddha Baker had nine tackles on the day but it wasn’t enough as the Red Birds fell to their division rivals as they inch closer to a higher draft pick in 2024.
Atlanta Falcons: C- (Last week Bye Week)
The Falcons’ defense returned to action after their week 11 bye week and performed pretty average despite helping the team get the 24-15 win over the New Orleans Saints. Jessie Bates III had 12 tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a 92-yard pick-six in the first quarter while Arnold Ebiketie had a tackle and the Falcons’ only sack in the afternoon, and Jeff Okudah had eight tackles. Despite Jessie Bates III’s performance, the rest of the Falcons’ defense needs to step up and put more pressure on upcoming opponents, for the remainder of the season, if the Falcons want to compete and win the NFC South.
Baltimore Ravens: B+ (Last week B-)
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The Raven’s defense had themselves quite the night in the City of Angels as they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-10. Jadeveon Clowney had three tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery while Roquan Smith had eight tackles and a pass deflection, Arthur Mallet had a tackle and the Raven’s only interception on the night, and Brent Urban had two tackles and a fumble recovery. It was another strong showing from Baltimore’s defense as they once again demonstrate why they are potentially one of the best defenses in the league. Opposing offenses- be afraid- be very afraid.
Buffalo Bills: C+ (Last week B+)
The Bills’ defense did have some good plays in their week 12 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles but ultimately couldn’t stop the Eagles’ offense in their 34-37 overtime loss. Terrel Bernard had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, Greg Rousseau had four tackles and a fumble recovery, and both Tim Settle and Lival Joseph had one tackle and a sack each in the evening. Even with the Bills dealing with injuries on the defensive front, they still managed to put up a fight in Philadelphia but ultimately lost the matchup.
Carolina Panthers: D- (Last week F)
The Panthers’ defense continues to struggle, as of late, as they fell to the Tennessee Titans 10-17. David Long Jr. had seven tackles while Brian Burns had four tackles, a pass deflection, and the team’s only sack, and Derrick Brown had five tackles and a pass deflection. The Panthers need to drastically work on fixing their defense in the 2024 offseason as this unit has been one of football’s worst defenses. Case in point, is their ability to get only five interceptions so far this season. It’s back to the drawing board for this Panthers’ defense, if they want to snag more wins for the remainder of the season.
Chicago Bears: C+ (Last week B-)
The Bears’ defense had a good night against their NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings in a 12-10 victory. Jaylon Johnson, T.J. Edwards, Kyler Gordon, and Jaquan Brisker each had interceptions against Joshua Dobbs while Montez Sweat had three tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Brisker also had three tackles and 0.5 sacks. It was a very good day for the Bears’ defense as they got their team a well-needed victory on the road and if they keep playing like this, they can be a great spoiler team for anyone looking to make the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals: D+ (Last week D+)
The Bengals’ defense did not play their best game but still did everything they could to stop the Pittsburgh Steelers despite losing 10-16. Logan Wilson had 10 tackles, Myles Murphy had three tackles and a sack, DJ Turner II had five tackles, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery, and Trey Hendrickson had two tackles and a sack. The Bengals’ defense has good playmakers but is lacking a spark of motivation that can lead them to victory in certain games against divisional opponents.
Cleveland Browns: C- (Last week C)
The Browns’ defense played all right but took some hits as Myles Garrett left the game with a shoulder injury. Garrett had two tackles and a pass deflection while Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had 12 tackles and Cleveland’s only sack on the afternoon, and Greg Newsome II had seven tackles and a pass deflection. The Browns also did not have any interceptions on the day but need Myles Garrett to recover well as he is the focal point of the defense. They need all their big names healthy if they want to make it to the playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys: A (Last week A)
It was another strong and dominant performance for the Cowboys’ defense as they defeated the Washington Commanders 45-10 on Thanksgiving Day. DaRon Bland had 10 tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a 63-yard pick-six, Jonathan Hankins had four tackles and two sacks, and Micah Parsons had three tackles and 1.5 sacks. The Cowboys’ defense is in strong hands thanks to the coaching of Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator. This should give the opposing offensive coordinators nightmares after their scary performance for some well-deserved Thanksgiving turkey.
Denver Broncos: C+ (Last week C+)
The Broncos’ defense had a good day on the field despite getting no interceptions against the Cleveland Browns in their 29-12 victory but they did have two fumble recoveries on defense. Alex Singleton had 10 tackles, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection, D.J. Jones had a tackle and a fumble recovery, and P.J. Locke had seven tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection. The Broncos had four sacks on the day against PJ Walker but didn’t sack Dorian Thompson-Robinson all game long. The Broncos’ defense played fair and got the win which is all that matters, at the end of the day. This franchise on the hunt for a playoff spot.
Detroit Lions: F (Last week C+)
The Lions’ defense was almost nonexistent. Their Thanksgiving day performance was more fumble than feast against the Green Bay Packers. Brian Branch led the Lions with eight tackles and the team’s only pass deflection of the game. The Lions couldn’t even sack or intercept a pass from Jordan Love all game long. The Lions’ defense needs to wake back up from hibernation and return to ruling the field against opposing offenses or they could end up a one-and-done team in the 2023-24 playoffs by a Wildcard team.
Green Bay Packers: B+ (Last week C-)
The Packers’ defense arrived at the Thanksgiving table in Detroit ready to carve. They got to work against the Detroit Lions’ offense and held them to six points in the first half. Jonathan Owens had 12 tackles, a fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown, Karl Brooks had two tackles and a fumble recovery, and Rashan Gary had seven tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery. It was the best dish served in revenge for the Packers who lost to the Lions 34-20 back in week four. If the Packers continue to play this aggressively, they can be a spoiler to any opposing offense in the run up to the playoffs.
Houston Texans: C- (Last week B-)
The Texans’ defense couldn’t even land a single sack against Trevor Lawrence in the team’s nail-biting 21-24 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Christian Harris had 12 tackles while Derek Stingley Jr. had five tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for 14 yards. The Texans’ defense needs to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks otherwise they’ll suffer more bitter losses in the coming weeks. Although, they will have their chance to rebound from this loss, in week 13.
Indianapolis Colts: B- (Last week Bye Week)
Despite the Colts releasing Shaquille Leonard, who has been struggling all season long due to injuries, the Colts managed to get the well-needed 27-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Zaire Franklin had seven tackles while Samson Ebukam had four tackles and two sacks, Kwity Paye had two tackles and a sack, Isaiah Land also had two tackles and a sack, and Tyquan Lewis had two tackles and a sack. Ronnie Harrison Jr. had an interception returned for nine yards as the Colts secured the win and continued their push toward a potential playoff spot.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C+ (Last week B-)
The Jaguars’ defense may not have gotten any interceptions or fumble recoveries in their 24-21 victory over the Houston Texans but they had four sacks against C.J. Stroud and three pass deflections. Royesade Oluokun had 12 tackles while Josh Allen had five tackles and 2.5 sacks, Travon Walker had two tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Roy Robertson-Harris had a tackle and a sack. This Jaguars’ defensive unit knows how to pressure and attack opposing quarterbacks. They will continue to make enemy offensive coordinators’ heads spin as they try to figure out how to out play them in the remaining weeks of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs: C (Last week B-)
The Chiefs’ defense may not have gotten any interceptions or fumble recoveries as they defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 31-17. La’Jarius Sneed had nine tackles while Justin Reid also had nine tackles, George Karlaftis had three tackles and the Chiefs’ only sack, and Trent McDuffie had two tackles and a pass deflection. The Chiefs’ defense has played better than they did in weeks prior, as they got the win over the Raiders. They have the momentum to continue to play well as the season winds down.
Las Vegas Raiders: C- (Last week D+)
The Raiders’ defense played tight, but couldn’t stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense in their week 12 17-31 loss. Maxx Crosby had one tackle and the Raiders’ only sack while Robert Spillane had 11 tackles and Nate Hobbs had eight tackles. The Raiders’ defense did not have any interceptions or fumble recoveries on the day. They also released Marcus Peters, who has struggled for a solid part of the season, except in week eight where he had a 75-yard pick-six touchdown against the Detroit Lions. The Raiders’ defense needs to step up and apply more pressure on quarterbacks when they return to action in week 14 as they rest and regroup in their week 13 bye week.
Los Angeles Chargers: D+ (Last week C)
The Chargers defense didn’t play their best game of the season but could’ve played worse as they lost at home to the Baltimore Ravens 10-20. Khalil Mack had six tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection while Alohi Gilman had nine tackles and a pass deflection, and Deane Leonard had seven tackles. The Chargers have a lot of work to do if they want to get themselves out of their three-game losing streak and salvage what’s left of their season.
Los Angeles Rams: C (Last week C-)
The LA Rams aren’t the best defensive unit in the NFL. They are a far cry from the team they were when they won Super Bowl 56. That said, they can get victories when needed against struggling teams. Kobie Turner had four tackles and two sacks while Michael Hoechit had five tackles and a sack, Ernest Jones had six tackles and a pass deflection, and Desjuan Johnson had two tackles and a sack. The Rams, however, did not have any fumble recoveries or interceptions against Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals despite winning 37-14 against their struggling NFC West rival. The Rams’ defense needs to secure more interceptions by putting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks as the season continues.
Miami Dolphins: B+ (Last week B+)
The Dolphins’ defense went to work against the woeful New York Jets’ offense and put on a show in Metlife Stadium. Jerome Baker had six tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception, Christian Wilksins had three tackles and two sacks, Emmanuel Ogbah had two tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Jevon Holland had five tackles, a pass deflection, and a 99-yard interception for a pick-six immediately after Tua Tagovailoa threw an interception before halftime. The Dolphins’ defense ultimately had seven sacks against Tim Boyle and took Metlife Stadium over as they got their Black Friday presents early with a statement victory over their AFC East rivals.
Minnesota Vikings: D+ (Last week D+)
It was not a great night for the Vikings’ defense as they fell 10-12 to the Chicago Bears in a tough but low-scoring affair. Ivan Pace Jr. had nine tackles and a sack, Danielle Hunter had nine tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Anthony Barr and Sheldon Day each had fumble recoveries. The Vikings, however, did not have any interceptions on the night and need to step up in their remaining games if they want to compete for a spot in the playoffs.
New England Patriots: D+ (Last week Bye Week)
The Patriots’ defense did not get any interceptions against Tommy DeVito all game long but did secure six sacks against him and Jabril Peppers had a fumble recovery against his former team. Keion White had five tackles and a sack while Anfernee Jennings had four tackles and 1.5 sacks, Peppers had three tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery as mentioned earlier, and J.C. Jackson had six tackles and a pass deflection. It wasn’t a great day for New England’s defense but they did make some impactful plays when it mattered. They need to step up as a whole if they want to get at least a couple more wins for the remainder of the season.
New Orleans Saints: D+ (Last week Bye Week)
The Saints’ defense couldn’t even land a single sack against Desmond Ridder in their 15-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Carl Granderson had 10 tackles while Tyran Mathieu had four tackles, two pass deflections, and two interceptions on the day. The rest of the Saints’ defense needs to step it up or they’ll be left behind in the dust as the Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could potentially move right past them in a weak NFC South.
New York Giants: C- (Last week C+)
The Giants’ defense came into the game and played somewhat better than the offense by getting two sacks and three interceptions against Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Kayvon Thibodeaux had five tackles and 0.5 sacks while Jihad Ward had five tackles and 1.5 sacks. Bobby Okereke and Denote Bankes both had interceptions against Mac Jones while Xavier McKinney had an interception against Bailey Zappe. The Giants’ defense isn’t the best unit but can have good performances against good to struggling opponents on any given Sunday.
New York Jets: C- (Last week D-)
The Jets tried to do everything they could against the red-hot Miami Dolphins offense but ultimately lost the game 13-34. C.J. Mosley had 14 tackles and a pass deflection on the afternoon while Bryce Huff had a tackle and a sack, and Michale Clemons and Soloman Thomas combined for 0.5 sacks each. Brandin Echols did have an interception and returned it for a 30-yard pick-six to give the Jets six points and D.J. Reed also had an interception against Tua Tagovailoa before the first half concluded. The Jets’ defense continues to be a good unit despite being held back by a struggling offense all season long and terrible quarterback play from Tim Boyle and Zach Wilson from weeks earlier. The Jets’ defense deserves a lot better than this.
Philadelphia Eagles: B- (Last week C+)
The Eagles’ defense played a decent game against the Bills even though the game went into overtime with the Eagles ultimately winning 37-34. Kevin Byard had 13 tackles, Brandon Graham had two tackles and a sack, and James Bradberry had three tackles, five pass deflections, and the Eagles’ only interception. The Eagles’ defense can make things challenging for opposing offenses to play in Philadelphia even though Buffalo’s offense had a great day on the field but at the end of the day, the Eagles won and that’s all that matters.
Pittsburgh Steelers: C+ (Last week D+)
The real reason why the Steelers were able to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals once again came down to their elite defense. Elandon Roberts had six tackles while T.J. Watt had five tackles and two sacks, Cameron Heyward had four tackles and a sack, Nick Herbig had one tackle and one sack, and Trenton Thompson had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. The Steelers’ defense is still one of the best units in football and potentially will lead this team to a playoff spot if they continue to win games.
San Francisco 49ers: A- (Last week A)
The 49ers’ defense was ready to steal the cranberry sauce as they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 31-13. Dre Greenlaw had eight tackles, Nick Posa had five tackles and two sacks, Javon Hargrave had seven tackles and 1.5 sacks, Charvarius Ward had five tackles and three pass deflections, and Ambry Thomas had one tackle, two pass deflections, and one interception returned for two yards. It was quite the Thanksgiving showcasing for the 49ers as they intercepted Seattle’s steaming hot turkey and celebrated their feast in Lumen Field.
Seattle Seahawks: D+ (Last week D+)
The Seahawks’ defense had little to no answers for trying to take down the San Francisco 49ers’ offense as they fell 13-31 on Thanksgiving night. Jordyn Brooks had 12 tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a 12-yard pick-six (the Seahawks’ only touchdown of the night), Julian Love had 10 tackles, and Darrell Taylor had one tackle and a sack on the night. The Seahawks’ defense needs to find a way to return to being a serious threat to opposing offenses before the season concludes and they’re the ones left with a cold turkey.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C- (Last week C)
The Buccaneers’ defense may have lost a heartbreaker to the Indianapolis Colts 20-27 but they did get some good pressure on Gardner Minshew. Carlton Davis III had 10 tackles and an interception while Calijah Kancey had three tackles and a sack, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka had two tackles and a sack. The Bucs’ defense also did not have Lavonte David, who was dealing with a groin injury, and Jamel Dean who was dealing with an ankle/foot injury which didn’t help. The Bucs need these two starters back, as soon as possible before the season ends, if they want to make a push for the playoffs.
Tennessee Titans: D+ (Last week D-)
The Titans’ defense may not have gotten an interception but they did sack Bryce Young four times and get a fumble recovery on the day. Amani Hooker had 11 tackles, Jeffery Simmons had five tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery, Denico Autry had three tackles and two sacks, and Arden Key had two tackles and a sack. The Titans’ defense may not have the best playmakers, like they used to, but they can help the team secure wins when needed. This was a well-earned win for a struggling franchise looking to scrape up a few more wins for the remainder of the season.
Washington Commanders: D (Last week C)
The Commanders’ defense either arrived late to their Thanksgiving feast or just got lost on the way, because they couldn’t land a sack or get an interception against Dak Prescott and company in their 10-45 loss. Cody Barton had six tackles on the ground while Percy Butler had four tackles and two pass deflections. The Commanders had three pass deflections all game and pass deflections aren’t the same as sacks or interceptions. The Commanders also parted ways with Jack Del Rio after the blowout loss- so who knows what the defense will do in their remaining challenges.
