Happy New Year! Week 17 saw some amazing defensive performances from teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers as they locked up the one seed in their respective conference playoffs. Other defenses struggled against their competition as it cost them a chance at competing in the playoffs until the 2024 season begins next September.
Here is where all 32 NFL Teams’ defenses look after week 17 games:
Arizona Cardinals: C- (Last week D+)
Even though the Cardinals’ offense shined, the Cardinals’ defense had some work to do, but were able to help the Eagles win 35-31 in upset fashion over the Philadelphia Eagles. Antonio Hamilton Sr. had seven tackles, Starling Thomas V had five tackles and a pass deflection, Budda Baker had four tackles, and Joey Blunt had a tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception. The Cardinals didn’t have a sack but played well, as they look to finish the 2023 season on a positive note.
Atlanta Falcons: D+ (Last week B+)
The Falcons’ defense had a tough afternoon, as they lost 17-37 to the Chicago Bears. Jessie Bates III had 11 tackles, Kaden Elliss had nine tackles and a sack, Lorenzo Carter had three tackles and a sack, Bud Dupree had three tackles and 0.5 sacks, and David Onyemata had two tackles and 0.5 sacks. Jessie Bates III continues to be one of the best defenders on the Falcons, but the rest of the defense has to put more pressure on opposing offenses, if they want to win the NFC South in week 18.
Baltimore Ravens: A (Last week A)
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The Ravens’ defense played “lights out”, as they crushed the Miami Dolphins 56-19 and secured the one seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Geno Stone had eight tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for four yards, Roquan Smith had seven tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for 30 yards, and Justin Madubuike had five tackles and a sack. The Ravens’ defense had three sacks and a Trevor Simpson fumble recovery on the afternoon, overall. They have their eyes set on defending their home field in the upcoming playoffs- as the one seed.
Buffalo Bills: B- (Last week B)
The Bills’ defense played a good and physical battle in their 27-21 victory over the New England Patriots. Terrel Bernard had 10 tackles and two sacks, Ed Oliver had two tackles, a sack, a pass deflection, and an interception, Rasul Douglas had two tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, and a 40-yard pick-six, and Christian Benford had four tackles and a fumble recovery. The Bills’ defense is stepping up, as they have a very tough challenge ahead of them in week 18. They are set to square off against the Miami Dolphins, for a chance to win the AFC East.
Carolina Panthers: D- (Last week C-)
The Panthers’ defense played slightly better than the offense, despite getting shutout 0-26 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brian Burns had eight tackles and a sack, Deion Jones had seven tackles and a sack, and Yetur Gross-Matos had three tackles and a sack. The Panthers didn’t have any defensive turnovers but they did have two pass deflections. This gets a team nowhere, as they need to rebuild the defense in the 2024 offseason.
Chicago Bears: B- (Last week D)
The Bears’ defense had a strong showing in their 37-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, despite being eliminated from playoff contention. Tremaine Edmunds had five tackles and a pass deflection, Tyrique Stevenson had five tackles, four pass deflections, and two interceptions returned for seven yards, Gervon Dexter Sr. had four tackles and 1.5 sacks, DeMarcus Walker had two tackles and 0.5 sacks, Kyler Gordon had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and T.J. Edwards had two tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for two yards. The Bears’ defense played well, even though Montez Sweat had one tackle on the day, but they’re in good hands with Sweat’s leadership moving forward in 2024.
Cincinnati Bengals: C- (Last week D)
The Bengals’ defense played all right as they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-25. Jordan Battle had eight tackles, Mike Hilton had five tackles and a sack, Sam Hubbard had five tackles and a fumble recovery, and Trey Hendrickson had a tackle and a sack. The Bengals also had no interceptions, but played much better than they did in week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals’ defense now looks to finish the 2023 season on a positive note- as they were eliminated from playoff contention.
Cleveland Browns: B (Last week B-)
The Brown’s defense played strong and aggressive, as they steamrolled the New York Jets 37-20. Sione Takitaki had 16 tackles and a pass deflection, Myles Garrett had three tackles and a sack, Alex Wright had a tackle and a sack, and Ronnie Hickman had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a 30-yard pick-six. It was a strong night for the Browns’ defense, as they punched their ticket into the playoffs with a dominant win against the woeful Jets.
Dallas Cowboys: B- (Last week C-)
The Cowboys’ defense had a solid day on the field, defeating the Detroit Lions in a 19-20 razor-thin victory. Donovan Wilson had 11 tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, Dorance Armstrong had three tackles and the Cowboys’ only sack, Micah Parsons had six tackles, and Jourdan Lewis had six tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. The Cowboys’ defense had a good performance as they looked to win the NFC East over the Philadelphia Eagles who lost 35-21 to the Arizona Cardinals, and then get ready for the playoffs.
Denver Broncos: C- (Last week C+)
The Broncos’ defense played an average game as they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-9. Jonathan Cooper had a tackle and the team’s only sack, Alex Singleton had 11 tackles, Pat Surtain II had four tackles and a pass deflection, and Josey Jewell had nine tackles and a fumble recovery. The Broncos’ defense didn’t play their best, but they did prevent the Chargers from scoring any touchdowns on the afternoon. All that remains, is to finish the 2023 regular season on a positive note.
Detroit Lions: C (Last week A-)
The Lions’ defense played a good game despite losing in controversial fashion 19-20 to the Dallas Cowboys. Cameron Sutton had 10 tackles, Alex Anzalone had eight tackles, Aidan Hutchinson had five tackles and three sacks, and Ifeatu Melifonwu had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 24 yards. Despite the controversial finish, regarding the controversial referee call and Taylor Decker, the Lions’ defense played well, and should help the team rebound in week 18- and the playoffs coming up.
Green Bay Packers: B (Last week C+)
The Packers’ defense played very well on the road as they defeated the Minnesota Vikings 33-10. Corey Ballentine had five tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception, Keisean Nixon had 11 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a pass deflection, Quay Walker had six tackles and a sack, and Isaiah McDuffie had three tackles and 0.5 sacks. The Packers’ defense had four sacks on the night and a fumble recovery from Karl Brooks as they’re doing everything to keep their playoff aspirations alive with one last chance to make the wildcard round with a win in their week 18 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Houston Texans: C (Last week D+)
The Texans’ defense had a decent afternoon, as they defeated the Tennessee Titans 26-3. Desmond King II had eight tackles and a pass deflection, Will Anderson Jr. had two tackles and two sacks, Derek Barnett had six tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Sheldon Rankins had two tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. The Texans’ defense has good players, who need to force more turnovers, if they want to have a shot at competing for an unlocked playoff spot.
Indianapolis Colts: D (Last week D)
The Colts’ defense played a quiet afternoon, even though they helped the team get the 23-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. E.J. Speed had 12 tackles, Juju Brents had six tackles and three pass deflections, DeForest Buckner had four tackles and a sack, and Tyquan Lewis had two tackles and a sack. The Colts’ defense played very mildly, as they didn’t force any turnovers, but played slightly better than the Raiders’ defense. That was enough to secure the win, and live to fight another week- to potentially secure their playoff berth.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C+ (Last week D)
The Jaguars’ defense tore apart the Carolina Panthers, in their 26-0 shutout victory. Travon Walker had six tackles and two sacks, Josh Allen had six tackles and three sacks, Roy Robertson-Harris had a tackle and a sack, and Tyson Campbell had eight tackles and a pass deflection. The Jaguars also didn’t have any defensive turnovers, but put a ton of pressure against Bryce Young, as they look to secure the AFC South and a potential playoff berth- with a win in week 18.
Kansas City Chiefs: C+ (Last week D+)
The Chiefs’ defense played well, as they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 25-17. Nick Bolton had 13 tackles and a pass deflection, Justin Reid had eight tackles and two sacks, George Karlaftis had five tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Charles Omenihu had five tackles and 0.5 sacks. The Chiefs had six sacks in the afternoon overall, but no interceptions or fumble recoveries, as they look to finish the 2023 season on a positive note- and make a run in the upcoming playoffs.
Las Vegas Raiders: D- (Last week B)
The Raiders’ defense had a very quiet afternoon, as they fell to the Indianapolis Colts 20-23. Nate Hobbs had eight tackles, John Jenkins had seven tackles, Maxx Crosby had six tackles, and Adam Butler had two tackles and the team’s only sack in the afternoon. It was an inconsistent performance by the Raiders’ defense, as they couldn’t stop the Colts nor could they snag any turnovers. They were also knocked out of playoff contention.
Los Angeles Chargers: D+ (Last week D+)
The Chargers’ defense played a bland and forgettable game as they fell to the Denver Broncos 9-16. Eric Kendricks had 14 tackles and a pass deflection, Derwin James Jr. had 12 tackles, a sack, and two pass deflections, and Khalil Mack had seven tackles and a sack. The Chargers did not have any fumble recoveries or interceptions on the afternoon, as they look to wrap up the 2023 season on a positive note.
Los Angeles Rams: B- (Last week B-)
The Rams’ defense had a good Sunday afternoon, on the road, as they defeated the New York Giants 26-25. Ernest Jones had 13 tackles, Michael Hoecht had seven tackles and 0.5 sacks, Aaron Donald had five tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection, Kobie Turner had five tackles and 2.5 sacks, and Jordan Fuller had eight tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. With the Rams’ defense playing well, they also helped the team punch their ticket into the playoffs where they can potentially make a small run depending on who they face in the first weekend of the postseason.
Miami Dolphins: D (Last week B)
The Dolphins’ defense couldn’t stop the firepower of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens’ offense, as they fell 19-56. DeShon Elliot had 10 tackles, Bradley Chubb had six tackles but left the game with an ACL injury, and Zach Sieler had five tackles and the Dolphins’ only sack of the day. The Dolphins didn’t have any interceptions, but they did have a fumble recovery from Jevon Holland as they look to rebound from this loss and square off against the Buffalo Bills in week 18.
Minnesota Vikings: F (Last week D+)
The Vikings’ defense had a tough time trying to stop the Green Bay Packers as they lost at home 10-33. Ivan Pace Jr. had 12 tackles, Camryn Bynum had 10 tackles, and NaJee Thompson had a tackle and a fumble recovery. A very rough night for the Vikings’ defense as they look to forget about their New Year’s Eve collapse as they focus on trying to rebound with a potential win and securing a wildcard playoff spot in week 18 against the Detroit Lions.
New England Patriots: D+ (Last week B)
The Patriots’ defense did not have a good afternoon on New Year’s Eve, as they fell to the Buffalo Bills 21-27. Kyle Dugger had 10 tackles and a pass deflection, Jahlani Tavai had 10 tackles, Alex Austin had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Deatrich Wise Jr. had four tackles and the Patriots’ only sack on the afternoon. With the 2023 season about to conclude in week 18, the Patriots’ defense needs to hit the reset button and hope both Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez return to form after going down with season-ending injuries earlier in the season.
New Orleans Saints: B (Last week D+)
The Saints’ defense played very well in their 23-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Peter Werner had nine tackles, Demario Davis had four tackles and a fumble recovery, Zack Baun had four tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection, Jonathan Abraham had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, Alontae Taylor had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Bryan Bresee had two tackle and a sack. It was a solid afternoon for the Saints, as they look to potentially steal the NFC South from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers- as the season reaches week 18.
New York Giants: C (Last week C)
The Giants’ defense played well despite falling to the Los Angeles Rams 25-26. Bobby Okereke had 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, Isaiah Simmons had four tackles and a sack, Rakeem Nunez-Roches had four tackles and 0.5 sacks, Jihad Ward had three tackles and a sack, and Dane Belton had two tackles, two pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions returned for 22 yards. A good performance by the Giants’ defense, but they need to play similarly to this, and more, if they want to finish the regular season on a positive note.
New York Jets: D+ (Last week C+)
The Jets’ defense played all right, as they did what they could to stop the Cleveland Browns before ultimately losing 20-37. Jordan Whitehead had eight tackles, C.J. Mosley had eight tackles and a fumble recovery, and Jermaine Johnson had three tackles, a pass deflection, a fumble recovery, and an interception returned for a 37-yard pick-six. The Jets’ defense has strong playmakers who deserve so much better than what their record showed throughout the entire 2023 season. They need Aaron Rodgers to recover from his Achilles injury for a much better 2024 season.
Philadelphia Eagles: B- (Last week B-)
The Eagles’ defense played well as they fell to the Arizona Cardinals 31-35 in upset fashion. Nicholas Morrow had 14 tackles, Jalen Carter had a tackle and the team’s only sack, and Sydney Brown had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a 99-yard pick-six touchdown. A decent afternoon for the Eagles, despite them not finishing the job against the Arizona Cardinals.
Pittsburgh Steelers: D+ (Last week B)
The Steelers’ defense could’ve played better, but they still helped the team get the 30-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Eric Rowe had 10 tackles, T.J. Watt had two tackles, Myles Jack had eight tackles, and Nick Herbig had a tackle, a sack, and a fumble recovery. The Steelers’ defense needs to get more sacks and put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so they can turn the ball over, which can change the momentum of the game.
San Francisco 49ers: C (Last week D-)
The 49ers defense stepped up much better than they did against the Baltimore Ravens in their week 17 27-10 victory over the Washington Commanders. Dre Greenlaw had 10 tackles, Charvarius Ward had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for three yards, Deommodore Lenoir had three tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception, and Clelin Ferrell had two tackles and the 49ers’ only sack. A good performance by the 49ers as they look to compete tougher and more aggressively, in the upcoming playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks: D (Last week B)
The Seahawks’ defense played a bit lackluster, as they fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 23-30. Devin Bush had 17 tackles, Julian Love had 14 tackles, Leonard Willams had six tackles and the Seahawks’ only sack, and Quandre Diggs had five tackles and a pass deflection. The Seahawks’ defense needs to step up in large moments, by getting more sacks and forcing more turnovers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: D (Last week A-)
The Buccaneers’ defense had a rough afternoon, as they suffered a tough 13-23 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Lavonte David had 11 tackles, Antonie Winfield Jr. had seven tackles, and Markees Watts had two tackles and a sack. The Bucs didn’t produce any interceptions or fumble recoveries. They need to put this loss behind them and defeat the Carolina Panthers in week 18- if they want to win the division.
Tennessee Titans: F (Last week C)
The Titans’ defense had a rough Sunday as they fell to the Houston Texans 3-26. K’Von Wallace had 11 tackles, Otis Reese IV had 10 tackles, and Harold Landry III had five tackles and the Titans’ only sack of the afternoon. The Titans’ defense needs to hit a serious reset button, if they want to stop other teams in the AFC South from steamrolling right over them.
Washington Commanders: D- (Last week D+)
It was a very rough afternoon for the Commanders’ defense, as they fell 10-27 to the San Francisco 49ers. Cody Barton had 12 tackles, Emmanuel Forbes had four tackles and two pass deflections, and Khaleke Hudson had 11 tackles. The Commanders also didn’t have any defensive turnovers. They need to move past this loss and focus on finishing strong in the team’s week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
