Week 18 saw some incredible defensive performances put up a strong fight to the finish line as the 2023 regular season came to its inevitable conclusion. A couple defenses helped their respective teams punch their tickets to the playoffs while other defenses let their playoff hopes slip away.
Here is where all 32 NFL Teams’ defenses look after week 18 games:
Arizona Cardinals: D (Last week C-)
The Cardinals’ defense couldn’t stop the Seattle Seahawks in their very close 20-21 loss to conclude the regular season. Budda Baker had 10 tackles, Krys Barnes had six tackles, and Starling Thomas V had five tackles. A very tough loss for the Cardinals, as they head into the 2024 offseason with Barnes, Antonio Hamilton Sr., and Rashad Fenton set to become free agents. The team needs to continue to rebuild and retool things for a better 2024 regular season.
Atlanta Falcons: D+ (Last week D+)
The Falcons’ defense couldn’t get a stop against the fast and aggressive New Orleans Saints in their 17-48 loss. Nate Landman had 10 tackles, Richie Grant had 10 tackles and a sack, Calaisa Campbell had five tackles and a sack, and Bud Dupree had a tackle and a sack. A tough 2023 season is over for the Falcons. They enter the 2024 offseason trying to improve on all sides of the ball for a better 2024 season.
Baltimore Ravens: B- (Last week A)
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The Ravens’ defense played well, despite resting some of their starters in their 10-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Del’Shawn Philips had 13 tackles, Trenton Simpson had seven tackles and a sack, Arthur Maulet had six tackles and a fumble recovery, Broderick Washington had three tackles and a fumble recovery, Jadeveon Clowney had four tackles and a sack, and Kyle Van Noy had two tackles and a sack. The Ravens played a good defensive battle against the Steelers, even in the loss, as they rest up for the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills: B (Last week B-)
The Bills’ defense had a very strong Sunday night in their 21-14 victory over the Miami Dolphins in South Beach. Taron Johnson had nine tackles, Taylor Rapp had a tackle and an interception, Christian Benfordd had three tackles and an interception, and Tyrel Dodson had three tackles and a sack. The Bills’ defense played great, and are ready for the wildcard matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs.
Carolina Panthers: D (Last week D-)
The Panthers’ defense played a slightly better week 18 than in week 17 despite getting shutout 0-9 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Derrick Brown had seven tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection, Yetur Gross-Matos had five tackles and a sack, and Brian Burns had two tackles and a sack. The Panthers’ defense has a good amount of work to do, to get back on track, to be a strong defensive unit- like they were in the 2015 season.
Chicago Bears: D (Last week B-)
The Bears’ defense fell back down to earth in their 9-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. T.J. Edwards had 10 tackles, DeMarcus Walker had a tackle and the team’s only sack, and Tremaine Edmunds had nine tackles. It was a rough afternoon for the Bears, as they had no answers on how to stop the Packers. They enter the 2024 offseason only looking to improve, with Montez Sweat in the lineup, for a full upcoming regular season.
Cincinnati Bengals: B (Last week C-)
The Bengals’ defense finished the 2018 season on a positive note, with their 31-14 win over the Cleveland Browns despite missing the playoffs. Dax Hill had five tackles, Jordan Battle had four tackles, a sack, two pass deflections, and an interception, Logan Wilson had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 26 yards, and BJ Hill had four tackles and 0.5 sacks. Despite not making the playoffs, the Bengals’ defense looked great and needs to keep the unit intact for the 2024 season.
Cleveland Browns: B- (Last week B)
It was a good afternoon for the Browns’ defense, despite falling to the Cincinnati Bengals 14-31 as some of their starters were resting for the upcoming playoffs. Tony Fields II had 10 tackles, Duron Harmon had seven tackles and a sack, Alex Wright had six tackles and a sack, Isaiah McGuire had five tackles and a sack, and D’Anthony Bell had six tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for two yards. The Browns’ defense continues to be exciting to watch, and looks to be extremely fearsome when the playoffs begin.
Dallas Cowboys: B (Last week B-)
The Cowboys’ defense played a strong matchup against the Washington Commanders in their 38-10 victory. Stephon Gilmore had six tackles, Micah Parsons had five tackles and a sack, Dorance Armstrong had three tackles and a sack, Dante Fowler Jr. had two tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Sam Williams had three tackles and a sack. Donovan Wilson and DaRon Bland both had interceptions as they cruised to victory. Now they can focus on their upcoming playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.
Denver Broncos: C- (Last week C-)
The Broncos defense played somewhat decent in their 14-27 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Josey Jewell had nine tackles and a sack, Baron Browning had two tackles and a sack, and Nik Bonitto had a tackle and a sack. The Broncos also didn’t have any interceptions or fumble recoveries. As they enter the 2024 offseason they will continue their rebuild, as they hope to return to glory during the 2024 regular season.
Detroit Lions: B- (Last week C)
The Lions’ defense played a solid game, as they defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30-20. Jack Campbell had 12 tackles and a sack, Cameron Sutton had nine tackles and an interception returned for 23 yards, Aidan Hutchinson had four tackles and two sacks, Levi Onwuzurike had a tackle and a sack, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson had four tackles and an interception. A strong showing from the Lions as they cruise to victory and the playoffs. They can shift their focus to Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.
Green Bay Packers: B- (Last week B)
The Packers’ defense had a strong showing as they flat lined the Chicago Bears 17-9. Quay Walker had nine tackles and a sack, Karl Brooks had two tackles and a sack, Lukas Van Ness had two tackles and a sack, Kenny Clakr had two tackles and a sack, and Devonte Wyatt had a tackle and a sack. The Packers didn’t have any interceptions or fumble recoveries but five sacks and a trip to the playoffs made up for it! Their attention is set towards possibly defeating the Dallas Cowboys in wildcard weekend.
Houston Texans: C+ (Last week C)
The Texans’ defense played a decent battle in their 23-19 statement victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Blake Cashman had 13 tackles, Christian Harris had 12 tackles and the team’s only sack, and Henry To’oTo’o had a fumble recovery. The Texans’ defense played well as they helped secure the AFC South crown- as well as a spot in the playoffs. DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke deserve much credit for helping get the Texans to where they are now.
Indianapolis Colts: D+ (Last week D)
The Colts’ defense played an average game as they fell to the Houston Texans 19-23. E.J. Speed had 13 tackles, DeForest Buckner had six tackles and a sack, and Ronnie Harrison Jr. had five tackles and a sack. Even though the Colts had more sacks than the Texans, it was still a rough day, as they let their playoff hopes slip away as the Texans charged into battle and defeated them at their home field.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C- (Last week C+)
The Jaguars’ defense played all right, despite losing to the Tennessee Titans 20-28. Rayshawn Jenkins had seven tackles, Josh Allen had five tackles and a sack, Travon Walker had two tackles and a sack, and Andre Cisco had two tackles and an interception returned for 29 yards. With Allen set to become a free agent, the Jaguars need to bolster the defense in the 2024 offseason if they want to return to the playoffs in the 2024 regular season and beyond.
Kansas City Chiefs: C+ (Last week C+)
The Chiefs’ defense played fair, as they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12. Mike Edwards had a fumble recovery that became a touchdown, Cam Jones had 12 tackles, Malik Herring had five tackles and a sack, Charles Omenihu had two tackles and a sack, and Chris Jones had a tackle and a sack. The Chiefs’ defense turn their attention to the Miami Dolphins coming to Arrowhead Stadium for their upcoming playoff matchup.
Las Vegas Raiders: B (Last week D-)
The Raiders’ defense played very well, as they defeated the Denver Broncos 27-14. Isaiah Pola-Mao had three tackles and a sack, Maxx Crosby had two tackles and a sack, Malcolm Koonce had two tackles and a sack, Adam Butler had two tackles and a sack, and Tyree Wilson had a tackle and a sack. Tre’Von Mehrig also had an interception that helped clinch the win for the Raiders. They need to keep Antonio Pierce as head coach and focus on improving in the 2024 regular season- if they want to return to the playoffs.
Los Angeles Chargers: D+ (Last week D+)
The Chargers’ defense played an average game as they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 12-13 in nail-biting fashion. Derwin James Jr. had eight tackles, Khalil Mack had five tackles and the team’s only sack, and Alohi Glilmand had three tackles and an interception. This wasn’t the way the Chargers’ defense wanted to end the 2023 season. They need a new head coach to lead this talented team to the promised land in the 2024 regular season.
Los Angeles Rams: B- (Last week B-)
The Rams’ defense played strong as they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 21-20. Michael Hoecht had six tackles and a sack, Desjuan Johnson had two tackles and a sack, and Byron Young had a tackle, a sack, and a fumble recovery. The Rams’ defense needs to keep this momentum and more for their wildcard matchup against the Detroit Lions in the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins: C (Last week D)
The Dolphins’ defense had their work cut out for them in a very competitive battle which resulted in a 14-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills. David Long Jr. had 10 tackles, Zach Sieler had seven tackles and 0.5 sacks, Christian Wilkins had five tackles and a sack, and Melvin Ingram had five tackles and 1.5 sacks. Eli Apple and DeShon Elliot both had an interception as the rest of the Dolphins’ defense gets set for their playoff matchup on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Minnesota Vikings: D (Last week F)
The Vikings’ defense had another rough week, as they were defeated by the Detroit Lions 20-30. Ivan Pace Jr. had nine tackles, Danielle Hunter had six tackles and the team’s only sack, and Jordan Hicks had seven tackles. The Vikings’ defense also didn’t have any interceptions or fumble recoveries as they head into the 2024 offseason. Hunter and Anthony Barr are set to become free agents while the team figures out how to possibly keep one or both of them for the upcoming 2024 season.
New England Patriots: D- (Last week D+)
It was a rough and snowy afternoon for the Patriots’ defense, as they fell 3-17 to the New York Jets in Bill Belichick’s potential last game as the Patriots head coach. Christian Barmore had 10 tackles, Ja’Whaun Bentley had 10 tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Mack Wilson Sr. had three tackles and 0.5 sacks. The Pats didn’t secure any interceptions or defensive fumble recoveries as they look to rebuild and retool for the 2024 season with a healthy Christian Gonzalez and Matthew Judon.
New Orleans Saints: B- (Last week B)
The Saints’ defense had a good afternoon at home against the struggling Atlanta Falcons in their 48-17 victory. Demario Davis had nine tackles, Nathan Shepherd had three tackles and a sack, Tyrann Mathieu had three tackles and an interception returned for 74 yards, Alontae Taylor had a tackle and an interception returned for 16 yards and Payton Turner had a fumble recovery. The Saints’ defense enters the 2024 offseason with Johnathan Abrams and Zack Baun set to become free agents as they look to add talent and keep good defensive talent for a stronger 2024 season.
New York Giants: B (Last week C)
The Giants’ defense played well in their 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Bobby Okereke had eight tackles and a sack, Dane Belton had six tackles and a sack, Azeez Ojulari had four tackles and two sacks, and Jihad Ward had a tackle and a sack. Xavier McKinney had two interceptions on the day as the G-Men look to rebuild and drastically improve for the 2024 season.
New York Jets: B (Last week D+)
The Jets’ defense had a strong afternoon, as they crushed the New England Patriots 17-3. Bryce Hall had two tackles and two sacks, Quinnen Williams had three tackles and two sacks, Will McDonald IV had two tackles and a sack, Jermaine Johnson had two tackles and a sack, Jalyn Holmes had a tackle and a sack, Ashtyn Davis had five tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception returned for 14 yards, and Tony Adams had two tackles, two pass deflections and an interception. The Jets’ defense dominated the woeful Patriots as they look to keep getting stronger on defense for the 2024 season.
Philadelphia Eagles: C (Last week B-)
The Eagles’ defense played an average contest, as they lost 10-27 to the New York Giants. Nicholas Morrow had 11 tackles, Kelee Ringo had three tackles and a sack, Marlon Tuipulotu had three tackles and a sack, and Reed Blankenship had five tackles and an interception. The Eagles regular season may have ended on a small sour note with a loss to their NFC East rivals and losing first place in the division to the Dallas Cowboys, but they can still make a strong run in the playoffs depending on how they finish against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B (Last week D+)
The Steelers’ defense played well in their AFC North showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, resulting in a 17-10 victory, as well as securing a spot in the playoffs. Eric Rowe had 12 tackles and a pass deflection, T.J. Watt had eight tackles and two sacks, but left the game with a grade II torn MCL strain. Mark Robinson had five tackles and a sack, and Markus Gordon had three tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. Losing T.J. Watt is going to hurt. The Steelers need to play hard without him, as he recovers for the playoffs- if the Steelers advance or for the 2024 season.
San Francisco 49ers: B- (Last week C)
The 49ers’ defense played well, despite losing a close 20-21 game to the Los Angeles Rams. Isaiah Oliver had 10 tackles, Tayler Hawkins had four tackles and an interception, Oren Burks had seven tackles and a sack, and Robert Beal Jr. had three tackles and a sack. The 49ers may have rested their main defensive starters for the divisional round, but the backups played well which is all that matters at the end of the day.
Seattle Seahawks: C- (Last week D)
The Seahawks’ defense played an average battle, in their very close 21-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals despite missing out on the playoffs. Bobby Wagner had 15 tackles, Darrell Taylor had four tackles and the team’s only sack, and Devon Witherspoon had 11 tackles. The Seahawks didn’t have any fumble recoveries or interceptions as they head into the offseason with Wagner, Devin Bush, and Mario Edwards Jr. set to become free agents as they try to keep bolstering the defense via free agency or the NFL Draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C (Last week D)
The Buccaneers’ defense rebounded and helped the team secure the NFC South crown with a 9-0 shutout victory over the Carolina Panthers. Lavonte David had nine sacks, Yaya Diaby had six tackles and a sack, Antonie Winfield Jr. had five tackles and a sack, Joe Tyron-Shoyinka had three tackles and a sack, Jamel Dean had three tackles and a fumble recovery, and Greg Gaines had a sack and fumble recovery. It was a good showing from the Bucs’ defense, as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles at home.
Tennessee Titans: C+ (Last week F)
The Titans’ defense played a decent game as they spoiled the Jacksonville Jaguars’ playoff ambitions in their 28-20 victory. Azeez Al-Shaair had 10 tackles, Terrelle Edmunds had five tackles and an interception returned for two yards, and Sean Murphy-Bunting had eight tackles and an interception returned for two yards. The Titans didn’t have any sacks on the day but finished the season on a strong note against their AFC South rival.
Washington Commanders: D+ (Last week D-)
The Commanders’ defense had a rough afternoon, as they lost to the Dallas Cowboys 10-38. Khaleke Hudson had 13 tackles, Terrell Burgess had 10 tackles, and Jartavious Murry had four tackles and an interception returned for seven yards. The Commanders’ defense needs a new head coach to take charge and rebuild this roster in the 2024 offseason- if the team wants to be relevant again.
