Week nine saw some defenses go to town against struggling opposing NFL offenses, as they dominated their games.
Some defenses played hard but couldn’t get the win as their offensive counterparts struggled or couldn’t get the job done. Some defenses were nonexistent as they have a lot of work ahead of them for week 10. There is still some time to clean things up, but the NFL season always moves very quickly. We’ll have to see how these defensive units do in the second half of the season.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ defenses after week nine.
Which NFL teams have the highest grades on defense after week 9?
Arizona Cardinals: B-
The Cardinals’ defense had a very nice afternoon in the desert, as they helped the team defeat the Chicago Bears 29-9. Budda Baker had 12 tackles, Zaven Collins had six tackles and two sacks, Xavier Thomas had three tackles and 1.5 sacks, Kyzir White had five tackles and 0.5 sacks, Dante Stills had four tackles and 0.5 sacks, L.J. Collier had three tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Jesse Luketa had two tackles and a sack. Even though the Redbirds didn’t secure an interception, their defense still made things very miserable for the Bears’ offense for the majority of their NFL game.
Atlanta Falcons: B
The Falcons’ defense played a good game, as they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 27-21. Kaden Elliss had 13 tackles and a sack, Arnold Ebiketie had five tackles and a sack, Grady Jarrett had two tackles and a sack, and Dee Alford had eight tackles and two pass deflections. A good game for the Falcons’ defense, but Jarrett left the game with an Achilles strain, which is a sign of concern, even though he told the press he feels solid and left the game for precautionary reasons. The Falcons’ defense travels south for a week 10 match-up against the New Orleans Saints in the Big Easy.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Baltimore Ravens: A-
The Ravens’ defense had a field day as they dismantled the Denver Broncos 41-10. Kyle Hamilton had 10 tackles and a pass deflection. Trenton Simpson had nine tackles and a sack. Tavius Robinson had three tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection; Malik Harrison had four tackles and a sack, and Ar’Darius Washington had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a yard. The Ravens’ defense continues to be a force to be reckoned with, as they made quick work of the Broncos’ offense.
Buffalo Bills: C+
The Bills’ defense had an okay day at home, as they defeated the Miami Dolphins 30-27. Dorian Williams had 12 tackles, Damar Hamlin had 10 tackles, Greg Rousseau had seven tackles and a sack, Rasul Douglas had three tackles and the team’s only pass deflection, and Kaiir Elam had five tackles and a fumble recovery. The Bills’ defense had some trouble trying to slow down the Dolphins’ rushing attack as De’Von Achane rushed for 63 yards, had 58 receiving yards, and scored rushing and receiving touchdowns, while Raheem Mostert rushed for 56 yards against the Bills. The Bills’ defense needs to improve in slowing down the opposing rushing attack as they get set for their week 10 match-up against the Indianapolis Colts on the road.
Carolina Panthers: C-
The Panthers’ defense had an average afternoon, as they held off the New Orleans Saints in their 23-22 win at home. Demani Richardson had 12 tackles and a pass deflection, Charles Harris had six tackles and the team’s only sack, and Michael Jackson had three tackles and a pass deflection. The Panthers’ defense also had trouble trying to slow down Alvin Kamara, as he rushed for 155 yards on the ground. The Panthers’ defense travels abroad in week 10 for a showdown against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany.
Chicago Bears: C-
The Bears may have lost 9-29 against the Arizona Cardinals, but the team’s saving grace came from their defense. Kevin Byard III had seven tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. Jacob Martin had three tackles and a sack; Chris Williams had a tackle and a sack, and Elijah Hicks had eight tackles and a fumble recovery. The Bears’ defense did what they could against the Cardinals’ offense, but they lost the game due to poor offensive performance. The Bears’ defense returns home for a week 10 showdown against the New England Patriots.
Cincinnati Bengals: B
The Bengals’ defense had a nice afternoon as they dismantled the Las Vegas Raiders 41-24. Logan Wilson had nine tackles and two fumble recoveries. Kris Jenkins Jr. had five tackles and a sack, Jordan Battle had six tackles and a sack, and Trey Hendrickson had four tackles, four sacks, and a pass deflection. The Bengals’ defense also held the Raiders’ rushing attack to a combined 60 yards on the ground, and it made things miserable for both Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder. The Bengals’ defense has to get focused on their week 10 match-up against the Baltimore Ravens on the road.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses After Week 8 Games Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: C-
The only thing that kept the Browns afloat was their defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Devin Bush had eight tackles and a sack, Myles Garrett had five tackles and three sacks, Dalvin Tomlinson had three tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Shelby Harris had four tackles and 0.5 sacks. Despite the Browns’ offense not doing much for the majority of the game, the Browns’ defense did what they could, even though the team was outplayed by the Chargers’ offense for large portions of the game. The Browns’ defense will take a break as the team enters a week 10 bye week and won’t see action until week 11 when they square off against the New Orleans Saints on the road.
Dallas Cowboys: D
The Cowboys’ defense was a mess, as they were torn apart by Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons in their 21-27 loss. Eric Kendricks had nine tackles, Carl Lawson had two tackles and two sacks, and Trevon Diggs had three tackles and two pass deflections. A brutal afternoon for the Cowboys’ defense, who had no answers on how to stop the Falcons’ passing attack as they allowed Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Darnell Mooney to score touchdowns and couldn’t slow down Bijan Robinson on the ground. The Cowboys will return home for week 10 and will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to town.
Denver Broncos: D
The Broncos’ defense had a rough afternoon in their last NFL outing as they were burned by the Baltimore Ravens 10-41. Devon Key had eight tackles, John Franklin-Myers had four tackles and a sack, and Justin Strnad had two tackles and a pass deflection. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense proved to be too much for the Broncos’ defense. The Broncos continue their road trip as they travel to Arrowhead Stadium for a week 10 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Detroit Lions: C+
The Lions’ defense played okay and emerged on top in the team’s 24-14 win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Jack Campbell had 13 tackles, Carlton Davis II had seven tackles and two pass deflections, and Kerby Joseph had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a 27-yard pick-six. The Lions’ defense wasn’t able to sack Jordan Love, but they managed to slow down most of the Packers’ running backs, who weren’t Josh Jacobs, and kept the Packers’ receivers out of the end zone. The Lions’ defense continues their road trip as they travel to Texas for a Sunday night showdown against the Houston Texans for week 10.
Green Bay Packers: D
The Packers’ defense had a tough time at home, as they fell to their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions 14-24. Quay Walker had 12 tackles, Rashan Gary had four tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Arron Mosby had a tackle and 0.5 sacks. The Packers’ defense had trouble trying to slow down the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and failed to stop Amon-Ra St. Brown from scoring a touchdown on their home field. The Packers’ defense, luckily, heads into a week 10 bye week and will return to action in week 11 against the Chicago Bears on the road.
Houston Texans: C-
The Texans’ defense had an okay night at the Meadowlands, even as they fell to the New York Jets 13-21. Jalen Pitre had 10 tackles and a pass deflection, Derek Stingley Jr. had four tackles and two pass deflections, and Denico Autry had three tackles and two sacks. This NFL team’s defense also wasn’t able to snag any interceptions against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. The Texans’ defense has to regroup and move on to week 10 when they get prepared to host the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.
Indianapolis Colts: C
Even though the Colts’ offense struggled for the majority of the night, the defense, coached by defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, put up a fight despite the team losing 13-21. Grover Stewart had four tackles and two sacks, DeForest Buckner had six tackles and a sack, Kwity Paye had two tackles and a sack, Nick Cross had 10 tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 20 yards, Zaire Franklin had eight tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Kenny Moore II had six tackles and a fumble recovery returned for a 38-yard touchdown. The Colts’ defense showed they are an underrated unit that deserves some more respect, even though the Colts’ offense fell flat for the majority of the night.
Jacksonville Jaguars: D+
The Jaguars’ defense had a decent afternoon, though the Jaguars lost 23-28 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Josh Hines-Allen had four tackles and two sacks, Jordan Jefferson had a tackle and a sack, and Travon Walker had seven tackles, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery returned for a 35-yard touchdown. The Jaguars’ defense played slightly better than the offense. However, the defense was chewed apart by Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and DeVonta Smith for the majority of the game.
Kansas City Chiefs: B
The Chiefs’ defense, coached by Andy Reid and NFL defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, continued to have a strong season, as they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Drue Tranquill had seven tackles and 0.5 sacks. George Karlaftis had four tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection; Felix Anudike-Uzomah had four tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Justin Reid had four tackles and a pass deflection. A great night for the Chiefs’ defense as they held the Buc’s rushing attack to a combined 95 yards on the ground and prevented the Bucs’ running backs to top 24 yards. The Chiefs’ defense will remain home in week 10 as they welcome the Denver Broncos to town for an AFC West showdown.
Las Vegas Raiders: D+
The Raiders’ defense had a brutal afternoon on the road, as they fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 24-41. Tre’von Moehrig had 13 tackles and 0.5 sacks, John Jenkins had three tackles and 0.5 sacks, Jack Jones had four tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for a 29-yard pick-six, and Maxx Crosby had three tackles and a pass deflection. Despite the performance by Jack Jones, the defense of Silver and Black was picked apart by Joe Burrow and the Bengals for the majority of the game. The Raiders’ defense, luckily, enters a week 10 bye week and won’t see action until week 11, when they square off against the Miami Dolphins on the road.
Los Angeles Chargers: A-
The Chargers’ defense came through and dismantled the Cleveland Browns 27-10. Daiyan Henry had 14 tackles and a pass deflection, Tuli Tuipulotu had six tackles and 2.5 sacks, Cam Hart had four tackles and 0.5 sacks, Morgan Fox had two tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection, Khalil Mack had four tackles and a sack, Aholi Gilman had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 18 yards, Tarheeb Still had five tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception returned for a yard, and Elijah Molden had six tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception.
A very strong afternoon for the Chargers’ defense, as they looked impressive, thanks to the coaching from head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The Bolts’ defense returns home and will square off against the Tennessee Titans coming to town in week 10.
Los Angeles Rams: B+
The Rams’ defense put up a strong fight and emerged on top in the team’s 26-20 overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams’ defense had seven sacks against Geno Smith while Kamren Kinchens had two interceptions, and one of those interceptions was returned for a 103-yard pick-six, which looked reminiscent of Ed Reed’s 108-yard pick-six against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008, and Jaylen McCollough had an interception against Smith. This NFL team’s defense is starting to wake up and reemerge as a threat in the NFC West. The Rams’ defense returns home for a week 10 showdown against the Miami Dolphins coming to town on Monday Night Football.
Miami Dolphins: C-
The Dolphins’ defense had an okay game in their 27-30, but it was a very competitive loss against the Buffalo Bills on the road. Anthony Walker Jr. had 10 tackles, Jaylen Ramsey had a tackle, a fumble recovery, and an interception (Josh Allen’s second interception of the season), and Chop Robinson had a tackle and a sack. Penalties cost the Dolphins as Cam Smith had a pass interference and a holding penalty in the second quarter, which led to the Bills kicking a field goal.
Meanwhile, Jordan Poyer had an unnecessary roughness penalty called against him via a helmet-to-helmet hit on Keon Coleman, which led to kicker Tyler Bass kicking the game-winning field goal. The Dolphins’ defense needs to clean things up as they get prepared for their week 10 match-up against the Los Angeles Rams on the road.
Minnesota Vikings: B+
The saving grace for the Vikings came from their defense, coached by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, as they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 13-21. Jonathan Greenard had three tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection. Byron Murphy Jr. had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception; Harrison Smith had four tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery. And Jihad Ward had two tackles and a sack. The Vikings’ defense also made things very difficult for the Colts’ rushing attack, as they held them to 68 combined yards on the ground and kept the Colts’ passing attack in check for the majority of the game. The Vikings’ defense travels south to Duval County in week 10 for a match-up against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
New England Patriots: D+
The Patriots’ defense had an average afternoon, as they fell to the Tennessee Titans 17-20 in overtime. Jahlani Tavai had 11 tackles, a pass deflection, and the team’s only interception; Deatrich Wise Jr. had three tackles and the team’s only sack, and Christian Gonzalez had three tackles and two pass deflections. The Patriots’ defense was no match for Tony Pollard, as he rushed for 128 yards against them on the ground. The Patriots’ defense continues their road trip as they travel to the Mid-West for a week 10 showdown against the Chicago Bears.
New Orleans Saints: C-
The Saints’ defense had an average afternoon in the team’s 22-23 loss on the road against the Carolina Panthers. Peter Werner had eight tackles, Nathan Shepherd and Carl Granderson each had four tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Shemar Jean-Charles had two tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. This NFL team’s defense did what they could, but their efforts weren’t enough in the end.
New York Giants: D
The Giants’ defense had a very lackluster afternoon in their 22-27 loss against the Washington Commanders. Micah McFadden had 11 tackles, Bobby Okereke had nine tackles, Dexter Lawrence II had six tackles, and Brian Burns had four tackles and a pass deflection. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s unit failed to get a single sack and interception against Jayden Daniels as he made the unit look incredibly foolish on the field. The Giants’ defense needs to regroup and get themselves prepared for a week 10 showdown against the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany.
New York Jets: B+
The Jets’ defense came to life and brought the scary to C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans in their definitive win, 21-13 at home, on Halloween night. Jamien Sherwood had seven tackles and two sacks, D.J. Reed had five tackles and a sack, Quinen Williams had four tackles and 1.5 sacks, Micheal Clemons had three tackles and two sacks, Solomon Thomas had a tackle and a sack, and Haason Reddick had a tackle and 0.5 sacks. A strong night for the Jets’ defense, as they took advantage of the Texans’ offensive line woes and sacked C.J. Stroud eight times, and Will McDonald IV recovered a fumble against the latter as they look to salvage what’s left of their 2024 season and build upon the win.
Philadelphia Eagles: B+
The Eagles’ defense had a very nice afternoon as they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-23. Zack Baun had 10 tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. Josh Sweat had five tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection; Nakobe Dean had two tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. And Kelee Ringo had a tackle and a fumble recovery. A great afternoon for the Eagles’ defense, as they shut the Jaguars’ offense down for the majority of the game. The Eagles travel to Texas for a week 10 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Bye Week
The Steelers’ defense remains a force to be reckoned with, even though they were on a bye week. This NFL team’s defense will return to action in week 10 when they’ll square off against the Washington Commanders on the road.
San Francisco 49ers: Bye Week
The 49ers’ have a great defensive unit as long as guys like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner stay healthy. The 49ers travel east to Central Florida for a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Seattle Seahawks: D+
The Seahawks’ defense had a bit of a rough afternoon, as they were defeated by the Los Angeles Rams 20-26 in overtime. Tyrel Dodson had nine tackles and a pass deflection. Riq Woolen had a tackle, two pass deflections, and an interception, and Devon Witherspoon had seven tackles and two pass deflections. The Seahawks defense also had no sacks against Matthew Stafford, as they fell in a very tough divisional battle. Luckily for the Seahawks, they enter a bye week in week 10 and will return to action in week 11 when they face off against the San Francisco 49ers on the road.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
The Bucs’ defense tried their very best to take down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs but lost 24-30 in overtime. Josh Hayes had six tackles and a fumble recovery, Vita Vea had 10 tackles and two sacks, Lavonte David had eight tackles, and Calijah Kancey had two tackles and two sacks. Despite the strong efforts by the Bucs, Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense got the dagger in the end zone in the form of Kareem Hunt to end the game. The Bucs’ defense returns home for week 10 and will host the San Francisco 49ers coming to town.
Tennessee Titans: B-
The Titans’ saving grace in the whole game was their defense, as they helped the team earn a nice 20-17 overtime win against the New England Patriots. Jack Gibbens had 14 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Harold Landry III had five tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection. Jeffrey Simmons had five tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery; Arden Key had two tackles and a sack; Sebastian Joseph-Day had two tackles and 0.5 sacks.
James Williams had a tackle and fumble recovery, and Amani Hooker had five tackles, three pass deflections, and two interceptions returned for 19 yards (including the game-ending interception). A solid performance by the Titans’ defense and defensive coordinator, Dennard Wilson. Wilson deserves credit for everything he’s done so far for the defense despite this NFL team’s lackluster record.
Washington Commanders: B
The Commanders’ defense had a nice afternoon at MetLife Stadium as they defeated their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, 27-22. Jeremy Chinn had 13 tackles and a pass deflection, Bobby Wagner had seven tackles and a fumble recovery, Dante Fowler Jr. had six tackles and two sacks, and Frankie Luvu had five tackles and a fumble recovery. The Commanders’ defense did have a tough time stopping the run, as the Giants’ rushing attack had 164 combined yards on the ground, and Daniel Jones scored a rushing touchdown, which is something head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., are going to have to clean up in practice, before the Commanders’ week 10 match-up against, when the Pittsburgh Steelers come to town.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses From WORST To FIRST After Week 8 Of The 2024 Season
