NFL defenses that are executing at the top of their games at this point in the season are winning more often that not and propelling their teams into the playoff picture. These five defenses are all the way turnt up as the dog days of a 17-game season tests everyone’s resolve.
1. New Orleans Saints
The performance by the New Orleans Saints defense on Sunday night at division rival Tampa Bay was nothing short of sensational. The sixth-ranked Saints defense shut out the defending Super Bowl champs 9-0, forcing three turnovers, including another pick of Tom Brady.
Brady is now 0-4 versus the Saints since he joined the Bucs last season. Defensive end Cameron Jordan returned after having his 172-game consecutive start streak end due to being in COVID-19 protocol, and he delivered five tackles and two sacks. At 7-7 the Saints are currently the sixth seed in the NFC playoff picture.
You can call him 7-time Pro Bowler Cam Jordan now 👀
Congrats @camjordan94 #ProBears pic.twitter.com/Wk8g5NOeNN
— Cal Football (@CalFootball) December 23, 2021
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs defense has been really good as of late. Prior to the Dec. 16 34-28 win over the Chargers they’d allowed a paltry 65 points total (10.65 per game) during their now-seven-game win streak. The play of linebacker Nick Bolton, a rising star, has been magnificent.
The defense played well minus star defensive lineman Chris Jones (COVID-19 protocol). They stopped the Chargers on four fourth downs, including three inside the 5-yard line. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has this defense playing its best ball of the season.
Up next is a big test for K.C. against a desperate Steelers team. With key offensive weapons missing for the Chiefs, the defense will have to be functioning at a high level.
CHIEFS BALL!!!!
📺: #KCvsLAC on FOX pic.twitter.com/Kmg0ZFUdl3
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 17, 2021
3. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are giving up a league-low 16.2 ppg but were shredded for 226 yards on the ground in their 27-17 road loss to the Colts. You know Bill Belichick doesn’t like getting punched in the mouth, but Indy gave the legend a taste of his own medicine. Belichick has stressed getting back to basics.
The Pats won’t be tested much on the ground against division rival Buffalo in a huge AFC East clash for first-place in the division. Cornerback JC Jackson will be tested this week by Stefon Diggs. Expect this defense to bounce back at Gillette Stadium.
Every #ProBowlVote counts double today! 🚨
RT to vote for the Patriots DBs.@McCourtyTwins @MR_INT @Phillips_17 @greengoblin @KingDugg_3 @JoejuanW
Myles Bryant pic.twitter.com/rQ8ShHTkC8— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 15, 2021
4. Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys are legit on the defensive side of the football. Parsons is a serious candidate to win DPOY, as he already has the DROY sewn up. The talented rook was pretty silent in last week’s 21-6 win over the Giants, although he still ended up with seven tackles.
The Giants made a conscious effort to not let the former Penn State star wreck the game. His presence allows others defensive stars such as DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory the opportunity to make more plays against single blockers. The Cowboys forced four turnovers against the G-Men last week.
At 10-4 they face a reeling WFT with a chance to clinch the NFC East division.
🗣 LET'S GO!!!#DALvsWAS | 📺 : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/3wNV8Rz9Ss
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 12, 2021
5. Indianapolis Colts
In the past five weeks Indy has allowed just 161.0 yards passing per game, while limiting teams to a 36.5 percent third-down conversion rate. The pass rush and coverage has been ferocious with 15 sacks and seven interceptions. Those are the type of numbers a Matt Eberflus D is capable of. Indy harassed Mac Jones and forced him into two costly picks. They hope to do the same to Kyler Murray.
C0️⃣lts pic.twitter.com/7WKayAWBux
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 5, 2021
Honorable Mention
Los Angeles Rams — Picked up big win over the Seahawks on Tuesday Night. They got after Russell Wilson, holding him to 156 yards passing, no touchdowns and one interception. They also sacked him four times. Aaron Donald continues to wreck games even as he is consistently double-teamed.
🗣 LAST DAY TO VOTE. You know what to do. 🤷♂️
Retweet. Retweet. Retweet.#ProBowlVote + @AaronDonald97 pic.twitter.com/cYvK5JfbeZ
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 16, 2021
Miami Dolphins — The Fins defense held the Jets to 228 total yards and 3-for-11 on third down. Edge rusher Jaelen Phillips continues to be disruptive.
Retweet to send this squad to the Pro Bowl! 🕺 #ProBowlVote x @cwilkins42 #ProBowlVote x @EmanOgbah #ProBowlVote x @JJPhillips15 pic.twitter.com/btyZWQaIfF
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 13, 2021
Big one at New Orleans on MNF.
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