![]() It speaks volumes about what this unit is capable of, especially with top picks spent on cornerbacks. In the final 10 weeks, the average QB rating plummeted to 83.3 with a 12-7 TD-INT line and a 6.5 ypa. Through the first eight games in 2022, opponents averaged a 99.2 QB rating with a 14-2 TD-INT ratio and posted a 7.4 ypa through the air against the Washington Commanders defense. Health will be crucial, but it’s reasonable to think a defense that allowed a 76.3 QB rating with 21 sacks in its final seven games will be an elite unit in 2023. Pittsburgh also signed defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko and linebacker Cole Holcomb then selected Joey Porter Jr to the secondary with Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig bolstering the front seven. Patrick Peterson provides the length, consistency and experience this secondary lacked on the outside. Not only is the Steelers’ defense healthy heading into the summer, it added talent. As a result, a previously top-10 defense finished 20th in yards per play allowed (5.5), first-half opposition scoring (11.7) and 16th in third-down conversion rate (39.35%). Watt, Ahkelio Witherspoon and Minkah Fitzpatrick all missed multiple games, with Watt and Witherspoon both landing on injured reserve. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense struggled in large part due to injuries in 2022. Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK to become an immediate star and for Derek Stingley Jr. However, the Texans are still short-handed defensively and the dependency on Will Anderson Jr. Heading into the 2023 season, first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans will attempt to have the same impact on Houston’s young defenders as he did with the San Francisco 49ers. The Houston Texans had the worst run defense in the NFL last season, but they proved they could at least hold their ground against the pass. With Isaiah Rodgers off the roster, we have even more reason to question this young Colts’ secondary. While this could eventually be a top-15 defense once Rush and Brents develop, the secondary is a weak point right now and Leonard isn’t even a lock to be on the field in Week 1. With that said, it’s also imperative to keep in mind that the Colts ranked 31st in pass rush win rate (33%) last season and they’ve got a lot banking on a young secondary. Indianapolis also invested draft capital in high-upside cornerbacks Darius Rush and Julius Brents. When everyone is healthy, this unit has two All-Pro candidates (DeForest Buckner and Shaquille Leonard) along with emerging pass rusher Kwity Paye and free-agent signee Samson Ebukam. It’s not difficult to find reasons to like the Indianapolis Colts defense. There’s an upside because of Flores, but the holes at linebacker and corner are alarming. Minnesota drafted Mekhi Blackmon and Jay Ward, but this is still a bottom-five secondary. Swapping in Marcus Davenport for Za’Darius Smith does the same thing as switching Patrick Peterson for Byron Murphy, bringing in a younger player who may or may not repeat the level of production. How far the Vikings move up in the 2023 NFL defense rankings this summer will depend on who they sign and draft. He’s going to get a lot more out of this defense than his predecessor. ![]() He’s one of the NFL’s best defensive minds, with success that speaks for itself in New England and Miami. However, there is more optimism after the hiring of defensive coordinator Brian Flores. With both Patrick Peterson and Dalvin Tomlinson free agents, Minnesota needs to re-sign its starters and overhaul the cornerback room. Opponents posted a 92.7 QB rating with an 11-5 TD-INT ratio in the final eight games and Minnesota had one of the softest second-half schedules. When the Minnesota Vikings pass rush couldn’t create pressure, it was finished. Across 17 games, Chicago allowed opponents to average a 94.4 QB rating, 4.9 yards per carry and they allowed the most points per game (27.2) in the NFL. The Chicago Bears had the worst defense in the NFL this season. To make matters worse, the interior defensive line is a major weakness and that may also result in Arizona having one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. ![]() If this team can’t generate consistent pressure, quarterbacks will exploit a secondary that allowed the second highest QB rating (98.2) and the highest completion rate (69.8%) in the NFL last season. It raises serious doubts about their ability to pressure the quarterback. Watt, Markus Golden and Zach Allen gone, the Cardinals will be relying on Zaven Collins, BJ Ojulari and Myjai Sanders as their top pass rushers. The Arizona Cardinals defense projects to be one of the least-talented units in the NFL next season. Only For Vegas Sports Fans! Sportsnaut’s Unfiltered Vegas Sports Facebook Group – Join The Debate Today! 30. ![]()
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