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NFL NationESPN
We are glad you came to Week 5 of the NFL regular season.
A power panel of over 80 TV personalities, writers and editors evaluated the teams’ performance and chose a new No. The No. 1 team was chosen for the second consecutive week.
The updated rankings reflect the fact that Dallas Cowboys You can survive without it Dak PrescottIt is possible that they will return in Week 5, when they make their way up the list. It also reflects Miami DolphinsThursday night’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), Tagovailoa was taken to the hospital. Tagovailoa was already ruled out for Week 5. A total of 15 teams also have a record below 2-2 this week.
Below we asked NFL Nation reporters from across the league what their biggest defense-related problem was. Each team can improve in everything from injuries to defending against the run. We compared each response to the team’s defensive effectiveness rating and compared it with league averages. Defensive efficiencyESPN’s Football Power Index calculates the rating. It is based upon defense’s contribution in scoring margin on per play basis, and adjusted for strength against other offenses.
Let’s get on with it. This is our No. 1 team: 1 team:
Jump to a Team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 4 Ranking: 4
Defensive efficiency: 62.7
League ranking 9th
Defense is the biggest problem Force turnovers
Only four times have the Chiefs taken the ball away from an opponent, Only four other teams have had fewer turnovers and all of them have losing records. Chiefs are doing a great job of pressing the quarterback. It is likely that more turnovers will be forthcoming. The Chiefs made the most of the four turnovers they had. Each was converted into a touchdown. — Adam Teicher
Week 4 Ranking: 2
Defensive efficiency: 69.1
League ranking 5th
Defense is the biggest problem injuries.
The defense of the Bills is in the top five for almost all major categories, with 19th-place defense (41.3%) being the only concern. It is also notable how many injuries the Bills have sustained, particularly in the secondary. Cornerback Dane Jackson S Jordan Poyer CB has not yet returned. Christian Benford Is still coping with a right-hand injury. Micah Hyde (neck) is now out for the season. DT Ed Oliver He is currently in recovery from a right leg injury and CB Tre’Davious White He continues to repair a torn ligament in his left leg. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 4 Ranking: 3
Defensive efficiency: 85.7
League ranking 1st
Defense is the biggest problem Injuries to the secondary.
It’s still possible to reach corners, but that’s not impossible. Darius Slay (forearm). Avonte Maddox (right ankle), are expected to return soon. There’s not much to be taken apart. The Eagles are first in sacks (16), first in takeaways (10), first in yards allowed (277.3 per game), and 10th in allowed points (17.8). They are solid from front to rear, even with safety. Chauncey Gardner-JohnsonPreviously of the New Orleans SaintsAcclimating to a new job and team. — Tim McManus
Week 4 Ranking: 7
Defensive efficiency: 57.9
League ranking 13th
Defense is the biggest problem Being gouged again on the ground.
The Packers are allowing runners to run for nearly five yards per rush. The Packers are the only team that allows more rushing yards following contact. This was an issue last summer, and it is still an issue this season. — Rob Demovsky
Week 4 Ranking: 1
Defensive efficiency: 46.2
League ranking 22nd
Defense is the biggest problem The defense of the pass
Although Miami’s pass defense is second in the NFL after its four first games, it hasn’t translated to the scoreboard. The Dolphins have been strong against the run and the numbers they have given up are somewhat distorted. Josh AllenThere were 63 attempts to pass in Week 3 Lamar JacksonWeek 2. The most prolific week in Week 2. They’ll likely return to form once again, Byron Jones Returns from the physically unable perform list — which is what he’s allowed to do this week. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 4 Ranking: 5
Defensive efficiency: 58.2
League ranking 12th
Defense is the biggest problem Injuries to the secondary.
The Rams are blessed with a healthy cornerback (Jalen Ramsey) but have been dealing with several injuries in the secondary Early in the season. The Rams did not have cornerbacks Troy Hill (IR), David Long Jr. ?. Cobie Durant On Monday night, they were against the 49ers. However, they did manage safety Jordan Fuller back. Los Angeles’ defense, which ranked 2nd in Football Outsiders rush DVOA heading into Week 4, ranked significantly worse against the passer (23rd in NFL). Four interceptions have been recorded by the Rams this season. — Sarah Barshop
Week 4 Ranking: 9
Defensive efficiency: 39.6
League ranking 27th
Defense is the biggest problem Wet coverage
The Vikings’ opponents catch 75% of their targets passes, which is the second-highest in the NFL. They have had 97 pass completions, with 69 coming from receivers that have at least three yard of separation at the throw. This is fourth in the league. — Kevin Seifert
Week 4 Ranking: 8
Defensive efficiency: 76.1
League ranking 2nd
Defense is the biggest problem sluggish starts.
The Bucs have allowed 27 points to the opposition in the first four weeks of the season, which is fourth in the league. However, their total of 68 points has been the fifth-lowest. The need for coaches and players to communicate more is something that has been discussed by both coaches and players. It was not surprising that the Chiefs scored 14 points in Week 4 with two missed fumbles. — Jenna Laine
Week 4 Ranking: 6
Defensive efficiency: 52.3
League ranking 16th
Defense is the biggest problem Finalize the game.
In two of their losses this season, the Ravens lost by 17 points or greater because they cannot stop teams late in games. Baltimore has allowed 67 points and given up 1,019 yards, the NFL’s worst total. Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and others used to help the Ravens get offenses off of the field. Terrell Suggs Forced turnovers. Baltimore defenders are making life difficult for themselves this season by failing to complete assignments and not rushing the passer. Occupying quarterbacks against the Ravens have posted an NFL-best of 88.6 QBR in the fourth quarter. They’ve thrown five touchdowns while getting sacked twice. — Jamison Hensley
Week 4 Ranking: 10
Defensive efficiency: 68.2
League rank:
Defense is the biggest problem The pass rush.
There is very little to be critical of the Bengals’ defense. Cincinnati boasts one of the strongest defenses in all of NFL. It ranks second in the NFL for touchdowns allowed per play and third in points allowed per play. The pass rush is one area Cincinnati can improve. The Bengals are 26th in sacks per dropback, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, and are tied for 22nd in total sacks. However, this could also be due to how many teams throw against Cincinnati. Its defense has had to deal with the third-most pass attempts in this NFL season. — Ben Baby
Week 4 Ranking: 16
Defensive efficiency: 60.8
League ranking 10th
Defense is the biggest problem Stopping the run
Given how well the unit is performing, this might not matter. The Cowboys have only allowed one touchdown and not 20 points in any game. The Cowboys must slow down the pace of the run, even though they admit that they need to improve. They allow 5 yards per carry, and have allowed 20 runs of 10 or more yards in four games. This includes two runs of 33 yards or less in the two previous games. The Cowboys must improve their ability to run the ball as efficiently as the Eagles. — Todd Archer
Week 4 Ranking: 14
Defensive efficiency: 74.5
League ranking 3rd
Defense is the biggest problem The offense of the 49ers.
For the first month of the season the Niners defense has been dominant, but the win count doesn’t show just how strong it has been. While San Francisco is near the top in almost every major defense category in the NFL, the offense ranks at the bottom in many areas, including points scored. To be a contender, the 49ers don’t need an offensive juggernaut if their defense is healthy. But they need more than what they have so far. — Nick Wagoner
Week 4 Ranking: 15
Defensive efficiency: 51.0
League ranking 18th
Defense is the biggest problem injuries.
On paper, the Chargers defense looked dominant going into the season. However, injuries to key players made it difficult for this unit to establish an identity over the four games. Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson After undergoing ankle surgery in August he missed weeks 1 and 3. He also said that he was not playing at 100 percent in Week 2. Without a Pro Bowl edge rusher, the Bolts will also need to adjust. Joey BosaAfter injuring his groin in Week 3, he was placed on injured reserve. — Lindsey Thiry
Week 4 Ranking: 17
Defensive efficiency: 53.6
League ranking 15th
Defense is the biggest problem You effectively rush the passer.
The Giants currently have a top-10 pass defence. If they want to keep that up, however, they will have to rush passers more effectively. With a 41.2% pass rush win rate, the Giants rank 19th in the NFL. They haven’t had an edge rusher with more that one sack, and they have called the third most blitzes (57), so far this season. They might be able to use it against the quarterbacks they faced but things are about to get more complicated with. Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, Trevor Lawrence And Geno Smith on deck. — Jordan Raanan
Week 4 Ranking: 13
Defensive efficiency: 68.3
League ranking 6th
Defense is the biggest problem The run defense
Through the first three games, the Jaguars allowed only 55 yards per game. However, they gave up 210 yards and four touchdowns to the Eagles while running Sunday’s game. DT Folorunso Fatukasi He was a key player in the success of the team, but he suffered a quad injury against Eagles. His status for the future is uncertain. Because they are facing a difficult task, the Jaguars must figure out why. Dameon Pierce, Jonathan Taylor And Saquon Barkley The following three weeks are important. — Michael DiRocco
Week 4 Ranking: 18
Defensive efficiency: 47.3
League ranking 21st
Defense is the biggest problem Allowing explosive plays
Tennessee has surrendered five plays with 40 yards or greater in four games. There were four that came via the air. This has raised questions about the secondary. The rookies are not included. Roger McCrearyThe Titans’ primary cornerbacks are all beaten for explosive plays. The nickel package is struggling with veteran Terrance Mitchell Second-year player Caleb Farley They find their way while they spin opposite to Kristian Fulton. If reinforcements are needed, they could be in the works. Ugo Amadi He is now fully recovered from the ankle injury that kept him out of two previous games. Elijah Molden eventually, the injured reserve is restored. — Turron Davidnport
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Liz Loza gives Derrick Henry a big shout out for his brilliant performance in the Titans victory over the Colts. (edited)
Week 4 Ranking: 12
Defensive efficiency: 65.8
League ranking 8th
Defense is the biggest problem The nickel package
The Broncos were rolling after surrendering only six points in half-time of their three previous games. In Week 4, the Broncos were forced to play run defense far too often. Denver was then forced to take on its nickel package, and the Raiders continued to pound away at it. They made a lot of big gains against nickel, including a 43 yard run by Josh Jacobs In the third quarter. Jacobs had 144 yards of rushing and two touchdowns. The Raiders ran for 212 yards in total. This is a problem that must be corrected for Week 5. — Jeff Legwold
Week 4 Ranking: 11
Defensive efficiency: 39.5
League ranking 28
Defense is the biggest problem a banged-up defensive line.
In Sunday’s loss against the Falcons, Cleveland was without three of its four defensive line starters. This included star pass-rusher and quarterback. Myles Garrett. Kevin Stefanski, Coach, said Garrett may return to practice next Sunday after last week’s single car crash. Garrett will need to manage left shoulder and right hip injuries in the near future. DE Jadeveon Clowney Due to an ankle injury, he missed the previous two games. Neither of these were available to the Browns, who couldn’t take pressure and the Falcons were able to run the ball without hesitation. The D-line is getting healthier fast with explosive offenses. — Jake Trotter
Week 4 Ranking: 19
Defensive efficiency: 51.0
League ranking 19th
Defense is the biggest problem Returning home.
The Cardinals have four sacks, which is the lowest in the NFL. Their sacks per attempt rate of 2.88% is also league-low. Losing Chandler Jones The pass rush in Arizona has suffered a more severe blow than anticipated. Sometimes, the Cardinals were able to reach the quarterback and grab him. This was also the case against Kansas City. Patrick MahomesIt was difficult to get opposing quarterbacks down. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 4 Ranking: 27
Defensive efficiency: 29.6
League ranking 31st
Defense is the biggest problem Jamal Adams‘ absence.
It’s important to not simplify the problems faced by Seattle’s defense. They have had many challenges. during another awful start. The Seahawks are losing ground against the run partly because they’re having difficulty transitioning to a 3-4, but also because they’re missing tackles. They’ve not received a consistent pass rush from any other than the linebacker. Uchenna Nwosu. They are losing one-on-1 matches and committing too many penalties at the back end. There, they’re playing three young corners as well as a backup for safety. Josh Adams Adams was seriously injured in his knee during the opener. Adams, if he were healthy, would make a significant impact as both a run-defender and pass-rusher. — Brady Henderson
Week 4 Ranking: 28
Defensive efficiency: 37.6
League ranking 29th
Defense is the biggest problem Third down: Getting off the field.
Ranking 24th among 32 teams, the Falcons allow opponents to convert 44% third-down opportunities. Although the defense is much better than last season, this is the next step towards becoming the unit Dean Pees hopes to see in Atlanta. — Michael Rothstein
Week 4 Ranking: 30
Defensive efficiency: 42.4
League ranking 25th
Defense is the biggest problem Pass rush from someone different than Maxx Crosby.
Crosby is the cornerback and has four of five Raiders’ sacks. Nate Hobbs Both have one — but while it’s a solid early return on Las Vegas’ 4-year, $98.98M investment via Crosby’s extension this offseason (which was $98.98M), the Raiders still need more from the defensive side. Chandler Jones Particularly. Jones has been a double-team player and has affected the passer. However, Crosby would be happy for Jones to return to the Raiders. Jones signed a $31 million, three-year deal with Las Vegas. — Paul Gutierrez
Week 4 Ranking: 31
Defensive efficiency: 42.7
League ranking 24th
Defense is the biggest problem third-down conversions.
The Jets have a 51% conversion ratio on third down, which ranks 31st of 32 teams. This is the strange part: It’s not due the pass rush. They are actually putting decent pressure on quarterbacks, with a 35% pressure ratio (19th) for third down. The problem is in the coverage, especially the safeties and linebackers. Cornerbacks D.J. Reed For the rookie Sauce Gardner While they are doing well from the outside, they’re giving up too much in the middle. Safety Lamarcus Joyner He is coming off his best performance (two interceptions), but S needs to be more visible for the Jets. Jordan Whitehead ? C.J. Mosley. — Rich Cimini
Week 4 Ranking: 21
Defensive efficiency: 59.0
League ranking 11th
Defense is the biggest problem a consistent pass rush.
The Saints did not have much of an offense rush to begin the season. However, they got after. Kirk Cousins Finish Sunday with three sacks Saints require Marcus Davenport Cam Jordan will be a consistent leader, while Cam Jordan will get production out of the 2021 first-round selection. Payton TurnerTo have success moving forward. — Katherine Terrell
Week 4 Ranking: 25
Defensive efficiency: 21.8
League ranking 32nd
Defense is the biggest problem Points allowed
Detroit leads the league in scoring and allows the most points. In all three categories, the defense ranks last: red zone efficiency, yards per rush and third-down conversions. Detroit has allowed 141 points in four games this season (35.3 points per match), which is second-most in franchise history, behind only the 0-16 team from 2008. Dan Campbell, head coach of the Lions, is aware that they need to make changes immediately. — Eric Woodyard
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Liza Loza shows how Jared Goff continues to improve his completion rate each week.
Week 4 Ranking: 20
Defensive efficiency: 41.1
League ranking 26th
Defense is the biggest problem Forcing take-outs
Last season, the Colts defense was a master of takeaways. They had 33 turnovers. This unit is among the worst in league, with just three turnovers in four games. This is due to the absence of a linebacker Shaquille LeonardOn Sunday, Leonard made a short-lived debut in the season, only to be sidelined by a concussion in halftime. Leonard was ruled out of Thursday’s Denver game. — Stephen Holder
Week 4 Ranking: 23
Defensive efficiency: 46.0
League ranking 23rd
Defense is the biggest problem Protecting the run
The Patriots are now vulnerable after Baltimore ran for 126 yards in Week 3 and Green Bay ran for 199 yards on 35 total carries in Week 4. Losing sturdy DT Lawrence Guy Although a shoulder injury may be a contributing factor, it doesn’t explain the alarming defense against the run performance in the past six quarters. Jamie Collins, a veteran linebacker, has returned to the team Monday after a period of ineffective play. — Mike Reiss
Week 4 Ranking: 22
Defensive efficiency: 51.9
League ranking 17th
Defense is the biggest problem run defense.
The Bears are the NFL’s worst run team, having allowed 733 yards of rushing in four games (133.3 yards per match) and are currently on pace for historic lows. As if they were being gashed. Aaron Jones And AJ Dillon After a week 2 loss to Green Bay, the Bears were left aching. But that wasn’t enough. Saquon Barkley Totaled 145 yards from 31 carries and gained 94 of his rushing yards following first contact in Week 4. — Courtney Cronin
Week 4 Ranking: 24
Defensive efficiency: 54.3
League ranking 14th
Defense is the biggest problem No T.J. Watt.
There are many problems to be concerned about on the defense side after three consecutive losses, but Watt’s absence is what causes it. In Week 1, Watt, the NFL Defensive Players of the Year, tore his pectoral. Since then, the Steelers have surrendered an average of 23 total points per game and only three sacks. Watt is the key cog of the defense and without a strong pass rush, the defense is struggling to pick up the pieces. — Brooke Pryor
Week 4 Ranking: 26
Defensive efficiency: 36.3
League ranking 30
Defense is the biggest problem Allowing big plays
Washington has surrendered 12 plays of at least 30 yards, a record for the NFL — 10 of these were pass plays. This is often due to missed coverages. Dallas’ struggling offense managed to manage three pass plays at least that long. One pass was able to go for 31 yards on the Cowboys’ first drive. The other five passes managed 9 yards. Sometimes it’s inexperience that leads to big plays. Other times, corners get beat because they expect help that doesn’t come. Washington’s problem is its lack of corner depth, and the fact that its starters are both veteran vets. Kendall Fuller And William Jackson III. — John Keim
Week 4 Ranking: 29
Defensive efficiency: 69.3
League ranking 4th
Defense is the biggest problem Fourth quarter
The Panthers’ final quarter tempo of 10.5 points per game is among the worst in league. It’s been costly for an opponent that is losing close games. And fatigue could be a problem. The offense is so poor with three-and outs and turnovers that defense has to keep the ball on the field. Sunday’s 26-16 defeat to Arizona was a great example. The Cardinals controlled the ball for just 38 minutes, while Carolina held it for 21.25. — David Newton
Week 4 Ranking: 32
Defensive efficiency: 47.6
League ranking 20th
Defense is the biggest problem Protecting the run
The Texans have allowed 688 yards total rushing yards and 5.1 yards per carry, which is the second-highest in the NFL. They have allowed 34 first downs to the ground, which is the third-most in the NFL. This is one of their many problems. It has also made them vulnerable to play-action. They have given up 415 yards in play-action, which ranks fourth among the NFL. — DJ Bien-Aime