NFL Defensive Rankings #21-17

As we wrap up the back half of the defensive rankings I would like to say that any defense can make a leap in any particular year.  A defense ranked 30th in pass defense can easily move into the top 10 with maybe 1 or 2 pieces.  Take the Giants for an example, they took 1 offseason, signed on a couple dominant defensive linemen, drafted a competent CB, and suddenly they have a team that will take them to the playoffs (we'll talk more about them later.)  My point is that while these teams are ranked #21-17 it would not surprise me in the least bit if one of these 5 teams takes steps forwards and end up in the top 10 in multiple categories. 

21. Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins have a lot on their plate.  It isn’t enough that they have to play two games against the greatest QB of all time, but now they have to do it without Ryan Tannehill (not that they had a real shot with him, just saying.)  Miami’s defense has a shot to be more help than harm this season.  The Dolphins used their first two draft picks on defensive linemen, they re-signed Andre Branch and acquired William Hayes from the LA Rams.  Their front seven is formidable to say the least. They also have high potential in their secondary with Byron Maxwell at CB.  The question always seems to be, can they put it all together and slow down the Patriots?

20. Detroit Lions – The Lions have growing stars on both the defensive line and the secondary.  On the line, they have Ezekial Ansah, who had an underwhelming 2016, but could come back with a vengeance in the coming season.  In the secondary they have players like Glover Quin, a savvy safety with plenty of years under his belt. The Lions ranked 13^th in total points allowed, but generated very few turnovers, giving their offense less time with the ball and less opportunities to win the game.  More turnovers = less 4^th quarters where Stafford has to put the team on his back for a come from behind win.

19. Carolina Panthers – While the Panthers are generally regarded as a defensive power in the league, the only reason they are ranked this high is that they created the 9^th most turnovers in the NFL.  If not for that, they could just as easily have been ranked closer to the mid-20s.  They were 24^th in total points allowed, and 21^st in total yards allowed.  They do have some defensive superstars, like Luke Kuechly, that help in generating these turnovers that keep the Panthers close.  They’ve had some linemen step up as well.  Kony Ealy as an example recorded 5 sacks in 2016, and can get better this offseason.

18. Los Angeles Rams – Defenses function at their fullest when there’s an offense producing on the other side.  There are examples of where this works, LA is not one of those examples.  Their offense continually gave the ball away, leaving their defense to pick up all the slack.  Defenses that are leaned on that heavily tend not to perform as well as their talent suggests.  This year may be their breakout year, with an offense under a new head coach and a new system.  The defense is headed up by Wade Philips who has had his fair share of turning good defenses into great ones.  I would not be surprised to see wins created by the defense that keeps the Rams competitive in the NFC playoff race.

17. Green Bay Packers – For a team described as not having a very good defense, they were much like the Panthers, giving up a lot of points and yards, but creating turnovers and giving a dominant offense chances to win the game.  A team with Aaron Rodgers will mask defensive struggles, BUT the Packers cannot hope to win another Super Bowl unless their defense takes a significant step forward.  As far as adding to their defense, the Packers used their 1^st pick in the 2017 draft on defensive back Kevin King out of Washington.  I don’t have the upmost faith in this defense, but mediocrity will suffice as long of Rodger’s is the man under center.