Top 10 NFL Teams with the Best Defenses Going Into the 2020-21 Season
They say defense wins championships and that is mostly true. In this new age of the NFL, a good defense is necessary to slow down the high-powered offenses the league boasts about. For these teams, defense is the name of the game, even if their offense is lagging behind.
Going into the 2020-2021 season, the 49ers' defense was considered one of the top units in the league. However, they faced challenges due to key injuries, including those of Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas. The team still featured talents like Fred Warner and Arik Armstead, who aimed to maintain the strong defensive presence. Talk about a stacked San Fran 7. You've got Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, Javon Kinlaw, Dre Greenlaw, Fred Warner, and Kwon Alexander.
Despite Richard Sherman being the most notable name in the secondary, and DeForest Buckner leaving could hurt, this is the scariest front 7 in the league. That alone earns them a top 3 spot. Expect them to take a big leap forward this year, especially Bosa, Warner, and possibly Alexander if he stays healthy.
The Ravens' defense in the 2020-2021 season was highly regarded, with a strong secondary featuring Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. The addition of defensive end Calais Campbell and linebacker Patrick Queen further strengthened the team's pass rush and run defense. The Ravens did enough this offseason to build a formidable defense with Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe. It seems Judon is staying, and when you have Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphrey, Earl Thomas, and add Patrick Queen and Madubuike, this is a scary group.
Beware if you face these guys. This could be a historic team overall. Good luck playing them.
The Steelers' defense for the 2020-2021 season was among the league's best, with a dominant pass rush led by T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree. The team also boasted a strong secondary, including Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joe Haden, which aimed to maintain their elite defensive performance. The Steelers may have fallen off on offense, but at the same time, they've rediscovered the defense. Minkah Fitzpatrick alone changed the face of that defense. Add him to Cameron Heyward, TJ Watt, Joe Haden, and Devin Bush.
While Nick Bosa won Defensive Rookie of the Year, Bush was a finalist for the award. If he takes a big leap in year two, this defense could honestly push for the top spot.
The Patriots' defense faced significant challenges in the 2020-2021 season due to multiple player opt-outs, including key players like Dont'a Hightower and Patrick Chung. Despite these challenges, the team still featured talented players like Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson in the secondary. As bad as their offense is, the defense is still a solid, formidable unit not to be underestimated. The New England Patriots had the No. 1 defense last season (275.9 yards allowed per game). They led the NFL in interceptions (25) and finished second in takeaways (36), while ranking in the top 10 in sacks (47).
However, they had some big losses. Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, and Danny Shelton all left in free agency. The Pats will rely on the secondary again in 2020. New England brought back veteran safety Devin McCourty and selected the hyper-athletic Kyle Dugger, a product of Division II Lenoir-Rhyne, with its top pick in the second round.
And we can't forget Stephon Gilmore, one of the best corners in the game. Despite their losses to free agency, don't underestimate Belichick here.
Heading into the 2020-2021 season, the Bills' defense was highly respected, led by cornerback Tre'Davious White and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. The team aimed to maintain its strong performance from the previous season and continue to be a formidable unit in the league. Last year, Buffalo had a solid, formidable unit. Now, with the addition of Josh Norman, Mario Addison, and AJ Klein, as well as AJ Epenesa from the draft, this is a top 5 unit.
Especially with Tre'Davious White, Tremaine Edmunds, and Ed Oliver, if he doesn't get into too much trouble with the NFL over some misdemeanor charges back in May. This is easily a top 5 defense in terms of talent.
The Chargers' defense in the 2020-2021 season featured a strong pass rush led by Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. The team also had a talented secondary, with cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and safety Derwin James, although James suffered a season-ending injury before the season began. The Chargers arguably have the most talented defense in the NFL. Kenneth Murray will have an immediate impact, and picking up Chris Harris was a good move. He will fit in nicely with Desmond King, Casey Hayward, Derwin James, and Joey Bosa, who will be an intimidating force.
The question is, can they stay healthy?
The Broncos' defense for the 2020-2021 season faced challenges due to key injuries, including those of Von Miller and Jurrell Casey. Despite these setbacks, the team still featured talented players like Bradley Chubb and Justin Simmons, who aimed to maintain a competitive defensive unit. Denver still has arguably a top 10 defense. Von Miller and Bradley Chubb are a force to be reckoned with. They lost Chris Harris but gained AJ Bouye and Jurrell Casey. They already have Justin Simmons, who was one of the best safeties in football.
Overall, this unit is solid and should not be taken lightly.
Going into the 2020-2021 season, the Buccaneers' defense was on the rise, with a strong front seven led by linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White. The team's secondary, including Carlton Davis and Antoine Winfield Jr., aimed to improve from the previous season and contribute to a stronger overall defensive performance. Tampa Bay has an elite front seven, including Shaquil Barrett, Lavonte David, Devin White, Vita Vea, Ndamukong Suh, and Jason Pierre-Paul. Antoine Winfield could also have an impact, adding more youth to the secondary.
Another thing about the Bucs is that Tom Brady is their QB. So instead of Jameis Winston throwing 30 interceptions, the defense can actually get some rest between drives, as Brady won't throw 30 interceptions.
The Bears' defense in the 2020-2021 season remained one of the league's top units, led by pass rusher Khalil Mack and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks. The team also boasted a strong secondary, with players like Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson providing stability on the back end. Although they have taken a step back from where they were in 2018, the pieces are still there for them to be a top 10 unit. Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks highlight the front seven. The addition of Robert Quinn is promising, and Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson are both solid in the backfield.
Draft pick Jaylon Johnson could be interesting. The only thing keeping them from being higher is that losing Nick Kwiatkoski will hurt them.
The Eagles' defense for the 2020-2021 season featured a formidable defensive line led by Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. The team aimed to improve its secondary by adding cornerback Darius Slay, hoping to maintain a strong defensive performance throughout the season. Philly's defensive front is solid, but their secondary was a major weakness that left them exposed. They did what they needed to do to fix their secondary. Getting Darius Slay and Nickell Robey-Coleman should help patch that secondary, and with Javon Hargrave added to an already scary front seven, this could be a solid group.
The question is, will that be enough to fix the secondary?
The Newcomers
The Washington Football Team's defense in the 2020-2021 season was anchored by a formidable defensive line featuring Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Jonathan Allen. The team aimed to build on the strength of their pass rush, while the secondary, led by cornerback Kendall Fuller, hoped to improve from the previous season.
Going into the 2020-2021 season, the Saints' defense was considered one of the league's top units, led by defensive end Cameron Jordan and linebacker Demario Davis. The team also boasted a strong secondary, featuring cornerback Marshon Lattimore and safety Malcolm Jenkins, who aimed to maintain their elite defensive performance.
Heading into the 2020-2021 season, the Raiders' defense aimed to improve from the previous season by adding key players like defensive end Carl Nassib and linebacker Cory Littleton. The team also featured young talents like Maxx Crosby and Trayvon Mullen, hoping to strengthen their overall defensive performance.
The Titans' defense for the 2020-2021 season was built around a strong front seven, featuring defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and linebacker Harold Landry. The addition of Jadeveon Clowney aimed to improve the team's pass rush, while the secondary relied on the leadership of safety Kevin Byard.
The Vikings' defense in the 2020-2021 season faced significant challenges due to multiple departures and injuries, including those of defensive end Danielle Hunter and cornerback Mike Hughes. Despite these setbacks, the team still featured talents like safety Harrison Smith and linebacker Eric Kendricks, who aimed to maintain a competitive defensive unit.