2021 NFL season – Top 5 Defenses
Which defenses can carry their clubs to Super Bowl LVI? Here are the top five units looking to make a move in the 2021 NFL season.
5. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams ranked first in a litany of categories last season, and they remain in the top five. Why do they move back? The loss of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who took the head-coaching gig with the Los Angeles Chargers. Also, the Cleveland Browns stole safety John Johnson III and cornerback Troy Hill, while defensive end Michael Brockers was dealt away. Still, defensive tackle Aaron Donald is the game’s best player, Jalen Ramsey leads a great secondary and Leonard Floyd played like a beast last season. Great group.
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4. Denver Broncos
This should be one of the best units in the league after years of building under head coach Vic Fangio. The Broncos have a top-notch pass-rushing duo in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, with defensive tackle Shelby Miller anchoring the line. Meanwhile, the secondary has an embarrassment of riches with safety Justin Simmons, and cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II, Bryce Callahan and Kyle Fuller. The main question in Denver is will quarterback Drew Lock and the offense help them at all?
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Much like the Rams, the Steelers were an elite defense in 2020 led by a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. For Pittsburgh, that man was T.J. Watt, who racked up xx sacks screaming off the edge. However, his partner, Bud Dupree, left for a five-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. The Steelers also lost cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton, but get back middle linebacker Devin Bush to hold down the heart of the group. This should be a defense that can win games on its own.
Read: Top 5 Offenses Entering the 2021 NFL Season
2. Washington Football Team
Yes, Washington belongs here. Maybe even a spot higher. Look at the talent on this rosters ranging from a front seven which includes Da’Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen on the interior, and Chase Young and Montez Sweat on the edges. Then there’s the secondary which added cornerback William Jackson III to the fold, alongside veteran safeties Landon Collins and Kendall Fuller. This defense could win the NFC East by itself.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have to be first. Yes, there are some concerns about corner, but the safeties are terrific in second-year man Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehair. The linebackers have Devin White and Lavonte David, and the front has Jason Pierre-Paul, Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea and Shaq Barrett. The unit is comically loaded and if it manages to stay healthy, it’s the best in football.
