NFL 2023 Week 7 Defenses Bubble Chart Graded

NFL 2023 Team Defense Grades Through 6 Weeks

Check out the Offense Grades – NFL 2023 Team Offense Grades Through 6 Weeks
Check out the Team Grades – NFL 2023 Team Grades Through 6 Weeks

With one third of the NFL 2023 season complete, it’s time to hand out 1st Trimester Grades for every NFL Team’s defense. Every team’s defense will be graded from A to F. In addition, we will highlight each team’s strength and weakness on defense and compare them against the league average.

Above you can see a bubble chart that ranks every NFL team’s defense based on two parameters: Yards per Play & Expected Points. This chart gives a very good idea of the relative strength’s of each teams’ defense, but below you will find a chart with more metrics and parameters. 6 teams have only played 5 games, so their Points Against metric will be low. Teams that have only played 5 games are noted as so next to the Points Against metric.

Time to break out the blue ribbons, passing grades, and the occassional summer school warning. Here are the first 6 weeks grades for each NFL team’s defense.

NFL 2023 Week 7 Trimester Defensive Stats

Grade A

Cleveland Browns Grade A+

The Browns are killing it on defense. And they are doing it without causing any turnovers, just 4 so far this season. But all the other metrics are ridiculous: 15.5 pts/game, 3.8 yards/play, 4.1 yards/pass att, 3.5 yards per/rush, 18.8% scoring% and 57 Expected Points. As mentioned in the Offense Grades article, if the Browns can simply score 17-20 points a game they are going to play in January and be a tough out.

Point Against 77 (avg 125) [5 games]
Yards/Play 3.8 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 4 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 4.1 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.5 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 18.8%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 6.3% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 57.01 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

Browns lead the league in least amount of air yards on completions with 318. Second on the list, the Raiders at 527, over 200 more yards than the Browns. The Browns are also 1st in YAC at 401, 2nd is 477 by the Falcons. Strangely the Browns are dead last in hurries, but near the top at QB knockdowns and pressures. Oh, and 1 point per drive. This is one scary defense.

Baltimore Ravens Grade A+

The Ravens are neck and neck with the Browns for best defense so far in 2023. Causing 8 turnovers helps the cause, and they are slightly better against the pass than the Browns. The Point Against and scoring% may be the result of being given short fields to defend and untimely penalties, particularly ones like pass interference which is hard to see in the stats. In theory, if turnovers balance out then the Browns should be the better defense if not already. But if turnovers dont balance out, this battle for best defense may come down to the final game of the season.

Point Against 91 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 4.0 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 8 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 4.0 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.0 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 30%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 8.6% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 53.66 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Ravens are tied for the league lead in sacks, but like the Browns are at the bottom for hurries, and unlike the Browns, near the bottom in Pressures even though they are blitzing a little above average. The 1.19 point/drive is going to win a lot of football games and all the other metrics look good.

San Francisco 49ers Grade A

You can make an easy case that the 49ers deserve an A+ rating as well. All their defensive metrics are under average(good when talking defense), but there is a bit of an elephant in the room. The 49ers have creted 11 turnovers so far, far more than either of the A+ defenses. In fact there will be a bit of a trend for the Grade A teams, as they have all created significantly more turnovers than average. With all that said, the 49ers are the best defense in the NFC. Considering they also have the best offense in the NFC according to the offensive grades, they are going to be there late in January.

Point Against 85 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 4.5 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 11 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 4.7 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.0 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 29.7%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 17.2% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 46.78 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The 49ers don’t blitz(20.3%) but they do hurry, knockdown and pressure QBs which speaks to their Defensive Line. They also don’t miss tackles, only 18 thus far this season. The 1.39 points/drive is very good, so it is simply steady as she goes for the Niners on defense.

Dallas Cowboys Grade A

The Cowboys appear to be the epitome of a bend but don’t break defense. Only 83 points allowed, but yards/play, yards/pass, and rush/attempt are all at or above league average. Clearly the turnovers have been helping this defense, causing 11 so far this year. However if the turnovers stop coming, the defense looks fairly average metrics wise. Maybe a B- or C+ slightly above average, but not much more than that. Any significant injuries could really affect this unit.

Point Against 83 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.1 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 11 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.7 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.5 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 26.8%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 19.6% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 36.99 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The odd thing about the Cowboys is the advanced metrics all point to them not getting to the QB. Near the bottom in hurries and pressures, in the middle for sacks. They don’t miss tackles and the 1.55 points/drive is very good. It will be interesting to look at these stats again in 6 weeks and see if the Cowboys still have issues getting to opposing QBs or this is just a blip due to small sample size.

New Orleans Saints Grade A

Ok Saints fans. I kind of mocked your offense by saying it basically stinks. But your defense is another story. It is fair to say it has been better than the Cowboys with better metrics in Yards/play, yards/pass and rush/attempt. Where it falls a bit is the 29.2% scoring % leading to question if that is more the result of short fields or penalties as opposed to a defense being driven on time and again. If I am a Saints coach I am spending all my time fixing the offense because the defense appears to be solid in all respects. Just find a way to make opponets drive the length of the field against this unit and the Saints will be in every game.

Point Against 96 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 4.6 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 10 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.1 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.9 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 29.2%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 13.9% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 35.42 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Saints are near the bottom for Target depth at 9.1 so opponents are testing their corners and safeties, but the Air yards and YAC metrics are fine. They don’t get to the QB at all as hurries pressures and sacks are all below average. The do tackle well and they don’t blitz meaning they have bodies behind the line to do the tackling. The 1.32 points/drive is very good.

Grade B

Kansas City Chiefs Grade B+

With all the talk about the Chiefs potent offense and what is wrong with it(see turnovers), what is being overlooked is the strong showing by the Chiefs defense this year. 88 points against, 4.7 yards/play, 9 turnovers created. The only blemish is the 4.5 yards/rush metric which is above league average. Want to beat the Chiefs? Run the ball. Hold onto it. Keep their offense off the field and take advantage of any turnover you get. Shorten the game and take advantage of the only kink in the Chiefs defensive armor so far.

Point Against 88 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 4.7 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 9 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 4.9 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.5 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 28.6%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 14.8% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 21.9 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Chiefs blitz a lot, and in turn create a lot of havoc around the QB. Near the top in hurries, pressures, knockdowns, and in the middle for sacks. The tackle well and the 1.26 points/drive is excellent. The advanced metrics all almost entirely green with a couple patches of white, so this is a defense working on all cylinders.

Jacksonville Jaguars Grade B+

I kind of got on Peterson for the Jags offense, but he deserves credit for the Jags defense. They arent all that great against the pass, but they are pretty stout against the run as shown by the 3.6 yards/rush metric. What they are absolutely excelling at is creating turnovers, 15 of them so far! Now this has the ever present danger of regressing back to the mean, and without the turnovers and a leaky pass defense, the Jags could see their grade get worse over the course of the season if the turnovers dry up.

Point Against 122 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.5 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 15 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.5 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.6 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 27.5%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 20.3% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 18.68 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Jaguars have some red flags in the advanced metrics. They are near the bottom for Air Yards & YAC meaning there are issues in the secondary. That is compounded by the fact that they don’t get pressure or sacks(this is not helping the secondary), and they miss a lot of tackles. Their points/drive is 1.58 which is good, but I just get the feeling that those 15 turnovers are covering up a lot of questions in this defense.

Detroit Lions Grade B+

Lions fans you need to get excited about being the best team that didn’t earn a Grade A on offense or defense. But this defense does everything well, starting with the paltry 3.3 yards/rush metric that is outstanding and forces opponents into almost being one dimensional. That combined with an offense putting up points means opponents often have to abandon the run game that isnt working anyway, leading the Lions defense to sit on the pass. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an uptick in interceptions for the Lions or at least the opportunity for them as they are really putting opponents into a bind if they can’t find a way to run the ball.

Point Against 113 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 4.7 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 8 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.4 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.3 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 32.3%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 12.3% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 17.48 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Lions are getting pressure on the QB without blitzing which is good. The bad parts are the Target depth and Air Yards metrics. The good news is that they are near the top for YAC so they are limiting the damage after the catch. But they compound their own issues by missing a lot of tackles. The 1.65 points/drive is going to be good enough to keep them in and help them win games.

Buffalo Bills Grade B

The Bills don’t give up a lot of points, but their defensive metrics are a bit dodgy. The most dodgy is the 5.4 yards/rush attempt which is really quite bad. This is inflating the yards/play up to 5.5 which is also below average. They play good pass defense and they are causing turnovers, but it is harder to cause turnovers against running opponents. If upcoming opponents look at the Bills defense, the way to beat them is to run it right at them. This also negates their ability to cause turnovers as they are limited to fumbles on tackles, not on sacks or any interceptions.

Point Against 89 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.5 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 13 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.5 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 5.4 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 26.6%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 20.3% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 14.29 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Bills have a solid defense with plenty of green sprinkled along their metrics line. They are getting pressure without blitzing and they are near the top for YAC. The Air Yards and missed tackles are their two weak spots on defense. The 1.3 points/drive metric is excellent. No real issues here, just need to clean up the tackling.

Pittsburgh Steelers Grade B

The Pittsburgh Steelers play good defense. You could probably have written that sentence every year for the past 50 years and been correct 95% of the time. Their run defense is a bit leaky(4.8 yards/rush), but the pass defense is solid and they create turnovers. A classic make them drive the field and take a field goal type of defense that still gives up touchdowns a little more often than you would like to be considered a great defense.

Point Against 110 (avg 125) [5 games]
Yards/Play 5.6(avg 5.2)
Turnovers 11 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.6 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.8 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 34.4%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 18% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 14.06 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Steelers advvanced metrics look worse than the primary ones. They are having real problems against the pass as Target depth and Air Yards metrics are near the bottom. They are having to blitz to get average pressure on the QB and they are missing tackles at an above average rate. The 1.75 points/drive is slightly above average.

Atlanta Falcons Grade B-

The Falcons defense appears to be good at everything save one thing, creating turnovers. Yards/play is a healthy 4.7, yards/pass is 5.5, rush/attempt is 3.7….but the lack of turnovers is just hurting the units grade. This is a B or B+ unit being hampered by the fickle nature of turnovers right now. A little more defensive luck should help this grade get better over the course of the season.

Point Against 120 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 4.7 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 4 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.5 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.7 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 34.3%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 6% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 4.45 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Falcons hardly blitz at all, 22.7%, and as a result they don’t get any sacks, just 10 so far. This speaks to deficiencies on the DL when it comes to pass rushing. The rest of the metrics are average or slightly above save Target Depth. The 1.69 points/drive is good and will keep them in ball games that their offense can’t win.

New England Patriots Grade B-

As absolutely abyssmal as the Patriots offense has been, earning every bit of its F- grade, the defense hasn’t been that bad. Rush/attempt and yards/play are below league average. However scoring%, points against and turnovers, particularly turnovers with just 3, is where the defense is failing. Assuming the Patriots had just 3 more turnovers, both the scoring% and points against metrics would be lower based on the other yards/play type metrics. If turnovers balance out, and eventually they always do(although sometimes not in time to save a season), then the Patriots should see improvement from this unit.

Point Against 152 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 4.8 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 3 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.9 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.4 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 37.1%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 4.3% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 3.64 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Patriots have some issues. They blitz a lot, 43.4%, and they get very little pressure on opposing QBs. The Hurries, Knockdowns, Pressures, & Sacks metrics are all bad. The 1.74 points/drive is a little better than average. They do tackle well, but that is probably because they are getting a lot of practice because they can’t stop anyone over 4 downs.

New York Jets Grade B-

The Jets defense has been a little above average, however it has not been embarrassing every QB its faced. Far from it. Yards per pass attempt are 5.7, just below the league average of 5.9. Yards/play at 5.1, just below league average of 5.2. Scoring% right on average, Rush/attempt a little above average. Points Against 131, above average. Where the Jets have been feasting is turnovers with 13. If the turnovers dry up, the Jets defense could be in some trouble. As it is, they need to carry this team for the rest of the foreseeable Zach Wilson future.

Point Against 131 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.1 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 13 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.7 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.4 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 36.2%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 17.4% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points 1.92 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Jets are kind of a enigma on defense. They don’t blitz, but they do get pressure on the QB. However they don’t get sacks and they miss a lot of tackles. The 1.67 points/drive is slightly above average and they limit Air Yards, but they give up YAC. The turnovers they have created may be masking a defense that is not as good as the primary metrics say.

Grade C

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Grade C+

The Bucs are a pretty decent defense. Average against the pass, good against the run. They are causing turnovers and not giving up many points. Most of these primary metrics would probably point to a better grade.

Point Against 88 (avg 125) [5games]
Yards/Play 5.1 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 10 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.9 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.7 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 34.6%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 19.2% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -0.75 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Bucs are blitzing quite a bit, 40.4%, but they are not really generating that much pressure on opposing QBs. Their Hurry, Knockdown, & Pressure metrics are all in the red. They also seem to be having issues tackling after the catch as they are also below average in YAC. However they don’t miss many tackles in general and the 1.65 points/drive is above average.

Seattle Seahawks Grade C+

The Seahawks appears to be a fairly average defense that is stout against the run. Everything about their primary metrics is pretty average with the good run defense helping the overall yards/play metric. The have generated an average amount of turnovers and have an Epxected points of -1, slightly better than the -7 league average.

Point Against 109 (avg 125) [5 games]
Yards/Play 4.9 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 7 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.9 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.2 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 36.4%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 12.7% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -0.94 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The advance metric help show why the Seahawks a slightly above average defensively. The don’t blitz often but they get sacks and pressure the opposing QB. That leaves plenty of guys free to tackle. Air Yards is a weakness so if you can get the pass off you can do damage against this defense. The 1.96 points/drive points to a slightly below average group for Seattle standards.

Philadelphia Eagles Grade C+

Another fairly average defense that is good against the run. The Eagles are above average against both the run and pass, leading to above average in yards/play. But points against, turnovers, and scoring% are all average, as is Expected Points at -5. Not much to write about here.

Point Against 124 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 4.9 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 8 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.5 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.6 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 33.9%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 11.3% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -4.93 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Eagles are getting beat by the pass. Target Depth, Air Yards, YAC metrics are all in the red. Yet all the QB pressure metrics are in the green without blitzing too much. They also don’t miss many tackles , but the 1.98 points/drive is not good. You want to beat the Eagles? Give your QB enough time to complete passes.

Cincinatti Bengals Grade C

The Bengals are susceptible to the run, as the 5.0 yards/attempt metric shows. That means they probably have to bring an extra man into the box which leaves them susceptible to the pass as well. But why pass when you can simply run it at 6 yards a clip? If they didn’t create the 10 turnovers they would be even worse than they look.

Point Against 127 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.6 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 10 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.0 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 5.0 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 36.8%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 14.7% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -10.21 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Bengals look like a mirror image of the Eagles. Worst in the league at Target Depth and terrible at Air Yards, the Bengals are being passed to death. They get pressure and sacks, but just not enough to cover what must be serious holes in the secondary. The 1.87 points/drive is average as averages get.

Green Bay Packers Grade C

The Packers defense doesn’t look that bad on the primary metrics. They aren’t creating turnovers which can’t be helping, but they are average or better against the run and pass. The 38% scoring% needs to come down, which means getting off the field on 3rd down.

Point Against 113 (avg 125) [5 games]
Yards/Play 4.9 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 5 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.5 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.3 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 38.2%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 9.1% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -10.89 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

Most of the advanced metrics are in the light green for the Packers meaning they are performing at slightly above average levels on most metrics. They need to create more turnovers. Knockdowns, Pressures and Sacks could use an uptick and the 1.95 points/drive needs improving.

Los Angeles Rams Grade C

I feel like I am repeating myself but the Rams seem much like the Packers just above them. They are slightly worse than the Packers against the pass, but are also not generating turnovers and are just average against the run. The Expected Points at -12 is also slightly below average. Everything here points to average.

Point Against 117 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.2 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 5 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.8 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.3 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 39.7%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 7.9% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -11.81 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

There is a lot of light red on the Rams advanced metric line indicating below average at many metrics. They don’t blitz and as a result they get very little pressure on the opposing QBs. They are not bad against the pass in Air Yards or YAC, but just kind of middle of the pack. The 2.31 points/drive is also not going to work

Minnesota Vikings Grade C

I am not sure the Vikings defense is that bad, just that they have been on the field too often given the offense’s penchant for turning the ball over. This has led to some short fields and easy points against this defense. They aren’t causing a lot of turnovers, but really all the primary metrics are at or above average save points against.

Point Against 135 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 4.9 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 6 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.0 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.7 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 37.5%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 9.4% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -12.52 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

Not sure this is a correct stat or some kind of error at pro-football-reference.com, but it says the Vikings have blitzed 57.9% of the time, 135 times in all. And they only have 18 sacks to show for it. The 2.00 points/drive is poor, but some of it has to be because of the offense. The defense also has some issues with YAC, so solving that and getting to the QB when blitzing would help.

Indianapolis Colts Grade C

It would appear that the Colts are giving up points because they have a leaky pass defense, 6.3 yards/pass attempt. There are good against the run and they are creating some turnovers with 8. The scoring% at 38.7% is too high and the Expected Points at -14.5 is not good.

Point Against 152 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.1 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 8 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.3 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.7 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 38.7%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 10.7% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -14.49 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Colts are a real mixed bag on the advanced metrics. They don’t blitz (15.9%)but they do gets sacks with 18. But they don’t get any knockdowns, hurries or pressures and they are dead last in Air Yards. They miss a fair share of tackles and give up 2.01 points/drive. They need to shore up whatever is going on in the secondary and find a way to get pressure when they don’t get a sack.

Miami Dolphins Grade C-

I think the Dolphins defense has to be looked at with a bit of a caveat. Because the offense is scoring so much and so quickly, the defense is actually having to face a lot of drives and spend a lot of time on the field. The defense itself is pretty average in the primary metrics, but the expected point at -19 is not good. It would be nice if they could create a few more turnovers, but with the offense they have it doesn’t seem all that necessary.

Point Against 152 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.2 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 5 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.0 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.1 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 37.9%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 7.6% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -19.12 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Dolphins have red metrics in Air Yards and YAC, but they must be facing opponents who are always throwing because they are trying to keep up or catch the Miami offense scoring output. They have good metrics in sacks and qb pressure probably because of the same reason. It is going to be difficult to get a gauge on this defense until they get in a few non shootouts or blowouts.

Houston Texans Grade C-

The Texans appear to be good against the run, bad against the pass, and cover up a lot of holes by creating turnovers, 13. Expected points at -21 is not good, but I am not too worried as DeMeco Ryans is a defensive guy and he just might not have the players he needs on defense yet to build the kind of defense he wants.

Point Against 113 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.4 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 13 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.6 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.9 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 33.3%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 12.7% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -20.97 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

There are some really bad advanced metrics on the Texans defense starting with a measly 9 sacks. They have also missed 60 tackles which is extremely poor, and they are quite vulnerable to the pass as Air Yards and YAC metrics are bad. The 1.76 points/drive is slightly above average, but probably a result of all the turnovers they have gotten.

Grade D

Tennessee Titans Grade D

The Titans simply cannot defend the pass. They are good against the run, but do not create turnovers and allow a 45% scoring % to opponents. There needs to be a full tune up and service on the secondary in order to get this defense back up into the Grade C range.

Point Against 117 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.4 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 5 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.8 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.6 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 45%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 6.7% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -32.37 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

Just a complete line of light red metrics for the Titans. They are average in sacks with 15, and they don’t miss many tackles. However all of the passing metrics are quite bad and there is not enough pressure being put on opposing QBs to slow them down.

Washington Commanders Grade D

I am not sure if Ron Rivera forgot he played defense in the NFL, but this defense is really a poor reflection of him. The only thing the Commanders do slightly above average is create turnovers, and I would wonder if they are created or gifted. They can’t stop the run, they can’t stop the pass. Opponents are scroing on 51.2% of drives. If all you did is bet on the Commanders opponent to score at the beginning of every drive this season you would own a block in Vegas.

Point Against 176 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.7 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 8 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.6 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.6 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 51.6%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 12.5% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -34.23 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

Horrible in Target Depth and Air Yards, the Commanders do get to the QB for some sacks and average pressure. The 2.55 points/drive is horrendous. Without the turnovers, this would be even worse.

Los Angeles Chargers Grade D

I am not quite sure who is calling the defense for the Chargers, but I would have to guess every defensive play call is a run stuffer. The Chargers are slightly, very slightly, above average stopping the run. But why would you run when they give up 6.9 yards/pass attempt? They aren’t giving up a ton of points per game, but the -36 Expected Points means they are digging holes the offense can’t climb out of.

Point Against 104 (avg 125) [5 games]
Yards/Play 5.7 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 7 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.9 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.1 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 43.2%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 15.9% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -36.38 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Chargers can’t stop the pass as evidenced by Air Yards, YAC and Target Depth. They do gets sacks with 21, but they don’t generate much QB pressure outside the sacks. The 1.83 points/drive is average and they don’t miss a lot of tackles so there is hope for improvement.

Carolina Panthers Grade D

We knew the Panthers offense would be a work in progress with a rookie QB, but the defense looks like a construction zone that has been neglected. The can’t stop the run or the pass. The don’t create turnovers. They give up a ton of points. This is a well earned Grade D if ever there was one.

Point Against 186 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.7 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 5 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.5 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.9 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 43.5%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 7.2% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -41.73 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The advanced metrics are kinder to the Panther against the pass. However they generate no pressure and they miss a lot of tackles. 2.58 points/drive is not going to win you many, if any, games with a rookie QB struggling to put up points. I don’t see many more wins coming for the Panthers unless they see improvement on both sides of the ball.

Las Vegas Raiders Grade D

The Raiders appears to have just an average defense as many of the primary metrics are decidely average. They are not causing many turnovers and opponents are scoring at a 40% clip against them.

Point Against 131 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.1 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 5 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 5.8 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.3 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 40.0%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 8.3% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -44.92 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The problem with the Raiders defense becomes evident in the advanced metrics. They simply are not pressuring opposing QBs enough. This is leading to them not getting off the field on third down and opponents putting up points against them. Their passing metrics in Target Depth and Air Yards are not that bad, but they do seem to have some YAC issues.

Grade F

New York Giants Grade F

The Giants are a consistent defense. They don’t stop the run and follow that up by not stopping the pass. Opponents scoring on 46% of the drives is abyssmal. They don’t create turnovers and they give up a ton of points. With Expected Points at -49 the Giants defense might be the tougher opponent for the Giants offense than the opposition is on some weeks.

Point Against 167 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 6.1 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 5 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 7.1 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 5.1 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 46.1%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 8.2% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -49.34 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The Giants have 5 sacks. That’s atrocious. They have missed 47 tackles and give up a lot of YAC yardage. They are also blitzing a bunch (38.10%) to create no sacks. The only highlight I see is they keep passes in front of them as Target Depth and Air Yards metrics are not bad.

Chicago Bears Grade F

I know the Bears offense hasn’t been a joy to watch, but if you were going to the toilet or to get a beer you would be better off doing it when the Bears defense is on the field because they are even harder to watch. 7.4 yards per pass attempt and 5.8 yards/play. You don’t notice they are good against the run, just 3.5 yards/attempt because as opponent you would have to be an idiot not to pass against them. They also don’t cause turnovers, so take your time getting the beer.

Point Against 176 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.8 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 5 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 7.4 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 3.5 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 42.2%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 7.8% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -52.08 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

Just about everything about the Bears advanced metrics are bad. Just 9 sacks, no pressure, missed tackles, getting torched through the air. This is a hot mess of a defense.

Arizona Cardinals Grade F

Gannon is supposed to be a defensive guru, but the Cardinals defense has been fairly woeful thus far. Opponents scoring on 47.5% of drives is ugly. 6.7 yards/pass attempt is also ugly. In fact, the Cardinals defense seems to do just about everything poorly. They just kind of stink from head to toe.

Point Against 152 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 5.7 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 7 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 6.7 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 4.5 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 47.5%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 9.8% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -59.11 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The good? The Cardinals get sacks, 19, and don’t miss tackles. The bad? Literally everything else. Terrible against the pass as Air Yards indicates, and they don’t create pressure outside the sacks. And the 2.54 points/drive is downright pitiful. Gannon needs to get this side of the house in order as it is a complete pigsty.

Denver Broncos Grade F—

And then there is team Dirty Hands. And man have they ever gone over to Pigpen’s house to play. 200 points against. An ungodly 7.7 yards per pass attempt. Almost 7 yards/play. Opponents scoring at a 53.1% rate. Giving up 5.6 yards per rush. Honestly, I don’t know how they caused the 6 turnovers they have, because they appear to be a complete clown car full of defensive ineptitude. Let me try to explain how bad the Broncos defense is….

The Broncos defensive Expected points of -95.68 is roughly 36 points worse than the Cardinals who are the 2nd worst team. If you go up 36 points from the Cardinals, you are at about -23 EP or roughly where the Texans are, with 7 teams between the Cardinals & Texans. If you go up another 36 EP, you would be around +13 EP which is about where the Steelers sit. There are 12 teams between the Texans & Steelers.

So basically you would be able to fit somewhere betwen 7 – 12 absolutely horrible teams between where the Cardinals sit and where the Broncos defense currently lurks. They are setting a bar so low, it is going to take a team of legendary atrociousness to have a chance to be as bad as the Broncos defense has been through 6 weeks.

Point Against 200 (avg 125)
Yards/Play 6.7 (avg 5.2)
Turnovers 6 (avg 7.7)
Yards/Pass Attempt 7.7 (avg 5.9)
Rush Yards/Att 5.6 (avg 4.2)
Scoring % 53.1%(avg 36.3%)
Turnover % 7.8% (avg 11.7%)
Expected Points -95.68 (avg -7.1)

Advanced Metrics

The one metric the Broncos are not terrible at is Target Depth. But they make sure to undo that by giving up a ton of YAC and missing tackles. They don’t create much pressure, and have at best an average amount of sacks. And there is the unsightly 2.97 points/drive. If a team gets the ball against the Broncos right now, you can automatically mark up 3 points for them. That means giving up 30 points a game on average, which they have found a way to exceed by giving up 33. This is a unit as bad as the Dolphins offense is good. No, wait, they are way worse.

So there you go. 32 grades for 32 NFL defenses. The final installment of the 3 part series will be team grades for each team when factoring in their offense & defensive grades and overall performance. Best of luck to your team this weekend!

NFL 2023 Team Defense Grades Through 6 Weeks