• Browns lost without Darius Smith: After sending Smith to Detroit, Cleveland dropped three spots but remained in the top five.
• Chargers soar: Los Angeles moves up eight spots thanks to Morgan Fox’s dominant performance in Week 9.
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Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
The defensive line is central to a successful defense and is tasked with both disrupting opposing quarterbacks with pass rushes and shutting down rushing attacks at the line of scrimmage.
An elite defensive line can change the course of a game by applying pressure, forcing rush throws, and creating turnovers while holding back run plays to control the tempo.
This season, we’ll be monitoring the play of NFL defensive lines throughout the season. Unlike our attacking team Rankingsometimes considering previous seasons Rankingthese Ranking Based purely on 2024 play.
The trade deadline has passed with some moves along the NFL’s defensive line. Za’Darius Smith Cleveland fell out of the top two on the way to Detroit. As Week 9 of the 2024 NFL regular season approaches, here’s your weekly news. Ranking We are entering the 10th week.
key
Best player = best result of the season
red letters = player grade below 60 (replacement level)
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (unchanged)
Top 5 snaps:
of pittsburgh steelers In Week 9, they won by default.
The Steelers have the best defensive line in football after their dominant showing in Week 1. kirk cousins And along with the Falcons’ drum performance daniel jones And the Giants in Week 8.
Most Valuable Player: TJ Watt
Made by Watt PFF’s Midseason All-Pro Team He was a strong defender against the run, so he was an edge defender. Myles Garrett.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (1 point difference)
Top 5 snaps:
Sweat has been effective as a rusher this year, posting 30 total pressures and an 18.0% pass rush win percentage.
Most Valuable Player: Jalen Carter
Carter has earned the top spot on the Eagles’ defensive line with three strong performances in the past four games. His strength is rushing the passer, and his 84.7 grade is third best in the NFL among defensive interiors.
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