They say that defense wins championships. That's why having one of the best NFL defenses is essential for Super Bowl contention. So here are the five best NFL defenses for this upcoming 2023 season.
No. 5: Dallas Cowboys
A defense that allows less than twenty points to the 49ers, Vikings, Lions, and Bengals can shut down the best offenses in the league. The Cowboys' defense holds one of the best passes rushes in the NFL with Donte Fowler Jr.'s consistency and Micah Parsons's explosiveness. The lockdown corner, Trevon Diggs, helps shut down explosive pass-heavy offenses. The Cowboys' defense is a group that can be trusted to give the offense plenty of opportunities and slow down offenses of high caliber.
No. 4: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have undoubtedly the best secondary in the NFL. Marlon Humphry, Marcus Peters, and Marcus Williams are an unstoppable secondary trio. Add the top-tier linebacker Roquan Smith into the mix, and you have a top-5 caliber defense. The Ravens don't have quite the same talent on the defensive line, as Calais Campbell is past his prime. This defense also has not played as many tough opponents as others on this list have. Nonetheless, a defense that is this stacked certainly has the potential to slow down top offenses.
No. 3: New York Jets
The Jets' defense went from ranking dead last in 2021 to 4th in 2022. Much of the credit for this vast defensive improvement goes to 3rd-year defensive-minded head coach Robert Salah. Cornerback Sauce Gardner can also be accredited, who recorded an exceptional rookie season, playing a position that takes a few years for a player to develop once they are in the NFL. The rest of the defense has other big names, including C.J. Mosley and Quinnen Williams. This defensive squad also faced the Dolphins and Bills twice, some of the best offenses. The Jets' defense going into the 2023 season is nearly identical to the group during the 2021 season, making them a safe pick for the top five best NFL defenses.
No. 2: San Francisco 49ers:
The 49ers' defense is loaded with big names. Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Charvarius Ward, and Arik Armstead. Acquiring defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in free agency adds yet another player of high caliber to an already star-studded defense. It's no surprise that this defensive squad was the league's best during the prior season, and will likely be top-tier in 2023. There are unambiguously too many top players on the defensive side of the ball for the group to fail.
No. 1: Buffalo Bills:
The Bills' defense was already stacked, but acquiring Von Miller during the 2022 offseason propelled the squad to an elite level. The defense would have ranked 1st if Miller had not missed the last five games of the regular season due to an ACL tear. If Miller stays healthy in 2023, the defense will likely rank 1st in points allowed. The Bills' defensive squad is also the most balanced. They have an effective rush defense due to Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmonds. The secondary is excellent, due to Micah Hyde, Tredavios White, and Jordan Poyer. Of course, the pass rush led by Von Miller and Shaq Lawson is a top-tier group. While other defenses have strengths and weaknesses, the Bills' defense is the most well-rounded and overall best heading into 2023.
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