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2025 Team Defense & Defense by Committee Thread (4 Viewers)

Depleted Steelers focus on stopping Chubb, Browns run game

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward knows what it takes to shut down the Cleveland Browns' rushing attack.

The Steelers have the worst rush defense in the league, but they were able to keep running back Nick Chubb and the Browns in check when the AFC North rivals met in Cleveland on Halloween. Heyward and the Steelers will need to do it again — and possibly with a depleted defensive front — against the Browns on Monday night football at Heinz Field if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

“I think the key is playing team defense,” Heyward said Friday. “The run needs to be stopped, so we can make a team one dimensional. It’s easier said than done, but we were able to do a lot of things that put us in a good position.”

The Steelers placed defensive lineman Chris Wormley and linebacker Joe Schobert, both starters, on the NFL’s Reserve/COVID-19 list Friday afternoon. That means they’re most likely out for Monday’s game against the run-heavy Browns. The Steelers currently have seven players on the active roster on the COVID-19 list, including five on defense and two along the defensive line, Wormley and Isaiah Buggs. Defensive lineman Daniel Archibong also landed on the practice squad COVID-19 list on Friday.

Wormley, who was acquired in a 2020 trade with Baltimore, has started 13 of 14 games. Wormley missed last Sunday’s loss at Kansas City with a groin injury, but was a full practice participant on Thursday prior to his diagnosis. Rookie fifth-round pick Isaiahh Loudermilk is likely to start his second consecutive game if Wormley can’t play on Monday.

Wormley, who has a career-high six sacks, was key in the Steelers’ win at Cleveland earlier this season with a sack, one quarterback hit and a tackle for loss.

The Steelers ranked No. 11 in the league against the run in 2020, but they’re last this season. They lost a pair of veterans early, as Stephon Tuitt hasn’t played a snap because of a knee injury, while Tyson Alualu fractured his ankle in September against Las Vegas.

Still, the Steelers managed to neutralize Chubb during an October win at Cleveland. The Browns managed just 96 yards rushing after averaging 170 yards entering the game. Chubb, who missed the previous two games with a calf injury, had 61 yards on just 16 carries.

“I just think we were playing Chubb after he got hurt, and he was coming off an injury,” Heyward said. “They just seem like they’ve become more cohesive. They have three running backs who are really good.”

The Browns average a NFL-best 5.13 yards per attempt and are currently the No. 3-ranked rushing team in the league, led by Chubb, D’Ernest Johnson and Kareem Hunt. Chubb is third in the NFL with 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns despite missing three games. He has one 100-yard effort and a 4.4 yards-per carry average in six career games against Pittsburgh. Chubb had 126 yards and a score, as the Browns rushed for 219 yards, but committed four turnovers during a two-point loss last week at Green Bay.

Heyward feels that stopping first-down runs will be key on Monday.

“You have to make sure you win first down to help yourself on the back end,” Heyward said. “If you can start a drive and get to second and long, then they’re trying to play catch-up, and third down becomes an advantage your way.”

Pittsburgh gave up an average of 106 yards rushing per game during its first seven contests. But the Steelers have been gouged for an average of 175 yards on the ground in their last eight games. The Steelers have given up 198 yards rushing or more in four of those eight games.

Heyward was pleased with the run defense the first time around against the Browns. The Steelers will have to do it again, and likely without several key pieces up front on defense, if they want to have a shot at reaching the playoffs for the second straight season.

“It’s not an easy task,” Heyward said. “They have a lot of good athletes, a powerful offensive line and a great running game. We have to keep running to the ball. We have to make sure it’s not just one guy there. It has to be all 11.”
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Debunking myths for 14 NFL playoff teams: Why you're wrong about Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers, more

Excerpt:

1. Tennessee Titans (bye)

The myth: This is the same Titans team that lost in the first round last season.

This is Tennessee's sixth consecutive winning season (fourth under coach Mike Vrabel) and second season in a row with at least 11 wins. The Titans reached the AFC Championship Game two years ago but otherwise have not translated their regular-season success into postseason success. Last season, they took a 10-0 first-quarter lead on the Ravens at home in their first playoff game only to lose it 20-13. It is surely fair to wonder why this season would be any different.

Why it's wrong: You mean other than the fact that the Titans have a first-round bye and are already past the round where they lost? The main reason the Titans are different is the defense. Last season, they ranked 25th in defensive efficiency, 32nd in third-down conversion percentage allowed and 30th in sacks. Heading into their season finale this season, they ranked eighth in defensive efficiency, sixth in third-down conversion percentage allowed and ninth in sacks.

That is significant across-the-board improvement under coordinator Shane Bowen, and the ability to get the defense off the field and get the ball back in Ryan Tannehill's hands (and maybe Derrick Henry's!) makes this Tennessee team a more formidable foe. Plus, it is the only team that beat both the Chiefs and Bills this season.
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Question: in a dynasty league I have the Cowboys and the Chargers defenses and will only keep one. Fantasy Pros have the Chargers as the #4 defense with some of their new additions, the Cowboys at #18. Most other sites show the Cowboys much higher and better than LAC.

Who is right and which defense is the better keeper?

 
robb said:
Question: in a dynasty league I have the Cowboys and the Chargers defenses and will only keep one. Fantasy Pros have the Chargers as the #4 defense with some of their new additions, the Cowboys at #18. Most other sites show the Cowboys much higher and better than LAC.

Who is right and which defense is the better keeper?
Click to expand...


That's a good DST problem to have.   I really think the Chargers are going to be top 6 on most DST re-draft rankings this August.   With Gregory leaving Dallas and that offense maybe taking a step back, I think the Chargers DST would be my preference in most formats.   

In my league, I would be pressing to keep both if you're a contender (especially with the AFC West).   Our scoring system with regard to points allowed punishment / bonus is too aggressive for my liking (25+ point DST weeks happen too frequently, as do -4 points).   Consequently, DST matters more than it should.   Contenders in my league would be wise to roster two great defenses or three good ones.  Consequently, the bottom of the barrel streaming options are not going to get it done.

This is the point where I would much rather be trying to find late round rookie RB draft steals, but I find myself in this thread because of the reality that my DST picks are going to matter a lot more to the outcome of my 2022 season.

I'm currently holding New Orleans and Dallas.   Both were good (NO) to great (DAL) options in 2021.   I think the rosters of both are taking a small step back for 2022.   Generally, New Orleans seems to be rated a little higher in the rankings I've seen, but I think Dallas might be the keep.   Keeping one will likely cost me Matt Gay.   Keeping both will cost me Gay and a Ant Brown/Michel/Gus Bus. 

The only free agent options available in my rookie/FA draft that I like are Miami and possibly Washington.

 
Faust said:
2022 NFL draft: Detroit Lions invest 6 picks in defense, a club record in seven-round era
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I have a feeling they’re going to be a sneaky DT in FF - even better if your league is DST. Statistically, the last two seasons have been the worst defenses in the 92 year history of the franchise. But 34 of the 42 defensive players on the 90-man roster were signed by Brad Holmes after the end of the Quintricia nightmare.

Unprecedented investment in the D line. If you don’t know who Alim McNeil is, you will by the end of the season. Hutchinson has a great motor, 2nd round pick Josh Paschal was as steal, the post-resurrection Charles Harris and the Okwara brothers give them great depth at Edge. 5th round pick Malcolm Rodriguez is already a set it and forget it off ball LB.

Tremendous young talent in the defensive backfield: LCB Oruwariye was second in the league in interceptions, UDFA rookies Jerry Jacobs and A.J. Parker acquitted themselves well (they should be even better with more pressure upfront), Okudah is on track in his rehab, Ifeatu Melifinwu is a developing press corner, Will Harris has finally found a home at slot corner, Tracy Walker is an excellent free safety, rookie Kirby Joseph looks like a furst year contributor, FA (Ravens) SS Deshon Elliott is a thumper.

The Lions played more Dime than Nickel last year, and more Nickel than base. DC Aaron Glenn is going to be hard to keep, he’s brilliant schematically. Interviewed for the Denver and Minnesota jobs. Young LB coach Kelvin Sheppard is like a lot of Lions coaches - recently played, great teacher. DB coach Aubrey Pleasant is another star; interviewed for the Saints and Vikings DC position.

Super young team, made (correctable) mistakes last year. Biggest failure was not being able to get crucial stops. Four losses ended with final gun FGs that were preceded by lengthy drives.

Major emphasis this year on getting pressure, turnovers, and big splash plays (pick six. scoop n score.) This team is going places and this defense, while largely unknown rn, has had a major talent infusion.

Right now the acquisition price is free. Favorable schedule, lot of positive changes.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
BobbyLayne said:
Hutchinson has a great motor
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Hutchinson is the only heavier betting favorite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

... Hutchinson is essentially being positioned as the face of the Lions organization, which is why he's the odds-on favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is a potential culture-changer if his time with the Michigan Wolverines is any indication of future success.

At the same time, Detroit is young along its defensive front and lacks pass-rushing punch. Hutchinson should help that group as it grows in Year 2 under defensive play-caller Aaron Glenn...

 
Bracie Smathers said:
Hutchinson is the only heavier betting favorite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

... Hutchinson is essentially being positioned as the face of the Lions organization, which is why he's the odds-on favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is a potential culture-changer if his time with the Michigan Wolverines is any indication of future success.

At the same time, Detroit is young along its defensive front and lacks pass-rushing punch. Hutchinson should help that group as it grows in Year 2 under defensive play-caller Aaron Glenn...
Click to expand...
Actually have really good depth now on the defensive line. The only player on the roster over the age of 28 is Brockers. He’s a rotational guy now. DT/NT Alim McNeil can take a big jump forward this year - they definitely see him as a foundation of piece that line. The investment in the Edge is insane. Sure Hutch should be the superstar. The second round pick Josh Paschal is very good. It’s not just about getting pressure on the QB; they had a real weakness last year not setting the edge on running plays. Charles Harris was great last year getting pressure a one-year deal so they gave him a new contract. Two years ago Romeo Okwara was an outstanding pass rusher. He’s coming off Achilles but if he can return the form he’s he’s very close to PB caliber. Romeo‘s brother Julian is a developing Edge player. 

Tremendous depth along the defensive line. The way they run their defense off ball  linebacker is not terribly important. Some of those Edge guys will be strictly defensive End some will be more linebacker some will be a combo. Our fifth round picj Malcolm Rodriguez (off ball) - they’re already talking about he’s going to be a green dot LB. Maybe not this year but kid is incredibly smart, already understands the playbook so thoroughly, knows where everyone has to be. Linebacker coach and thr defensive coordinator both said he’s just a set it forget it kind of guy - like he’s coaching up his teammates - and he’s a rookie is a fifth round rookie! Insane. 

Two players on the 90 Man roster are over the age of 27; incredible how young these guys are.

 
As a TCU Horned Frogs fan, I’ve watched Kavonte Turpin play and already knew he was a special talent.

I know it’s just a preseason game, but Fun to see him lighting it up tonight.

Could be a boom for anyone looking to draft the cowboys defense late. They will get some sacks and turnovers with that LB corps and Turpin provides the chance of a touchdown any time he touches the ball.
 
Disregarding week 1 matchup schedule.

Gun to head.

Who’s the season long defense that is going to throw up some points with sacks, turnovers, TDs and low scores?

Last year the Bills showed up.
A few years ago the Patriots were like an extra skill player every week.

I’ve got the Packers as a team to watch out for.
 
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VikingFrog said:
Disregarding week 1 matchup schedule.

Gun to head.

Who’s the season long defense that is going to throw up some points with sacks, turnovers, TDs and low scores?

Last week the Bills showed up.
A few years ago the Patriots were like an extra skill player every week.

I’ve got the Packers as a team to watch out for.
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Kind of like the Bengals from a talent perspective. Ravens are cheaper than usual this year. Divisional games offer good matchups for both.

That’s why I’m hesitant about the Chargers. Like their DT but will be in a lot of shootouts.
 
BobbyLayne said:
Kind of like the Bengals from a talent perspective. Ravens are cheaper than usual this year. Divisional games offer good matchups for both.

That’s why I’m hesitant about the Chargers. Like their DT but will be in a lot of shootouts.
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Cousins, Fields, Goff.

To me that sounds like turnover city and not a lot of shootouts for at least all the division games.

And I’m a Vikings fan.

But that alone has me eyeing the packers .
 
VikingFrog said:
BobbyLayne said:
Kind of like the Bengals from a talent perspective. Ravens are cheaper than usual this year. Divisional games offer good matchups for both.

That’s why I’m hesitant about the Chargers. Like their DT but will be in a lot of shootouts.
Click to expand...
Cousins, Fields, Goff.

To me that sounds like turnover city and not a lot of shootouts for at least all the division games.

And I’m a Vikings fan.

But that alone has me eyeing the packers .
Click to expand...

Goff had a pretty low interception rate (1.6%, 5th), 19th in total turnovers (14), e.g., 18 QBs turned the ball over more. 12th in lowest sack percentage, Detroit has a very good offensive line.

But yeah I agree in general, both North divisions are probably a good place to look for a DT if you're bypassing a Tier 1/Tier 2 defense.
 
BobbyLayne said:
VikingFrog said:
BobbyLayne said:
Kind of like the Bengals from a talent perspective. Ravens are cheaper than usual this year. Divisional games offer good matchups for both.

That’s why I’m hesitant about the Chargers. Like their DT but will be in a lot of shootouts.
Click to expand...
Cousins, Fields, Goff.

To me that sounds like turnover city and not a lot of shootouts for at least all the division games.

And I’m a Vikings fan.

But that alone has me eyeing the packers .
Click to expand...

Goff had a pretty low interception rate (1.6%, 5th), 19th in total turnovers (14), e.g., 18 QBs turned the ball over more. 12th in lowest sack percentage, Detroit has a very good offensive line.

But yeah I agree in general, both North divisions are probably a good place to look for a DT if you're bypassing a Tier 1/Tier 2 defense.
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Great facts. I may grab the bengals when the clear waivers based on this thread. And the fact that I’d rather have the Vikings win game 1 of real football. Bengals get Pitt in week 1 which doesn’t strike fear in anyone QB wise.
 
Generally I take only 1 K & 1 D in managed leagues. But, in the ffpc main event contest 20th round, the Chargers D was still available so I grabbed it to pair with the TB D. There might be some streaming opportunities. I had planned on taking Jonnu Smith but I can probably grab him in the 1st waiver run if I feel it's warranted.
 
A lot of years I don’t draft a K or DST. I might be able to stash someone on IR between Draft Day and the season opener, and I’d rather take 1-2 more lottery ticket RBs or upside flyers. DSTs and Ks emerge every year. I’d have to confirm but I’m not sure when was the last time my WK1 K/DST was the same one I was still rolling with once the playoffs come around 3-1/2 months later.

Week 1 matchup is as good as any other DST picking method IME. But rn I doubt I draft one this Sunday.
 
BobbyLayne said:
A lot of years I don’t draft a K or DST. I might be able to stash someone on IR between Draft Day and the season opener, and I’d rather take 1-2 more lottery ticket RBs or upside flyers. DSTs and Ks emerge every year. I’d have to confirm but I’m not sure when was the last time my WK1 K/DST was the same one I was still rolling with once the playoffs come around 3-1/2 months later.

Week 1 matchup is as good as any other DST picking method IME. But rn I doubt I draft one this Sunday.
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10000%

well, maybe only 100%. I often do draft a D but often do not draft a K, for the reasons you mentioned.
and I definitely ALWAYS regret taking a D earlier than others in my league (if only a round earlier) since I always regret it And there is almost always a waiver option I switch to later in the year. Maybe I just suck at picking team D. That could be it actually.
 
My DST drafting strategy is always a) try to identify breakout Ds and then b) default to good Week 1 streamers. Ideally, you can do both.

Don't have a great sense for a) yet, although I think the Ravens will invariably improve since their injury luck can't possibly be worse than it was last year. Not sure about breakout, but the Saints always seem to be undervalued. Could also see the Packers stepping it up this year as the offense tries to figure out its new identity

In terms of W1 matchups, I would say these, in no particular order:
  • Saints @ Falcons
  • Niners @ Bears
  • Bengals @ Steelers
  • Ravens @ Jets
  • Titans vs. Giants
  • Broncos @ Seahawks
So put those two together and I'd probably look to target Ravens and Saints, maybe Broncos (although over the course of the whole season, that AFC West schedule scares me).

In terms of drafting strategy, I will almost always wait until the next to last round. Two exceptions are if I don't have anyone I'm really excited about in the third-to-last round and/or I'm picking early in that round, in which case I might reach a little to ensure I'm not at the end of the run of DSTs.
 
ignatiusjreilly said:
  • Bengals @ Steeler
Click to expand...
ignatiusjreilly said:
  • Titans vs. Giants
Click to expand...

Staring at both of these and the Packers.

With Tyron Smith injury and the Cowboys in week 2, then the Jets week 3 and Miami week 4… I’m thinking the Bengals Defense is as good as any to kick tires on.

Green Bay has a pretty soft schedule to open with as well, but does have @TB week 3 which would scare some.

Titans walk into Buffalo week 2 and I’m not sure that’s anything I want to mess with.
 
ignatiusjreilly said:
My DST drafting strategy is always a) try to identify breakout Ds and then b) default to good Week 1 streamers. Ideally, you can do both.

Don't have a great sense for a) yet, although I think the Ravens will invariably improve since their injury luck can't possibly be worse than it was last year. Not sure about breakout, but the Saints always seem to be undervalued. Could also see the Packers stepping it up this year as the offense tries to figure out its new identity

In terms of W1 matchups, I would say these, in no particular order:
  • Saints @ Falcons
  • Niners @ Bears
  • Bengals @ Steelers
  • Ravens @ Jets
  • Titans vs. Giants
  • Broncos @ Seahawks
So put those two together and I'd probably look to target Ravens and Saints, maybe Broncos (although over the course of the whole season, that AFC West schedule scares me).

In terms of drafting strategy, I will almost always wait until the next to last round. Two exceptions are if I don't have anyone I'm really excited about in the third-to-last round and/or I'm picking early in that round, in which case I might reach a little to ensure I'm not at the end of the run of DSTs.
Click to expand...

I do kind of like the saints because they have a few big playmakers and after that Falcons game, they have:

Carolina
Tampa
Minnesota (in London)
Seattle

Which is not exactly a murderer's row. So they could be pretty safe to start the season while trying to get a read on other teams.
 
Long Ball Larry said:
ignatiusjreilly said:
My DST drafting strategy is always a) try to identify breakout Ds and then b) default to good Week 1 streamers. Ideally, you can do both.

Don't have a great sense for a) yet, although I think the Ravens will invariably improve since their injury luck can't possibly be worse than it was last year. Not sure about breakout, but the Saints always seem to be undervalued. Could also see the Packers stepping it up this year as the offense tries to figure out its new identity

In terms of W1 matchups, I would say these, in no particular order:
  • Saints @ Falcons
  • Niners @ Bears
  • Bengals @ Steelers
  • Ravens @ Jets
  • Titans vs. Giants
  • Broncos @ Seahawks
So put those two together and I'd probably look to target Ravens and Saints, maybe Broncos (although over the course of the whole season, that AFC West schedule scares me).

In terms of drafting strategy, I will almost always wait until the next to last round. Two exceptions are if I don't have anyone I'm really excited about in the third-to-last round and/or I'm picking early in that round, in which case I might reach a little to ensure I'm not at the end of the run of DSTs.
Click to expand...

I do kind of like the saints because they have a few big playmakers and after that Falcons game, they have:

Carolina
Tampa
Minnesota (in London)
Seattle

Which is not exactly a murderer's row. So they could be pretty safe to start the season while trying to get a read on other teams.
Click to expand...
Also, they get six games against the NFC South. Atlanta is going to be terrible, Carolina will likely be, and while Tampa still has a good offense, Dennis Allen has absolutely owned Tom Brady over the past two years.
 
ignatiusjreilly said:
Long Ball Larry said:
ignatiusjreilly said:
My DST drafting strategy is always a) try to identify breakout Ds and then b) default to good Week 1 streamers. Ideally, you can do both.

Don't have a great sense for a) yet, although I think the Ravens will invariably improve since their injury luck can't possibly be worse than it was last year. Not sure about breakout, but the Saints always seem to be undervalued. Could also see the Packers stepping it up this year as the offense tries to figure out its new identity

In terms of W1 matchups, I would say these, in no particular order:
  • Saints @ Falcons
  • Niners @ Bears
  • Bengals @ Steelers
  • Ravens @ Jets
  • Titans vs. Giants
  • Broncos @ Seahawks
So put those two together and I'd probably look to target Ravens and Saints, maybe Broncos (although over the course of the whole season, that AFC West schedule scares me).

In terms of drafting strategy, I will almost always wait until the next to last round. Two exceptions are if I don't have anyone I'm really excited about in the third-to-last round and/or I'm picking early in that round, in which case I might reach a little to ensure I'm not at the end of the run of DSTs.
Click to expand...

I do kind of like the saints because they have a few big playmakers and after that Falcons game, they have:

Carolina
Tampa
Minnesota (in London)
Seattle

Which is not exactly a murderer's row. So they could be pretty safe to start the season while trying to get a read on other teams.
Click to expand...
Also, they get six games against the NFC South. Atlanta is going to be terrible, Carolina will likely be, and while Tampa still has a good offense, Dennis Allen has absolutely owned Tom Brady over the past two years.
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true, but they don't get those games until weeks 12, 14 and 17 (and they have a bye in 13).

Before that, that have CIN, AZ, LV, BAL, PIT, LAR, and SF, so only one potential plus matchup. So I would have a hard time envisioning holding them all year, but you never know.
 
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