By Marvin Moore June 8, 2023
An array of Super Bowl contenders will lean on their elite defenses this upcoming season in their quest to capture the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The San Francisco 49ers boasted the top defensive unit last year and have a good shot at being the top dawg again in 2023.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ stellar defense was raided during free agency, but a golden draft day haul has retooled one of the top pass-rushing units in the history of the NFL. Another NFC East squad, the Dallas Cowboys, also had an elite defense a year ago and might be even better this season.
Although the pass-happy league favors offensive fireworks over low-scoring affairs, a handful of teams still sport old-school defenses capable of shutting down high-powered offensive juggernauts.
Here are five elite defensive units that will strike fear into opposing offensive coordinators this year.
5. New England Patriots
The Patriots drafted Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the 17th pick in this year’s draft and added Georgia Tech defensive end Keion White in the second round. The talented rookies will join a unit that ended last season ranked No. 1 in Football Outsiders’ weighted defensive DVOA while surrendering the sixth-fewest yards and 11th-fewest points.
Gonzalez possesses the size and athleticism to matchup up with the league’s top receivers and is considered a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. White is a versatile athlete who could line up as an outside linebacker, chase quarterbacks as a high-octane pass rusher, set an edge in the run game, and even drop back into coverage.
Bill Belichick is one of the greatest defensive minds in NFL history and has a knack for churning out stout defensive units. The Patriots should have an improved offense in 2023 and will be a top-five defense with proven playmakers Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Kyle Dugger, and Ja’Whaun Bentley.
4. New York Jets
The Jets allowed the second-fewest points and ranked fifth in Total DVOA in 2022. And Robert Saleh’s stout defense should be even better this upcoming season. New York drafted Iowa State edge rusher Will McDonald IV with the 15th overall pick to upgrade a solid defense that boasts All-Pro defensive tackle, who tallied 12 sacks last year, and rookie All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.
McDonald was one of the most productive college defenders the past two seasons and will fortify a defensive line that surrendered the second-lowest average passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. The Jets’ offense had the fourth-worst average time of possession a year ago, which meant the defensive unit was on the field too much. However, with the signing of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, the defense should spend less time on the field in 2023.
This group will only get better and could evolve into the best defense in the NFL if Williams and Gardner continue their ascent toward superstardom.
3. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys topped the league in pressure rate and finished third with 54 sacks last year. Unfortunately for NFC East offenses, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s troops will be even better in 2023.
Dallas added former All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore to pair with two-time Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs to form one of the NFL’s top secondaries. America’s Team also drafted Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the first round to shore up a lackluster run defense and free up edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
The once-mighty Cowboys allowed the sixth-fewest points per game last year in the regular season and looks primed to make a deep run in the playoffs for the first time in nearly three decades.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles allowed the fewest yards and were two sacks off of the all-time record of 72 set by the 1984 Chicago Bears. Although Philadelphia lost a bevy of defensive starters in free agency, including both starting linebackers, expect Philly to trot out an elite unit once again.
New defensive coordinator Sean Desai was gifted two stellar defenders on draft night in defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith. The interior line is one of the best in the NFL, with Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat combining for 22 sacks last season.
Philadephia got the steal of the draft when Carter slid all the way to the ninth overall selection. Several league scouts tabbed the unanimous All-American defensive tackle to be the top player in the draft. The Eagles just missed winning the Lombardo Trophy last season but have enough talent to reach the Super Bowl again in 2023.
1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have the best defense in the NFL, and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has a proven track record as a defensive guru. San Francisco bolstered its defensive line with free agent Javon Hargrave, who will benefit from opponents using two blockers to try and contain the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Joey Bosa.
San Francisco surrendered a league-low 77.7 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry a year ago and ranked second in yards allowed and fourth in scoring. Middle linebacker Fred Warner headlines the league’s top linebacker duo, and the 49ers drafted Penn State safety Ji’Ayir Brown in the third round to replace Jimmie Ward.
The Niners have reloaded and will head into the upcoming season as legitimate Super Bowl contenders regardless of whether Brock Purdy or Trey Lance is under center.
