The 2024 NFL regular season is officially back, and we have seen some very exciting and powerful defenses make some serious statements to begin the season. Some defenses outperformed their opponents while other defenses struggled to stop a nosebleed all game, resulting in some serious mistakes on the field that need to be addressed in practice this week before the start of week two.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ defenses after week one.
Which teams have the highest grades on defense after week one of NFL games?
Arizona Cardinals: C+
The Cardinals’ defense played a solid game despite not having any interceptions throughout the afternoon but came up short in their 28-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Kyzir White had 11 tackles, Budda Baker had 10 tackles, Kei’Trel Clark had three tackles and a sack, Roy Lopez had a tackle and a sack, and Justin Jones had two tackles and a fumble recovery.
Although the Cardinals’ defense had one fumble recovery and two pass deflections, there is still work to be done and improvement for the season as time progresses if they want to compete for a playoff spot in the very competitive NFC West.
Atlanta Falcons: D
Baltimore Ravens: C+
Despite losing a very competitive game, the Ravens’ defense needs to improve. That said, they are still in good hands under Roquan Smith’s leadership. Smith had seven tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. Trenton Simpson had five tackles and 0.5 sacks; Nnamdi Madubuike had two tackles and 0.5 sacks, and David Ojabo had a tackle and a sack. Despite the Ravens losing a close game, Simpson will undoubtedly improve. He does have big shoes to fill since Patrick Queen signed with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey also need some serious improvement, as they were burned on some coverages. Additionally, losing veteran Kyle Van Noy to a fractured orbital bone injury stings if he’s out long-term because of his veteran presence on the field. The Ravens’ defense needs to regroup and prepare themselves for their week two matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Buffalo Bills: B+
It was a very strong day for the Bills’ defense, as the team came back from behind and won 34-28 against the Arizona Cardinals. Terrell Bernard had 11 tackles, Greg Rousseau had six tackles and three sacks, Von Miller had two tackles and a sack, and Dorrian Williams had eight tackles and a fumble recovery. If there is one thing the Bills showed us in week one, it is never to underestimate their grit and aggressiveness when they look down.
The Bills’ defense also kept rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. quiet for most of the game, and they showed they could slow down some of the NFL’s best wideouts during the season.
Carolina Panthers: F
It was an embarrassing afternoon for the Panthers’ defense, as they couldn’t stop the Saints in their 10-47 loss. Shaq Thompson had 10 tackles, A’Shawn Robinson had nine tackles, and Eku Leota had four tackles and the team’s only sack. The Panthers also had three pass deflections but no defensive interceptions or fumble recoveries.
On top of that, the Panthers’ defense couldn’t even slow down the Saints’ rushing attack, as they allowed 180 yards on the ground. If change does not come soon, it looks to be another long and miserable season for the Panthers moving forward.
Chicago Bears: C+
The true identity of this Bears team is their defense; even though they started the game slowly, they managed to finish the game with a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans. T.J. Edwards had 15 tackles and a fumble recovery, Darrell Taylor had eight tackles and two sacks, and Gervon Dexter Sr. had four tackles and a sack.
Jaylon Johnson had himself an interception returned for nine yards, Tyrique Stevenson had an interception returned for a 43-yard pick-six, and Jonathan Owens blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. The Bears’ defense has a good number of veteran playmakers and NFL stars who are game-changers but can’t be expected to bail the offense out in every game this season.
Cincinnati Bengals: D+
The Bengals’ defense managed to keep the New England Patriots out of the endzone, but the Bengals played sloppy and lost 10-16. Logan Wilson had 13 tackles, Dax Hill had eight tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection, and Germaine Pratt had eight tackles and a pass deflection. Geno Stone had a dropped interception.
Former Bengal DJ Reader’s presence was missed, and the rest of the defense missed key hits, which resulted in the Patriots running all over them unchallenged. The Bengals need to turn things around, fast, as they have the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium for week two.
Cleveland Browns: D-
A brutal first game, but the Browns’ defense needs to regroup and get prepared for their road trip to Duval County when they play the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Dallas Cowboys: A
It was business as usual for the Cowboys’ defense, as they crushed the Cleveland Browns 33-17 to open the 2024 season. DeMarvion Overshown had 11 tackles and a sack. Eric Kendricks had nine tackles, two sacks, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for eight yards; DeMarcus Lawrence had five tackles and two sacks, and Trevor Diggs had five tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for one yard.
It was a very dominant afternoon for the Cowboys’ defense. They should strike fear in the hearts of their opponents moving forward in this young 2024 season.
Denver Broncos: C-
The Broncos’ defense started strong, as they intercepted Geno Smith in the first half of the game and earned two safeties for the team until the second half when the Seahawks came storming back and defeated the Broncos 20-26. Riley Moss had 12 tackles, Alex Singleton had nine tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 21 yards, Jonathan Cooper had six tackles and two sacks, and JL Skinner had a tackle and a fumble recovery.
The Broncos defense looked good at times but still has some work to do if they want to help their team secure their first win of the season.
Detroit Lions: B
The Lions’ defense played a solid game at home, as they secured the 26-20 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Alex Anzalone had 13 tackles, Aidan Hutchinson had five tackles and a sack, and Kerby Joseph had six tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. A solid night for the Lions’ defense, as they played a very competitive Rams team. All signs point to them continuing to play well under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as the season continues onward.
Green Bay Packers: B-
Even though the Packers lost a tough 29-34 nailbiter of a game in Brazil, the defense did make some good plays, despite Saquon Barkley having a monster Philadelphia Eagles debut. Quay Walker had 11 tackles, Keisean Nixon had seven tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection, Rashan Gray had three tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection, and both Jaire Alexander and Xavier McKinney had interceptions against Jalen Hurts.
The Packers’ defense played well and needs to be competitive, as they will be the glue that holds this NFL team together. They are temporarily preparing for life without Jordan Love as he recovers from his MCL sprain for three to six weeks- just in case Malik Willis struggles during his time as the Packers’ signal caller over the next number of weeks.
Houston Texans: B+
The Texans’ defense had a solid day as they took care of business in a very close and competitive 29-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Henry To’oTo’o had seven tackles and a pass deflection, Folorunso Fatukasi had four tackles and a sack, Mario Edwards Jr. had three tackles and a sack, and Calen Bullock had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception.
The Texans’ defense also slowed down the Colts’ rushing attack, as Jonathan Taylor was held to 48 yards and looks to continue slowing other opposing rushing attacks as the season continues.
Indianapolis Colts: B-
The Colts’ defense played a good game but couldn’t slow down Joe Mixon and the Houston Texans’ rushing attack in their 27-29 loss. Nick Cross had 14 tackles, DeForest Buckner had six tackles and 1.5 sacks, Tyquan Lewis had six tackles and a sack, Kwity Paye had two tackles and a sack, and Dayo Odeyingbo had a tackle and 0.5 sacks.
The Colts didn’t have any fumble recoveries or interceptions, but the pass rush makes up for it, as they sacked C.J. Stroud four times and look to be a formidable unit in the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C+
Even though the Jaguars fell short in their 17-20 loss, the defense played fair against the Miami Dolphins. Foyesade Oluokun had 11 tackles and a pass deflection, Travon Walker had six tackles and two sacks, and Arik Armstead had a tackle and a sack.
Despite having no interceptions on the day, the Jaguars’ defense did limit the Dolphins’ rushing attack and limited Jeff Wilson Jr. to 26 rushing yards and Raheem Mostert to nine rushing yards. Still, the Jaguars need to rebound from this loss in their week two matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Kansas City Chiefs: A-
The Chiefs’ defense may not have gotten any interceptions against Lamar Jackson, but they did keep some of Jackson’s most trusted receivers quiet for a good chunk of the night. Jaylen Watson had 11 tackles and a pass deflection, Chris Jones had three tackles and a sack, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah had a tackle and a fumble recovery. The Chiefs’ defense played very well against a Ravens offense that needed to find their true identity.
The defense kept Jackson from making key passes in the game, and NFL defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo knows how to get the best out of his guys, which should send shivers down the spines of opposing offenses everywhere.
Las Vegas Raiders: D
The Raiders’ defense had a tough day, as they fell to the Los Angeles Chargers 10-22. Robert Spillane had 10 tackles, Maxx Crosby had five tackles and a sack, and Nate Hobbs had four tackles and a pass deflection. The Raiders also didn’t have any interceptions or fumble recoveries all game long.
They just couldn’t stop the Chargers’ rushing attack led by J.K. Dobbins or the Chargers’ lackluster passing attack. The Raiders need to bounce back from this loss quickly for their week two road game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Los Angeles Chargers: B+
With Jim Harbaugh leading the Chargers along with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, the Chargers’ defense looked refreshed and energetic in their 22-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Joey Bosa had seven tackles and a sack, Morgan Fox had four tackles and 0.5 sacks, Khalil Mack had three tackles, 1.5 sacks, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery, Ja’Sir Taylro had three tackles and a fumble recovery, and Poona Ford had three tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for three yards.
This Chargers’ defense is going to get more aggressive and physical with their upcoming opponents throughout the season, and it’s going to be very exciting to watch.
Los Angeles Rams: B-
The Rams’ defense played fairly, but came up short in their 20-26 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. Quentin Lake had 10 tackles, both Jared Verse and Byron Young had four tackles and a sack each, and John Johnson III had six tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in the endzone, preventing a Lions’ touchdown.
The Rams’ defense played reasonably well, and it was similar to the Lions’ all game. They look to have a solid season moving forward, depending on how the rest of the 2024 season plays out.
Miami Dolphins: C+
The Dolphins’ defense started slow but capitalized on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ mistakes in their 20-17 comeback win. David Long Jr. had eight tackles, Emmanuel Ogbah had four tackles and a sack, Calais Campbell had three tackles and a sack, and Jaelen Phillips had two tackles and a sack. The most impactful defensive play of the game came when Jevon Holland poked the ball out of Travis Etienne Jr.’s hands, which was recovered by Kader Kohou.
This single play turned the tide of the game in Miami’s favor. That moment set up Tua Tagovailoa’s 80-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill. Despite the 95-degree heat, the Dolphins’ defense came out on top and got the win.
Minnesota Vikings: A-
The Vikings’ defense went to work and dismantled the struggling New York Giants offense in their 28-6 week one road victory. Byron Murphy Jr. had nine tackles and a pass deflection; Harrison Smith had seven tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception; Pat Jones II had four tackles and two sacks.
And Andrew Van Ginkel had four tackles, a sack, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a 10-yard pick-six. All in all, it was a very good Sunday afternoon for the Vikings’ defense as they got prepared for their week two matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
New England Patriots: C+
Despite being underdogs, the Patriots’ defense played well and kept the Cincinnati Bengals’ wideouts out of the endzone even though Zack Moss scored a rushing touchdown. Ja’Whaun Bentley had 12 tackles and 0.5 sacks, Keion White had four tackles and 2.5 sacks, and both Jaylinn Hawkins and Marcus Jones had fumble recoveries on the afternoon.
It was a great upset victory for the Patriots defense, as they look to build upon this win when the Seattle Seahawks come to Foxborough in week two.
New Orleans Saints: A-
The Saints’ defense played strong and aggressive as they humiliated the Carolina Panthers 47-10 to open the 2024 NFL season. Alontae Taylor had six tackles, three sacks, and a pass deflection; Demario Davis had four tackles and a sack, and Tyrann Mathieu had four tackles and a fumble recovery. Will Harris and Jordan Howden both had interceptions, which set the tide of the game to be all Saints and not Panthers, as they dominated their way to victory and began the season at 1-0.
New York Giants: D-
Despite getting humiliated 6-28, the Giants’ defense played almost fair against the Minnesota Vikings. Tyler Nubin had seven tackles, Darius Muasau had six tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Dexter Lawrence II had three tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection. Bobby Okereke and Dane Belton both had fumble recoveries.
If the Giants’ defense wants to help the team win games moving forward, Kayvon Thibodeaux needs to get more aggressive, as he had no tackles or sacks and had a costly face mask penalty called during the third quarter. The Giants’ defense needs to make some serious impact in their week two matchup against the Washington Commanders if they want to have a relevant 2024 season.
New York Jets: C-
Despite a tough 19-32 loss, the Jets’ defense had a decent night, which could’ve been better. Tony Adams had 12 tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection; C.J. Mosley had nine tackles, even though he was seen going in the blue medical tent during the game; and Sauce Gardner had three tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection.
With great defensive talent on this Jets’ roster, there should be no excuses for losing a tough game like this one, even though the 49ers are defending Super Bowl runners-up. Hopefully, the Jets’ defense will bounce back next week.
Philadelphia Eagles: B+
The Eagles played well against the Packers in Brazil and look to continue getting stronger as the season progresses. Zach Baun had 15 tackles and two sacks, Reed Blankenship had eight tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Quinyon Mitchell had five tackles and two pass deflections.
If the Eagles’ defense continues to play strong and physical against opposing offenses, the NFC East will potentially be theirs for the first time since the 2022 NFL season, even though the season just started, and there are 17 more games to seal the deal.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
The Steelers’ defense played sharp as they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 18-10. Minkah Fitzpatrick had seven tackles. T.J. Watt had four tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery; Donte Jackson had two tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for 49 yards.
DeShon Elliot had four tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception in the victory. The Steelers’ defense continues to demonstrate their very strong defensive identity under NFL defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and should make their AFC North rivals quiver in their boots as the season continues.
San Francisco 49ers: B+
The 49ers’ defense opened the season with a 32-19 win over the New York Jets in primetime. Fred Warner had seven tackles, Leonard Floyd had two tackles and a sack, Maliek Collins had two tackles and a fumble recovery, and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles had a tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception.
This 49ers’ defense showed us they still have a very well-rounded roster with a lot of defensive star power ready to roll and potentially return to the NFC Championship game, depending on how the rest of this NFL season plays out.
Seattle Seahawks: B-
The Seahawks’ defense, in the red zone, shone brightly in their 26-20 victory over the Denver Broncos. Julian Love had 12 tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. Tyrell Dodson had 10 tackles and a pass deflection; Boye Mafe had four tackles and a sack; and Riq Woolen had three tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for four yards.
The Seahawks’ main identity will always be their defense, winning a close come-from-behind victory over the Broncos. This grit shows the team will potentially earn themselves a wildcard playoff spot if they continue to play hard, tough, and aggressive in the red zone.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B-
The Bucs’ offense may have gotten the short end in their 37-20 victory, but the defense played well and kept the Commanders’ wide receivers and tight ends out of the endzone. Jordan Whitehead had eight tackles and a pass deflection, SirVocea Dennis had seven tackles and a sack, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka had two tackles and a sack, but the team didn’t have any interceptions or fumble recoveries.
The Bucs’ defense does have great veteran leadership in Lavonte David, but it needs to pressure the quarterbacks and force some turnovers in the coming weeks.
Tennessee Titans: C+
The Titans’ defense may not have gotten the win, but they played alright and kept the Bears’ offense out of the end zone. Amani Hooker had six tackles and two pass deflections, Harold Landry III had six tackles and a sack, and Sebastian Joseph-Day had three tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection.
Although the Bears’ offense isn’t great, the Titans’ defense played decently well, as they kept the Bears’ offense at bay all game. They will need to improve as they get prepared for the New York Jets to arrive in Nashville for week two.
Washington Commanders: D-
The Commanders’ defense was almost nonexistent in the team’s 20-37 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Veteran Bobby Wagner had 10 tackles, Clelin Ferrell had two tackles and the team’s only sack, and Benjamin St-Juste had five tackles and a pass deflection.
The Commanders’ defense under NFL defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. got smoked by Baker Mayfield, Chris Godwin, and Mike Evans. They need to head back to the practice field and turn the ship around before it sinks them into the depths of dreaded mediocrity.
