NFL Total QBR - 2019 Season Leaders. Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy and Ja’Wuan Bentley form a versatile linebacker group. Managing editor of The Packers Wire. Buccaneers pressured opposing quarterbacks more than any other team in 2019. OLB Clay Matthews is past his prime but can still contribute as a rusher and edge setter. The safeties remain the shining light for this defense. Josh Norman is stealing money and CB2 Quinton Dunbar is mistake-prone.The pass rush could become an issue for the Cowboys if suspended DE Randy Gregory is unable to return this season, but there are some good coverage players here. That’s all the Saints offense needs.The addition of Jadeveon Clowney raises the ceiling on what this defense could be in 2019.
The front-seven is loaded with Gerald McCoy, Brian Burns and Bruce Irvin joining the fray. DT Aaron Donald can carry the pass rush on his own, but the team is really banking on a strong year from OLB Dante Fowler Jr., who had a good camp. Khalil Mack - 234 That will make things difficult on first-year defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who took the gig after seemingly every coach in the NFL passed.At the very least, the Falcons defense should be healthier in 2019. The secondary isn’t as talented as it once was but Fangio is a master of coverages and should get the best out of this group led by Chris Harris Jr. and free agent slot corner Bryce Callahan.This might be the best defense Bill Belichick has had to work with this decade. But the second cornerback spot is a problem and the choices in the slot are underwhelming.After the Jadeveon Clowney, the Texans are one J.J. Watt injury from being one of the league’s worst defenses. The Alabama boys Da’Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen are difficult to block and Ryan Kerrigan is still a shoo-in for 10 sacks a season. The secondary exceeded all expectations a season ago and could be even better after adding second-round pick Rock Ya-Sin to the cornerback group. DT Jurrell Casey is still going strong and the team used a first-round pick on Jeffrey Simmons, who may have gone in the top-10 if not for an ACL injury.

The order was put together based on the total scores.With that out of the way, let’s get started with the defense that figures to be the NFL’s worst in 2019…The Cardinal’s depth is already being tested with projected cornerbacks Patrick Peterson (suspension) and Robert Alford (leg injury) both set to miss the first half of the season, leaving Arizona with two unproven players starting at one of the most important spots on the roster. The linebackers — particularly Benardrick McKinney — are very good, second-year safety Justin Reid looks like a budding star and Watt was back to being his old dominant self in 2018. I have my reservations.The Eagles are undoubtedly a talented defense but a lot is riding on the starting defensive line staying healthy. The order was put together based on the total scores. Figures indicate statistics each team allowed to their opponents. The rankings were put together with the modern NFL in mind. Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Malik Jackson and Derek Barnett form a scary four-man rush, but there are a lot of unknowns lower on the depth chart.
The secondary looks like the strongest part of this defense and it’s not very good.Look, we all know this defense is going to be bad, so let’s just focus on the bright spots: Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the best young slot defenders in the league — a position that is growing in importance every season. Last season, Smith set a new career-high with 61 pressures. Landon Collins is a good player but doesn’t have a lot of help. The defensive scheme is different — expect to see less man coverage — but there’s still a dearth of talent here. This unit isn’t as deep as it once was but every level of the defense remains strong. There’s no clear strength on the defense, even after the spending spree. LB Denzel Perryman is a stud when healthy, and free-agent pickup Thomas Davis is still going strong at age 36.

As we head into 2019, this unit has the potential to be one of the best in the NFC. The secondary could be the defense’s saving grace — especially if second-year CB Isaiah Oliver makes the leap in his second year.The addition of Todd Bowles at defensive coordinator should help to improve the Buccaneers defense, but there just isn’t enough talent on the roster to expect a dramatic improvement. The best cornerback on the team is 35-year-old Jonathan Joseph, though.If depth wasn’t so important, the Saints would be a lot higher on this list.