Defensive Disaster for Seahawks, Panthers, Bengals and Saints

These four NFL teams have seen their defenses take a huge step back.

We can all still agree that defense wins championships, right?

These days in the NFL, be it stifling or opportunistic, it’s not all about the offensive side of the ball. In fact, it never has been.

Last season, defense paved the way for a Super Bowl championship in Seattle, as well as division titles in Carolina and Cincinnati. It was also a big factor in a return to the playoffs in New Orleans after a disappointing 7-9 showing in 2012.

But what on earth is happening as of late, or all season, for these four clubs? In 2013, the Saints, Panthers, Bengals and Saints were ranked 1-4 in terms of fewest yards allowed in the league. They haven’t quite looked that way so far this season after either five or six games.

What’s gone wrong or what’s going wrong for these units? Let’s take a look at the falloff so far this season.