Power ranking every NFL defense in 2020

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 2: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the quarterback against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 01: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York jets is sacked by Geno Atkins #97 and Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

28. Cincinnati Bengals

The club with an NFL-low two wins in 2019 allowed the most rushing yards in the league this past season. That’s why the Bengals opted to finally open up their checkbook and inked former Texans’ defensive tackle D.J. Reader to a big contract. The club also added secondary standouts such as Vonn Bell, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander.

27. Seattle Seahawks

This side of the football has fallen off in a big way in the Pacific Northwest. This past season, the Seahawks surrendered 398 points and a shaky pass rush produced only 28 sacks. But Pete Carroll’s club was able to come up with 32 takeaways in 2019. Can first-round linebacker Jordyn Brooks (Texas Tech) make an immediate impact?

26. Houston Texans

Former defensive line coach Anthony Weaver was promoted back to coordinator in January (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). The club needs J.J. Watt to stay healthy but more importantly, needs a lot more big plays from its secondary. Safety Justin Reid is a standout but losing interior presence D.J. Reader (Bengals) was a big blow.

25. Arizona Cardinals

A year ago, they gave up the most total yards in the league and were next-to-last in the NFL in pass defense. The Cardinals also surrendered 38 touchdown passes, 16 to tight ends alone. They have pass-rushing stud Chandler Jones, star cornerback Patrick Peterson and now rookie Isaiah Simmons, who hopes to help when it comes to coverage.

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