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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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 15: Melvin Ingram III #54 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images) /

12. Los Angeles Chargers

The Bolts have as good a pass-rushing combo as any in the league in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. And free agency brings Linval Joseph and veteran cornerback Chris Harris Jr. who comes over from the division rival Broncos. And GM Tom Telesco moved back into the first round to snare University of Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray.

11. New England Patriots

Bill Belichick’s team allowed the fewest yards and points in the league in 2019 and picked off an NFL-high 25 passes. But the front end of the Patriots’ defense had its issues in the second half of the season and in the home playoff loss to Tennessee. And gone are linebackers such as Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts.

10. New Orleans Saints

This team’s defenses has performed better in recent seasons but this past year, the secondary wilted down the stretch and gave up too many big plays, most notably in home losses to the San Francisco 49ers and in the overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs. Safety Malcolm Jenkins returns after a stint with the Eagles.

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