Biggest NFL x-factors for all 32 teams

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 10: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates in the second half against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 19-17. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Chandler Jones, Arizona Cardinals (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: Edge Chandler Jones

It has been far too long since the Silver and Black fielded a reliable defense. Under new head coach Josh McDaniel’s, Patrick is the Las Vegas Raiders’ new defensive coordinator. And the team is hoping one of their prized offseason acquisitions winds up being a difference maker for the club.

Be it with the New England Patriots or Arizona Cardinals, Chandler Jones has racked up huge sack numbers. In 10 NFL seasons, he’s dropped opposing quarterbacks a combined 107.5 times and come up with an impressive 33 forced fumbles. He’ll now be paired opposite exuberant defensive end Maxx Crosby. The Raiders have produced 25 sacks or less in five of the past 10 seasons.

Los Angeles Chargers: OLB Kyle Van Noy

It’s a team that has shown promise but hasn’t qualified for the playoffs the past three seasons. This offseason, general manager Tom Telesco did yeoman’s work. He dealt for premier pass rusher Khalil Mack and signed ball-hawking cornerback J.C. Jackson to big money.

But veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy could be the key to putting it all together on defense. The nine-year pro has plenty of postseason experience, a pair of Super Bowl rings and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Van Noy has racked up a combined 28.5 sacks, three interceptions, nine forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries with the Lions, Patriots and Dolphins.

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