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NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense this season?

By Jakob Ashlin

Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates his second interception with Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates his second interception with Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons walks off the field after their 25-24 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium in Los Angeles on Nov. 27, 2022.Nfl Arizona Cardinals Vs Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Chargers At Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons walks off the field after their 25-24 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium in Los Angeles on Nov. 27, 2022.Nfl Arizona Cardinals Vs Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Chargers At Arizona Cardinals /

With rosters mostly set and training camps looming, our NFL Power Rankings project the best defenses for the coming 2023 season.

With training camps getting ready to kick off, it is a good time to look around the league and reevaluate. After an eventful offseason, let’s reassess where every NFL defense stands heading into the 2023 season.

NFL Power Rankings: Who will have the best defense next season?

32. Arizona Cardinals

  • Notable additions: OLB Kyzir White
  • Notable losses: DE J.J. Watt, DE Zach Allen, CB Byron Murphy
  • 2022 scoring defense: 31st
  • 2022 yards defense: 20th

After fielding the second-worst scoring defense in the NFL, the Cardinals lost three key starters in J.J. Watt, Zach Allen, and Byron Murphy.

Last season, Watt and Allen combined for 56 pressures and 18.0 sacks. That is a tough break for a team that was tied for 23rd in the NFL in total sacks (36).

Murphy was limited to nine games last season due to a back injury, but in 2021, he led the Cardinals with four interceptions.

Honestly, the short-term outlook for this defense is bleak. If they want to be competitive, they will need breakout campaigns from several of their young players, and the coaching staff is getting creative. 2021 first-round pick Zaven Collins is moving from inside linebacker to edge rusher. He will look to help the void left by Watt and Allen. Concurrently, 2020 first-round pick Isaiah Simmons is moving from linebacker to safety.

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