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

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

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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Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) celebrates his interception with cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans during their football game Thursday, November 17, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinApc Packvstitans 1117222197djpc /

17. Green Bay Packers

Notable additions: EDGE Lukas Van Ness
Notable losses: DT Jarran Reed, DE Dean Lowry
2022 scoring defense: 17th
2022 yards defense: 17th

Like a couple of other defenses in the “middle of the pack”, the Packers could simply not stop the run. This was on full display against the Eagles in Week 12, when they shredded the Packers for 363 rushing yards. It was the franchise’s highest single-game total since 1948. Over the course of the season, the Packers allowed 5.0 yards per carry (fifth-most in the NFL).

Notably, the Packers boasted an excellent pass defense. They were sixth in opponent passing yards (3,349) and fifth in interceptions (17). The cornerback duo of Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas has proven capable of holding their own against anybody.

Without any big offseason signings, the Packers will lean on internal development to turn around their run defense this season. 2022 first-round pick Devonte Wyatt should take on a larger role, and young players like Quay Walker and T.J. Slaton could take leaps forward.

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