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
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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Tennessee Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton (26) knocks the ball out cornerback Caleb Farley’s (3) hands during position drills of a joint training camp practice against the Arizona Cardinals at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.Nas Titans Cardinals 012 /

13. Tennessee Titans

  • Notable additions: EDGE Arden Key, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, LB Azeez Al-Shaair
  • Notable losses: DE DeMarcus Walker, EDGE Bud Dupree, LB David Long Jr.
  • 2022 scoring defense: 14th
  • 2022 yards defense: 23rd

First of all, respect to the Titans, who had the most games lost to injury last season but still weathered the storm.

Their 2022 statistics are eye-popping. They simultaneously allowed the most passing yards and the least rushing yards.

With that in mind, the Titans’ run defense is far from a concern, given their elite performance last season, but their pass defense is clearly a big problem.

However, there are reasons to project a bounce back. Obviously, injuries played a key role in their performance. Amani Hooker, Kristian Fulton, and Caleb Farley missed a combined 22 games.

All three defensive backs are capable of being key contributors. Hooker posted a PFF grade of 83.3 in 2021. Fulton allowed a completion percentage of 52.1 percent when targeted. Farley was a 2021 first-round pick, and he still has potential.

Secondly, free agent signing Sean Murphy-Bunting will make an immediate impact. He was phenomenal in coverage for the Buccaneers. Last season, he allowed an opponent passer rating of 59.6 when targeted, which was the seventh-best mark in the league.

It is reasonable to expect Tennessee’s pass defense to be near league-average this season, which would allow them to take a slight step forward as a unit.