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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Dec 18, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after a sack in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Notable additions: CB Patrick Peterson, CB Joey Porter Jr., ILB Cole Holcomb
Notable losses: CB Cameron Sutton, ILB Elandon Roberts
2022 scoring defense: 10th
2022 yards defense: 13th

Last season, T.J. Watt was limited to 10 games due to a pectoral injury. In his absence, 2020 third-round pick Alex Highsmith had a breakout campaign with a career-high 14.5 sacks.

In 2023, Watt, Highsmith, and veteran Cameron Heyward will make up one of the best pass-rushing trios in the league.

Cameron Sutton is a big loss, but Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. both have the potential to fill the need. Peterson has not made a Pro Bowl since 2018, but he is still a solid starter. Last season, he started all 17 games, allowing an opponent passer rating of 79.6. Meanwhile, Porter is an athletic, physical cornerback with long-term upside.

After finishing eighth in the NFL in opponent yards per carry (4.2), the Steelers’ run defense should continue to be reliable.

With Watt back in the lineup, the Steelers project to remain a top-10 defense.

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