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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Oct 2, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) pressures Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

24. New York Giants

Notable additions: LB Bobby Okereke, DE A’Shawn Robinson, CB Deonte Banks
Notable losses: S Julian Love
2022 scoring defense: 17th
2022 yards defense: 25th

Under the surface, the Giants’ defense had some concerning statistics in 2022. They were 30th in the NFL in first downs allowed (370). That problem stems from their subpar run defense, which gave up a whopping 5.2 yards per carry (second-most in the NFL).

Losing Julian Love in free agency stings. He led the Giants in combined tackles (124) while missing only 3.9 percent of his tackles. In addition, the versatile defensive back held his own in pass coverage and came up with two interceptions.

Bobby Okereke is an excellent addition. With the Colts, he racked up 151 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles in 2022. A’Shawn Robinson was a starter for the Rams; he gives them another capable run defender at the line of scrimmage.

Overall, this unit should settle somewhere in the back half of the league, once again.

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