NFL Week 5 power Rankings 2022

Welcome to Week 5 of the NFL common season.

Our power panel — a bunch of greater than eighty writers, editors and tv personalities — evaluated how teams are stacking up by means of 4 weeks and named a mannequin new No. 1 staff for the second week in a row.

The up so far rankings replicate that the Dallas Cowboys are surviving with out Dak Prescott, who may return in Week 5, as they climb again up the guidelines. It additionally displays the Miami Dolphins‘ loss on Thursday night to the Cincinnati Bengals after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) left the sport on a stretcher. Tagovailoa already has been dominated out for Week 5. There are additionally 15 teams this week which have a 2-2 report.

beneath, we checked in with NFL Nation reporters throughout the league and requested what’s the largest problem confronted by every staff’s protection. From accidents to defending the run, every staff has one factor it would most seemingly enhance on. We paired every response with the staff’s defensive effectivity rating and the place that stacks up inside the league. Defensive effectivity, powered by ESPN’s soccer power Index, is rated on a zero-one hundred scale, primarily based on the protection’s contribution to scoring margin on per-play basis and adjusted for energy of opposing offenses confronted.

So, let’s get to it. right here is our new No. 1 staff:

leap to a staff:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | automotive | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Week 4 rating: 4

Defensive effectivity: sixty two.7
League rank: ninth

the largest problem on protection is … forcing turnovers.

The Chiefs have taken the ball from their opponent simply 4 occasions. solely 4 teams have compelled fewer turnovers, and all of them have dropping data. The Chiefs are doing a nice job of pressuring the quarterback, so it figures the turnovers will come. inside the meantime, the Chiefs have made basically the most of their 4 turnovers. They transformed every proper into a touchdown. — Adam Teicher


Week 4 rating: 2

Defensive effectivity: sixty nine.1
League rank: fifth

the largest problem on protection is … accidents.

The funds’ protection is ranked inside the very best 5 of virtually every predominant class — with third-down protection (forty one.three%, nineteenth) being one in every of few considerations. however what has additionally stood out is what quantity of accidents the funds have accrued, particularly inside the secondary. Cornerback Dane Jackson and S Jordan Poyer have returned, however CB Christian Benford stays to be dealing with a proper hand harm, S Micah Hyde (neck) is out for the season, DT Ed Oliver is recovering from a proper ankle harm and CB Tre’Davious White continues to rehab a torn ACL in his left knee. — Alaina Getzenberg


Week 4 rating: three

Defensive effectivity: eighty five.7
League rank: 1st

the largest problem on protection is … accidents to the secondary.

Even that is a attain, as corners Darius Slay (forearm) and Avonte Maddox (proper ankle) are anticipated again quickly. however there’s little to choose aside. The Eagles are first in sacks (sixteen), tied for first in takeaways (10), third in yards allowed (277.three per sport) and tenth in factors allowed (17.eight). they current the impression of being actually regular from entrance to again, even with safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, previously of the New Orleans Saints, acclimating to a mannequin new place and staff. — Tim McManus


Week 4 rating: 7

Defensive effectivity: fifty seven.9
League rank: thirteenth

the largest problem on protection is … getting gouged on the underside, as quickly as extra.

Not solely are the Packers permitting virtually 5 yards per rush, however they’re having troubling bringing runners down. There are solely three teams permitting extra speeding yards after contact than the Packers. This was an problem final yr, and it continues to be one this season. — Rob Demovsky


Week 4 rating: 1

Defensive effectivity: forty six.2
League rank: twenty second

the largest problem on protection is … defending the go.

Miami is at the second the second-worst go protection inside the NFL by means of its first 4 video games, although it hasn’t translated to the scoreboard. The Dolphins have been stout in opposition to the run, and the numbers they’ve given up are a bit skewed contemplating Josh Allen‘s sixty three go makes an try in Week three and Lamar Jackson‘s prolific first half in Week 2. Presumably, they will return to type as quickly as Byron Jones returns from the bodily unable to carry out guidelines — which he is eligible to do this week. — Marcel Louis-Jacques


Week 4 rating: 5

Defensive effectivity: fifty eight.2
League rank: twelfth

the largest problem on protection is … accidents to the secondary.

The Rams have their best cornerback healthful (Jalen Ramsey) however have been dealing with a quantity of accidents inside the secondary early inside the season. The Rams have been with out cornerbacks Troy Hill (IR), David prolonged Jr. and Cobie Durant on Monday night in opposition to the 49ers, although they did get safety Jordan Fuller again. la’ protection, which ranked second in soccer Outsiders’ rush DVOA going into the Week 4 matchup, ranks significantly worse in opposition to the go (twenty third inside the NFL). The Rams do have 4 interceptions this season. — Sarah Barshop


Week 4 rating: 9

Defensive effectivity: 39.6
League rank: twenty seventh

the largest problem on protection is … smooth safety.

Vikings opponents are catching seventy five% of their focused passes, the second-highest price inside the NFL. Of the ninety seven go completions in opposition to them, sixty nine have come by receivers who’ve not decrease than three yards of separation on the time of the throw, the fourth-highest complete inside the league. — Kevin Seifert


Week 4 rating: eight

Defensive effectivity: seventy six.1
League rank: 2nd

the largest problem on protection is … sluggish begins.

The Bucs have given up 27 complete factors inside the predominant quarter by means of 4 weeks — fourth most inside the league — but their sixty eight complete factors given up could be fifth fewest. gamers and coaches have talked regarding the want to converse extra from the get-go, and by no means simply as a consequence of the sport progresses. It did not assist that they noticed the Chiefs 14 factors with two misplaced fumbles in Week 4. — Jenna Laine


Week 4 rating: 6

Defensive effectivity: fifty two.three
League rank: sixteenth

the largest problem on protection is … ending the sport.

The Ravens have misplaced two video games this season by means of which they’ve led by 17 factors or extra as a consequence of they will not cease teams late in video games. inside the second half, Baltimore has given up an NFL-worst 1,019 yards whereas permitting sixty seven factors. The Ravens used to get offenses off the sector as quickly as they’d Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs forcing clutch turnovers. This season, Baltimore defenders are making it too simple with missed assignments and no fixed go rush. inside the fourth quarter, opposing quarterbacks have posted an NFL-best 88.6 QBR in opposition to the Ravens, throwing 5 touchdowns and getting sacked twice. — Jamison Hensley


Week 4 rating: 10

Defensive effectivity: sixty eight.2
League rank: b

the largest problem on protection is … the go rush.

truthfully, there’s little or no to nitpick the Bengals’ protection about. Cincinnati has amongst the numerous best defenses inside the NFL. It ranks first in touchdowns allowed per drive and second in factors allowed per drive. If there’s one factor Cincinnati may enhance, it is the go rush. The Bengals are twenty sixth in sacks per dropback, in accordance with ESPN Stats & knowledge evaluation, and are tied for twenty second in complete sacks. however which will be a carry out of how a lot teams are throwing in opposition to Cincinnati. Its protection has confronted the third-most go makes an try inside the NFL this season. — Ben youngster


Week 4 rating: sixteen

Defensive effectivity: 60.eight
League rank: tenth

the largest problem on protection is … stopping the run.

This is most seemingly a minor quibble given how effectively the unit is taking half in as a complete. The Cowboys have not allowed 20 factors in a sport but and have allowed simply one touchdown in every sport. however when the gamers say they nonetheless want to get greater, slowing the run is their largest should. they’re permitting 5 yards per carry and have given up 20 runs of 10 yards or extra in 4 video games, collectively with two runs of not decrease than 33 yards prior to now two video games. With a staff that runs the ball as effectively as a consequence of the Eagles of their division, the Cowboys want to get greater. — Todd Archer


Week 4 rating: 14

Defensive effectivity: seventy 4.5
League rank: third

the largest problem on protection is … the 49ers’ offense.

The Niners’ protection has been principally dominant for the season’s first month, nonetheless the win column would not replicate simply how good it has been. San Francisco ranks shut to the very greater of the NFL in virtually every predominant defensive class, nonetheless the offense has been shut to the underside of the league in pretty a quantity of areas, most notably factors scored. If the 49ers’ protection can maintain pretty healthful, they do not want an offensive juggernaut to be a contender. however they do want rather greater than what they’ve gotten to this point. — Nick Wagoner


Week 4 rating: 15

Defensive effectivity: fifty one.zero
League rank: 18th

the largest problem on protection is … accidents.

The Chargers’ protection appeared dominant — on paper — moving into the season. however accidents to key gamers have made it tough for the unit to develop an identification by means of 4 video games. professional Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson missed Weeks 1 and three after current process ankle surgical procedure in August, and when he did give it a go in Week 2, he mentioned he was taking half in at decrease than one hundred pc. The Bolts are additionally having to regulate with out professional Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa, who was positioned on injured reserve after tearing his groin in Week three. — Lindsey Thiry


Week 4 rating: 17

Defensive effectivity: fifty three.6
League rank: fifteenth

the largest problem on protection is … effectively speeding the passer.

The Giants have a prime-10 go protection inside the imply time. however they will want to hurry the passer extra effectively if that is going to proceed. The Giants are nineteenth inside the NFL with a go rush win price of forty one.2%. they do not have an edge rusher with a pair of sack and have recognized as the third-most blitzes (fifty seven) to this point this season. it would work in opposition to the quarterbacks they confronted, however life is about to get rather extra sturdy with Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, Trevor Lawrence and Geno Smith on deck. — Jordan Raanan


Week 4 rating: thirteen

Defensive effectivity: sixty eight.three
League rank: sixth

the largest problem on protection is … the run protection.

The Jaguars had allowed simply fifty five yards per sport on the underside by means of the predominant three video games, however gave up 210 yards and 4 touchdowns speeding to the Eagles on Sunday. DT Folorunso Fatukasi had been a key an component of the success, however he went down with a quad harm in opposition to the Eagles and his standing going forward is unclear. The Jaguars want to search out out what went mistaken as a consequence of they face Dameon Pierce, Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley the subsequent three weeks. — Michael DiRocco


Week 4 rating: 18

Defensive effectivity: forty seven.three
League rank: twenty first

the largest problem on protection is … permitting explosive performs.

by means of 4 video games, Tennessee has given up 5 performs of forty yards or extra. 4 of them acquired here by means of the air, which has sparked questions regarding the secondary. outdoors of rookie Roger McCreary, your complete Titans’ predominant cornerbacks have been beat for explosive performs. The nickel package deal has struggled with veteran Terrance Mitchell and second-yr participant Caleb Farley discovering their method as they rotate reverse of Kristian Fulton. Reinforcements is most seemingly on the method by means of which if Ugo Amadi recovers from an ankle harm that held him out of the previous two video games and Elijah Molden finally returns from injured reserve. — Turron Davenport

play

zero:34

Liz Loza affords Derrick Henry his props on his stellar efficiency inside the Titans’ victory over the Colts. (edited)


Week 4 rating: 12

Defensive effectivity: sixty five.eight
League rank: eighth

the largest problem on protection is … the nickel package deal.

The Broncos had surrendered solely six factors inside the second half of their first three video games mixed, so as that they have been rolling. nonetheless, inside the Week 4 loss to the Raiders, the Broncos have been pushed off the ball far too typically in run protection. This was particularly so when Denver was compelled into its nickel package deal on protection and the Raiders then pounded away at it. they’d a pile of enormous features in opposition to the nickel, collectively with a forty three-yard run by Josh Jacobs inside the third quarter. Jacobs accomplished with one hundred forty 4 yards speeding with two touchdowns as a consequence of the Raiders rushed for 212 yards general. that is one factor that want to be corrected for Week 5. — Jeff Legwold


Week 4 rating: eleven

Defensive effectivity: 39.5
League rank: 28

the largest problem on protection is … a banged-up defensive place.

Cleveland was lacking three of its 4 starters alongside the defensive place in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons, collectively with star go-rusher Myles Garrett. Coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned Garrett may return subsequent Sunday following final week’s single-automotive crash. however Garrett goes to want to play by means of left shoulder and proper biceps accidents, not decrease than inside the quick time period. DE Jadeveon Clowney has missed the previous two video games with an ankle harm. with out both, the Browns may not get stress, whereas the Falcons ran the ball at will. With explosive offenses arising, the D-line greater healthful quick. — Jake Trotter


Week 4 rating: 19

Defensive effectivity: fifty one.zero
League rank: nineteenth

the largest problem on protection is … getting residence.

The Cardinals’ 4 sacks are the fewest inside the NFL, and their sacks per go try price is a league-low 2.88%. dropping Chandler Jones has taken a greater toll on Arizona’s go rush than anticipated. The Cardinals have been ready to get to the quarterback and get their palms on him at occasions, as was the case in opposition to Kansas metropolis’s Patrick Mahomes, however getting opposing quarterbacks down has been a battle. — Josh Weinfuss


Week 4 rating: 27

Defensive effectivity: 29.6
League rank: thirty first

the largest problem on protection is … Jamal Adams‘ absence.

that is to not oversimplify what’s gone mistaken for Seattle’s protection, which has had all sorts of factors all by means of one other terrible start. The Seahawks are getting gashed in opposition to the run, partially as a consequence of they’re struggling of their transition to a three-4 however additionally as a consequence of they’re lacking tackles. they’ve not gotten a fixed go-rush from anyone completely different than linebacker Uchenna Nwosu. They’re dropping one-on-one matchups and committing too many penalties on the again finish, the place they’re taking half in three youthful corners plus a backup at safety in Josh Adams as a consequence of vital knee harm Adams suffered inside the opener. A healthful Adams could be making a distinction as a run defender and a go-rusher. — Brady Henderson


Week 4 rating: 28

Defensive effectivity: 37.6
League rank: twenty ninth

the largest problem on protection is … getting off the sector on third down.

The Falcons are permitting opponents to transform forty 4% of third-down probabilities, rating twenty fourth out of the 32 teams. The protection has been a lot improved from a season in the past, however that is the subsequent step in direction of being the form of unit that defensive coordinator Dean Pees wishes to have in Atlanta. — Michael Rothstein


Week 4 rating: 30

Defensive effectivity: forty two.4
League rank: twenty fifth

the largest problem on protection is … getting go rush from somebody completely different than Maxx Crosby.

Crosby has 4 of the Raiders’ 5 sacks — cornerback Nate Hobbs has the completely different — and whereas that is a superb early return on Las Vegas’ 4-yr, $ninety eight.ninety eight million funding by way of the extension Crosby acquired this offseason, the Raiders want extra from the defensive place usually, Chandler Jones notably. Jones has occupied double-teams and affected the passer, however for Crosby to protect efficient, the Raiders would love for Jones, who signed a three-yr, $fifty a million free-agent take care of Las Vegas this spring, to start getting residence, too. — Paul Gutierrez


Week 4 rating: 31

Defensive effectivity: forty two.7
League rank: twenty fourth

the largest problem on protection is … third-down conversions.

The Jets have a fifty one% conversion price on third down that ranks thirty first out of 32 teams. right here is the bizarre half: it is not as a consequence of go rush. They’re truly getting respectable stress on the quarterback, with a 35% stress price (nineteenth) on third down. the draw again is the safety, particularly the safeties and linebackers. Cornerbacks D.J. Reed and rookie Sauce Gardner are holding up properly on the floor, however they’re giving up too many chunk performs inside the midst of the sector. safety Lamarcus Joyner is coming off his best sport (two interceptions), nonetheless the Jets want greater safety from S Jordan Whitehead and MLB C.J. Mosley. — rich Cimini


Week 4 rating: 21

Defensive effectivity: fifty nine.zero
League rank: eleventh

the largest problem on protection is … a fixed go rush.

The Saints did not have a lot of a go rush to discuss of to start the season, however they did get after Kirk Cousins on Sunday, ending with three sacks. The Saints want Marcus Davenport and Cam Jordan to continually step up, whereas getting manufacturing out of 2021 first-spherical decide Payton Turner, to have success shifting forward. — Katherine Terrell


Week 4 rating: 25

Defensive effectivity: 21.eight
League rank: thirty second

the largest problem on protection is … factors allowed.

Detroit at the second leads the league in scoring however additionally permits basically the most factors inside the league. The protection struggles in yards per rush, crimson zone effectivity and third-down conversions — rating final in all classes. by means of 4 video games this season, Detroit has allowed 141 factors (35.three factors per sport), which is the second most in franchise historic previous — trailing solely the zero-sixteen squad from 2008. The Lions want to make some adjustments immediately, and head coach Dan Campbell is aware of it. — Eric Woodyard

play

zero:forty eight

Liza Loza highlights how Jared Goff’s completion proportion continues to increase every week.


Week 4 rating: 20

Defensive effectivity: forty one.1
League rank: twenty sixth

the largest problem on protection is … forcing takeaways.

The Colts’ protection thrived on takeaways final season, producing 33 turnovers. nonetheless the unit ranks amongst the numerous worst inside the league this season on this regard, forcing simply three turnovers by means of 4 video games. a large purpose for that is the absence of linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who made his quick-lived season debut on Sunday, solely to depart with a concussion inside the second half. Leonard has been dominated out for Thursday night’s sport at Denver. — Stephen Holder


Week 4 rating: 23

Defensive effectivity: forty six.zero
League rank: twenty third

the largest problem on protection is … defending the run.

After Baltimore totaled 126 yards inside the second half in Week three, and inexperienced Bay totaled 199 yards on 35 carries general in Week 4, it has uncovered a vulnerability for the Patriots. dropping sturdy DT Lawrence man to a shoulder harm is a contributing problem, however that alone would not completely clarify an alarming previous six quarters the protection has performed in opposition to the run. The linebacker play has struggled too, ensuing in veteran Jamie Collins’ return to the staff on Monday. — Mike Reiss


Week 4 rating: 22

Defensive effectivity: fifty one.9
League rank: seventeenth

the largest problem on protection is … run protection.

The Bears are the NFL’s worst staff in opposition to the run, having allowed 733 speeding yards by means of 4 video games (183.three yards per sport), and are on tempo to attain traditionally low marks. As if getting gashed by Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon wasn’t enough to have the Bears licking their wounds after every week 2 loss at inexperienced Bay, Giants working again Saquon Barkley totaled a hundred forty five yards on 31 carries and earned ninety 4 of his speeding yards after first contact in Week 4. — Courtney Cronin


Week 4 rating: 24

Defensive effectivity: fifty 4.three
League rank: 14th

the largest problem on protection is … no T.J. Watt.

After dropping three straight, there are a lot of factors to level to on the defensive side, nonetheless the idea of it stems from Watt’s absence. for the purpose that reigning NFL Defensive participant of the yr tore his pectoral on the prime of regulation in Week 1, the Steelers have given up a imply of 23 factors per sport and recorded simply three complete sacks. Watt is the cog inside the protection that makes all the pieces go, and with no formidable go rush, the the rest of the protection mustn’t be succeeding in choosing up the slack. — Brooke Pryor


Week 4 rating: 26

Defensive effectivity: 36.three
League rank: 30

the largest problem on protection is … permitting large performs.

Washington has surrendered an NFL-best 12 performs of 30 yards or extra — 10 of these have been go performs — typically as a consequence of blown coverages. Dallas’ struggling offense managed three go performs of not decrease than that size. On the Cowboys’ opening drive, one go went for 31 yards whereas the completely different 5 performs managed a mixed 9 yards. usually inexperience has led to the large performs, however completely different occasions it is simply corners getting beat, whether or not outright or as a consequence of they anticipated assist that did not arrive. The regarding half for Washington is that it lacks nook depth and its starters are each established vets — Kendall Fuller and William Jackson III. — John Keim


Week 4 rating: 29

Defensive effectivity: sixty nine.three
League rank: 4th

the largest problem on protection is … the fourth quarter.

The Panthers are permitting 10.5 factors a sport inside the ultimate quarter to rank amongst the numerous worst inside the league. that is been pricey for a staff that continues to lose shut video games, and fatigue is most seemingly an problem. The offense has been so unhealthy with three-and-outs and turnovers that the protection continues to be compelled again on the sector. Sunday’s 26-sixteen loss to Arizona was a predominant event as a consequence of the Cardinals had the ball for simply over 38 minutes to 21:25 for Carolina. — David Newton


Week 4 rating: 32

Defensive effectivity: forty seven.6
League rank: twentieth

the largest problem on protection is … defending the run.

The Texans are permitting 5.1 yards per carry and have allowed 688 complete speeding yards, the second most inside the NFL. They’ve allowed 34 first downs on the underside, the third most inside the NFL. it is one in every of many many causes they’re winless, and it has made them weak inside the play-movement sport, too. They’ve allowed 415 yards off play-movement, which is the fourth most inside the NFL. — DJ Bien-Aime

Sourcelink

Post a Comment

0 Comments