#run-defense

#run-defense

Washington managed to keep its Week 17 contest much more competitive than anybody would have expected after it was announced that Josh Johnson would be getting the start at quarterback. The offensive supporting cast stepped up, but so did the Commanders' pass rush, sacking Dallas Cowboys signal-caller Dak Prescott six times. Three of those sacks belonged to second-year defensive tackle Johnny Newton, who had a wildly up-and-down day.

As a unit, the defensive line is at 39% in Pass Rush Win Rate (12th) and 32% Run Stop Win Rate (6th), so the plan is to push the middle of the pocket and make every Justin Herbert dropback feel crowded. Individually, the star power inside has been Quinnen Williams, who is number one in Run Stop Win Rate (46%) among inside defensive linemen, while Osa Odighizuwa is also top-10 (39%).

When the Dolphins run: Miami's speedy 1,000-yard rusher, De'Von Achane, sustained a rib injury last Sunday, but he has a positive outlook toward playing after an X-ray and MRI came back clean. Even after he and his 92 rushing yards exited in the win against the New York Jets, second-year tailback Jaylen Wright had a career afternoon with his first 100-yard rushing game and first NFL touchdown.

The Cowboys run defense was one of the worst, if not the worst, in the league prior to the trade that brought Quinnen Williams to Dallas. His addition to their defensive line has been the catalyst that has dramatically improved the run defense for the better. Since Williams' arrival opponents have only rushed for 204 yards, averaging 68 yards per game. While it's definitely encouraging, they haven't faced a RB duo like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

His "contact courage" has been noted by coaches and teammates as an often overlooked but critical ingredient to the Patriots' defensive success. A third-quarter play in a Week 11 win over the New York Jets -- when 6-foot-1, 205-pound Gonzalez jacked up receiver Tyler Johnson, leading receiver Isaiah Williams to run into Johnson's back on a sweep -- is one notable example of Gonzalez's recent success in that area.

Philadelphia allowed just 89 rushing yards in that game, the fewest they had allowed all season. From that game on, the Eagles have been one of the league's best at stopping the run. Over their last four games, Philadelphia has allowed an average of just 83 rushing yards a game. They also lead the league in defensive rush EPA (-0.264) by a wide margin, showing just how dominant they have been against the run.

"It was crazy, not just to see a living legend but somebody that played at a high level in the league," Verse said. "To be able to meet him and sit down with him, it was cool."

Asked what it will take to upset the Cardinals (7-1, 4-1), Cal coach Justin Wilcox offered no magic formula. Block and tackle. I know that's going to seem like coach-talk and over-simplification but it's true, he said. We have to block and we have to tackle. Without that, we have no chance. I don't care what scheme you have. You just have a dry-erase marker at that point.

When he was signed by the New York Jets before the 2022 season, Jacob Martin told the New York Post, "I'm a total football player." That statement came five months after former NFL scout Daniel Kelly had essentially eviscerated the four-year veteran on Sports Illustrated. In his story, Kelly referred to Martin as one of the worst run defenders he had ever seen at the defensive end spot.

What happened to the Chargers who started the season with three consecutive wins over AFC West foes? Injuries along the offensive line and in the backfield account for some of the troubles - three losses in four games - but now the defense is breaking down too, especially against the run. Enter the Vikings, who have alternated wins and losses all season and are coming off a six-point loss to Philadelphia.

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Chargers activated linebackers Khalil Mack and Denzel Perryman off of injured reserve, the team announced Saturday. The move clears the way for both to return to the field against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Mack injured his elbow in the Chargers' Week 2 win over the Raiders. He attempted a tackle in the first quarter, but his left hand got caught between Chargers linebacker Troy Dye and Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker, turning his elbow to an awkward position.

"It's not the secondary, that's a cop-out," defensive tackle Cameron Heyward said. "I think the front line, we got to control line of scrimmage a lot better. I'm pissed off. We didn't take care of our job. ... they were last in rushing, and the way we gave it up today that takes the cake. We got to stop the f---ing run. That's as simple as that."

The New England Patriots' defense is clearly a strong unit, as they rank in the top ten in points allowed per game. Their run defense has been particularly impressive, as the additions of Milton Williams and Harold Landry have helped support the defensive line. Rookie Joshua Farmer and free agent Khyiris Tonga have also gotten plenty of opportunities, and the unit holds teams to less than 84 yards on the ground per game. No rusher has eclipsed 50 yards against them this season.

Currently out with high ankle sprain. Washington's offense is a moving target because Jayden Daniels turns dropbacks into field trips. He's been sacked 14 times, which is middle of the pack and the Commanders just coughed up three turnovers on Monday night after juggling injuries up front. That's the kind of environment where a high-motor edge like Ezeiruaku can really shine.