Week 3 introduced much more pleasure to this NFL season, with particular groups getting shining moments throughout the Sunday slate. A number of video games had blocked subject objectives late within the fourth quarter, together with on the final play of the Eagles-Rams matchup. 4 different contests had been selected time-expiring subject objectives.
However for this week’s Energy Rankings, we requested our NFL Nation reporters to take a better take a look at one other unit: the protection. From third-down stops to forcing turnovers, we named the largest subject on protection for each workforce.
Let’s get proper into it with our No. 1-ranked workforce. Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluated how NFL groups stack up towards each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
See earlier rankings: Week 2 | Week 3
Soar to a workforce:ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CINCLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | INDJAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MINNE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SFSEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Rams 33-26Week 3 rating: 2
Greatest subject on protection: Defensive rush success fee
The Eagles are final within the league with a forty five.1% success fee towards the run this season. They’re yielding a primary down or a landing on over 34% of the opponent’s makes an attempt, which is also a league low, and they’re twenty fifth in speeding yards allowed (133.3 per recreation). Philadelphia has a high quality inside entrance led by defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. It additionally has two good linebackers in Zack Baun and rookie Jihaad Campbell, who’s creating on the job. So this looks like a fixable drawback for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. — Tim McManus
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Week 3 outcome: Beat the Dolphins 31-21Week 3 rating: 1
Greatest subject on protection: Getting off the sector
The Payments’ protection was extremely efficient towards the Jets in Week 2, however Buffalo struggled to finish drives versus Baltimore and Miami. Third downs had been a particular subject towards the Dolphins, who transformed 10 of 15 makes an attempt to maintain that recreation shut. The Payments even have given up 5 touchdowns within the crimson zone this season. Buffalo hopes linebacker Matt Milano and defensive deal with Ed Oliver will clear up this subject once they return after being injured. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Ravens 38-30Week 3 rating: 5
Greatest subject on protection: Move rush outdoors of DE Aidan Hutchinson
By means of Week 3, the Lions are tied for a league-low 22.0% go rush win fee. They’ve relied on Hutchinson, who has been constantly double-teamed as he tries to discover a groove after coming back from a season-ending leg harm in 2024. Detroit lacks depth on the place, as defensive finish Marcus Davenport (chest) is now on injured reserve. The Lions are relying on fellow finish Al-Quadin Muhammad to step up (he had 2.5 sacks towards the Ravens). Additionally, the return of defensive deal with Alim McNeill (ACL harm) and finish Josh Paschal (reserve/non-football harm listing) sooner or later this season will assist repair these points. However Detroit did look spectacular in tallying seven sacks towards the Ravens on Monday night time. — Eric Woodyard
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Broncos 23-20Week 3 rating: 7
Greatest subject on protection: Fourth-down stops
Jesse Minter’s protection has been among the many league’s greatest in lots of classes. Nonetheless, the Chargers have struggled on fourth down. Opponents are changing 71% of their makes an attempt towards L.A., which ranks twenty second within the NFL. The fourth-down struggles had been obvious Sunday: Denver huge receiver Courtland Sutton scored a 52-yard landing on fourth-and-1 simply earlier than halftime, which gave the Broncos much-needed momentum and almost led to the Chargers’ first lack of the season. — Kris Rhim
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Browns 13-10Week 3 rating: 3
Greatest subject on protection: Lack of takeaways
A season in the past, the Packers tied for fourth within the NFL with 31 takeaways and ranked third in interceptions with 17. They’ve a grand whole of two takeaways this season: Evan Williams’ interception in Week 1 towards the Lions and Xavier McKinney’s interception on Sunday. McKinney’s choose was primarily a punt by the Browns, who threw a deep shot on fourth-and-8 with simply 12 seconds left within the first half. The Packers spent coaching camp stressing punching the ball out and inflicting fumbles, however they have not compelled one but. — Rob Demovsky
1:28
Orlovsky: Jordan Love has to develop up
Dan Orlovsky explains why Jordan Love must show extra maturity in crucial conditions after his pricey turnover in Week 3.
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Jets 29-27Week 3 rating: 10
Greatest subject on protection: Fourth-quarter stops
The Buccaneers have a plus-six level differential this season, which is tied for the bottom by a 3-0 workforce in NFL historical past (2005 Washington, 2020 Titans), per ESPN Analysis. A part of the explanation for these shut video games is their defensive struggles late in video games; they’ve allowed 5.8 yards per play (fifth most) within the fourth quarter. The Bucs gave up two touchdowns on protection within the fourth quarter towards the Jets. “It takes time,” Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles stated. “However we have got to place 4 quarters collectively. Because the schedule goes, it will get more durable each week, so we have got to ensure we do not make these errors.” — Jenna Laine
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Lions 38-30Week 3 rating: 4
Greatest subject on protection: Poor tackling
The Ravens are usually not wrapping up ball carriers, which has all the time been a supply of delight. Baltimore has given up 200 yards after contact this season, the fourth most within the NFL. It is also probably the most given up by way of the primary three video games in John Harbaugh’s 18 years as head coach. “That is unhealthy run protection, and that is not who we’re,” Harbaugh stated. “It can’t be who we’re. It is simply, it is not going to be ok. It is not going to be acceptable, and it needs to be higher.” — Jamison Hensley
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Eagles 33-26Week 3 rating: 6
Greatest subject on protection: Cornerback depth
Whereas the Rams mentioned the potential for buying and selling for cornerback Jalen Ramsey throughout the offseason, they determined including his contract did not make sense and that they favored the gamers they already had on the place. The Rams gave up only one passing landing of their first two video games, however they misplaced cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to a damaged clavicle in Week 2. Veteran cornerback Darious Williams, who was a wholesome scratch in Week 1, performed 39.7% of the defensive snaps in Week 3 alongside Cobie Durant (77.8%) and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (82.5%). The Rams held the Eagles to adverse passing yards (minus-1) within the first half, however quarterback Jalen Hurts was simpler within the second half, throwing three landing passes. — Sarah Barshop
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Week 3 outcome: Beat the Giants 22-9Week 3 rating: 8
Greatest subject on protection: Move rush surrounding Chris Jones
The Chiefs have been inconsistent in pressuring the quarterback with out blitzing, a difficulty that might plague Steve Spagnuolo’s unit all season lengthy. The Chiefs have simply seven sacks, and most offensive traces are doubling Jones typically, which ends up in a number of one-on-one alternatives for edge rushers George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna and rookie Ashton Gillotte. A type of gamers must elevate his efficiency to be a constant risk alongside Jones. — Nate Taylor
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Raiders 41-24Week 3 rating: 9
Greatest subject on protection: Massive performs allowed
Washington is tied for second in variety of go performs allowed of 15 yards or extra (20). There have been too many protection mishaps, typically stemming from aggressive security play to cease what seems to be a run just for the opposition to go. The Commanders allowed eight go performs of 15 yards or extra versus the Raiders, which too typically was as a consequence of blown protection and never simply getting beat. The secondary must play with extra eye self-discipline in protection. — John Keim
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Cardinals 16-15Week 3 rating: 11
Greatest subject on protection: Not having DE Nick Bosa for the remainder of the season
Earlier than Sunday, the 49ers had prevented season-ending accidents to key defensive gamers. However Bosa tore the ACL in his proper knee towards the Cardinals, and he’ll miss the remainder of the marketing campaign. This implies the Niners should lean much more right into a youth motion that already noticed them set up eight starters who weren’t within the beginning lineup in Week 1 of 2024. Bosa was not solely the workforce’s greatest defensive lineman, he was the veteran chief for the group. As left deal with Trent Williams put it Sunday, the 49ers will want three or 4 guys to assist fill Bosa’s sneakers. — Nick Wagoner
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Titans 41-20Week 3 rating: 16
Greatest subject on protection: Hit-or-miss go rush
The Colts registered 4 sacks towards Tennessee, however there have been too many performs through which opposing QBs have been unbothered within the pocket. Indianapolis ranks twentieth in stress fee at 27.4%. Defensive finish Laiatu Latu is probably the most succesful to vary this trajectory, particularly after an efficient return from a hamstring harm. However whereas his total stress fee of 11.4% is nice, it might want to enhance if the Colts are going to constantly threaten quarterbacks. — Stephen Holder
1:47
Eisen: Daniel Jones is doing issues we have by no means seen a Colts QB do
Wealthy Eisen sings the praises of Daniel Jones after his spectacular begin to the NFL season.
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Bengals 48-10Week 3 rating: 20
Greatest subject on protection: Accidents to veterans
By means of three weeks, the Vikings have the NFL’s greatest defensive anticipated factors added per play (minus-0.17). However additionally they have a core of older veterans, and accidents have been a difficulty. Security Harrison Smith (private well being subject) missed two video games. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion) missed one, as did cornerback Jeff Okudah (concussion). A chest contusion compelled defensive lineman Javon Hargrave to take a seat out the second half in Week 3. Linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring) is on injured reserve by way of not less than Week 4. That is a fairly important listing earlier than October. — Kevin Seifert
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Saints 44-13Week 3 rating: 18
Greatest subject on protection: A banged-up secondary
You need to nitpick to seek out any flaws in a protection that’s permitting the second-fewest factors per recreation (15.7). The Seahawks’ solely actual subject is one for which they’ve discovered some options. Seattle performed with out Professional Bowl slot cornerback Devon Witherspoon (knee) and rookie security Nick Emmanwori (ankle) the previous two video games, and Professional Bowl security Julian Love (hamstring) was sidelined in Week 3. However the workforce’s depth gamers stepped up in two straight wins, notably cornerback Derion Kendrick, who had two interceptions in Witherspoon’s spot. It is not clear who amongst these three can be obtainable on Thursday at Arizona, however that may have factored into Seattle’s determination to take a seat them towards the winless Saints. — Brady Henderson
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Chargers 23-20Week 3 rating: 13
Greatest subject on protection: Have not closed the deal
Although the Broncos have flashed elite tendencies and created a giant listing of impactful moments, they have not gotten the final needed cease in back-to-back losses. The Colts had drives of 81 and 41 yards for subject objectives on their ultimate two possessions in a 29-28 win in Week 2. Sunday, the Chargers went 76 yards on seven performs to tie the rating at 20, then marched 43 yards on eight performs for the game-winning subject aim. These drives included a 68-yard run by Colts operating again Jonathan Taylor, a 22-yard reception by Chargers operating again Omarion Hampton and a 20-yard landing catch by L.A. receiver Keenan Allen. — Jeff Legwold
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the 49ers 16-15Week 3 rating: 17
Greatest subject on protection: Sacking the quarterback
The Cardinals overhauled their entrance seven throughout the offseason, rebuilding their line and inside linebackers with two hopes: that the protection would enhance towards the run and get to the quarterback extra. The primary half has occurred, with the Cardinals permitting simply 76.3 speeding yards per recreation. However Arizona is not placing stress on the quarterback, with a sack fee of solely 3.5% and a complete of 5 sacks (tied for twenty fourth within the NFL). — Josh Weinfuss
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Patriots 21-14Week 3 rating: 21
Greatest subject on protection: Giving up explosive performs
The Steelers would not have crushed the Patriots with out getting 5 takeaways, however the protection has largely been boom-or-bust this season. Pittsburgh has given up a league-high 32 explosive performs, outlined as 10 yards or longer. 4 of these was touchdowns, together with a fourth-down, 16-yard throw from New England quarterback Drake Maye to tight finish Hunter Henry that tied the sport within the fourth quarter. A few of that’s the results of accidents to starters and communication points with new personnel, however the Steelers have to seek out extra defensive consistency. — Brooke Pryor
1:02
Why Stephen A. is ‘very involved’ about DK Metcalf
Stephen A. Smith questions Steelers huge receiver DK Metcalf’s underwhelming begin to the NFL season.
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Texans 17-10Week 3 rating: 23
Greatest subject on protection: Ending with sacks
We’re nitpicking right here as a result of the protection has been the spine of Jacksonville’s two wins. The Jaguars rank fifth in factors allowed per recreation (17, tied with the Texans and Cardinals) and speeding yards allowed per recreation (82.7). However they are not changing a big quantity of stress into sacks. They rank ninth with 44 QB pressures however have solely six sacks, and their stress fee (33.6%) ranks 18th. Defensive finish Travon Walker leads the workforce with two sacks, whereas defensive deal with Arik Armstead is second with 1.5. — Mike DiRocco
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Panthers 30-0Week 3 rating: 15
Greatest subject on protection: Overreliance on the blitz
General, there is not a lot to complain about. Atlanta is eighth within the league in QB stress fee (40.4%), and opposing quarterbacks have the fourth-worst score within the league (76.0) towards the Falcons. However D-coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s system is relying fairly a bit on the blitz, as no workforce has the next blitz fee within the NFL (44.7%). Up to now, the metrics say it is working. However that may not final perpetually, contemplating the subsequent quarterbacks the Falcons will see are Washington’s Jayden Daniels (if he returns from his knee harm) and Buffalo’s Josh Allen. — Marc Raimondi
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Vikings 48-10Week 3 rating: 12
Greatest subject on protection: Protection earlier than third down
The Bengals, whereas improved from final season, have been in a troublesome spot on third down: On common, opposing groups have wanted 5.8 yards to realize towards Cincinnati, the fourth-shortest distance within the NFL, per ESPN Analysis. So it is no shock the Bengals are tied for twenty eighth within the league in third-down conversions allowed (though three video games symbolize a small pattern dimension). Enhancements on first and second down would do loads for coordinator Al Golden’s protection, which was simply smacked by the Vikings. — Ben Child
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Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Jaguars 17-10Week 3 rating: 14
Greatest subject on protection: Getting that ultimate cease
Houston’s protection would not have any obtrusive points. The Texans are tied for fifth in scoring protection (17 factors per recreation). They’ve 9 sacks on the season and are on tempo for 51. The one spot the place they might enhance is the ultimate drive of video games, throughout which they’ve allowed profitable touchdowns over the previous two outings. However even on condition that criticism, the Texans held opposing offenses to 14 and 10 factors earlier than the two-minute warning, in order that falls again on Houston’s offense persevering with to battle. — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Commanders 41-24Week 3 rating: 22
Greatest subject on protection: First-half protection
In first halves this season, the Raiders are eighth worst in factors allowed (15.7 per recreation) and third worst in whole yards allowed (214 per recreation). The Commanders picked the Raiders aside by way of the primary two quarters Sunday with 20 factors and 259 yards, together with 174 on the bottom. “We simply received to play higher,” Las Vegas defensive finish Maxx Crosby stated. “There’s going to be no excuses with this group. We all know all people is aware of you bought to take accountability, and we received Chicago this week at residence, so we received a variety of work to do till then.” — Ryan McFadden
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Cowboys 31-14Week 3 rating: 26
Greatest subject on protection: No go rush with a low blitz fee
The bottom blitz fee within the league (4.0%) appears to replicate the Bears’ willpower to get stress with their 4 down linemen, however the lack of outcomes are regarding. They’re tied for the fifth-fewest sacks (5) and are third worst in go rush win fee (23.3%). After recording zero sacks and 4 QB hits towards Detroit, the Bears got here away with two sacks towards Dallas, together with the primary of the season for defensive finish Montez Sweat. However it hasn’t been sufficient to constantly put stress on opposing quarterbacks. — Courtney Cronin
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Bears 31-14Week 3 rating: 19
Greatest subject on protection: Too many large performs
It is actually the whole lot, however probably the most egregious half is the variety of large go performs allowed. The Cowboys have given up 13 go performs of 25 yards or extra, together with 5 landing passes of 25-plus yards. Whether or not it’s communication or execution points, it would not matter. Twelve of these large performs got here previously two video games towards QBs Russell Wilson and Caleb Williams. The Micah Parsons-less go rush has been nonexistent, and quarterbacks have discovered gaping holes within the secondary. For individuals who wonder if the go rush makes a secondary or the secondary makes a go rush, the Cowboys are displaying it is the previous. — Todd Archer
1:13
Woody: Cowboys ought to be embarrassed by what the Bears did to them
Damien Woody lays into the Dallas Cowboys after they received manhandled by the Bears.
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Steelers 21-14Week 3 rating: 24
Greatest subject on protection: Lack of turnovers
Coach Mike Vrabel’s desired workforce identification is one which protects the ball and creates ball disruption. However the Patriots have had six turnovers on the season (together with 5 on Sunday) and have compelled solely three (one in every recreation). Maybe getting second-team All-Professional cornerback Christian Gonzalez again from a hamstring harm that saved him sidelined for the previous three video games will assist create extra disruption. — Mike Reiss
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Packers 13-10Week 3 rating: 30
Greatest subject on protection: Just one takeaway thus far
The Browns’ protection has carried out nearly the whole lot proper, together with main the league in yards allowed per recreation (204.3), however takeaways have been a degree of emphasis. Security Grant Delpit’s late interception on Sunday towards the Packers gave Cleveland its first takeaway since Week 16 of 2024 — and a much-needed momentum swing. “Grant received that first one for us, and I believe they’re going to begin coming in bunches,” cornerback Greg Newsome II stated. “I believe the soccer gods are on our aspect proper now.” — Daniel Oyefusi
Week 3 outcome: Beat the Falcons 30-0Week 3 rating: 31
Greatest subject on protection: Sacks and QB stress
Though there was enchancment in stress throughout Sunday’s win over the Falcons, the Panthers rank final within the NFL in sacks (only one, from linebacker Princely Umanmielen in Week 2) and stress fee (18.9%). That is the identical boat they had been in final season, once they completed final with a 25.3% stress fee. The stress was sufficient to pressure two interceptions from Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr., nevertheless it’s one thing that should enhance towards extra veteran signal-callers. — David Newton
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Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Buccaneers 29-27Week 3 rating: 25
Greatest subject on protection: Zero takeaways this season
The Jets are one in all solely three groups and not using a takeaway. (Miami and Washington are the others.) That is shocking, contemplating how a lot they stress the quarterback. They lack playmakers within the secondary, as cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens aren’t ball hawks, with simply 5 profession interceptions in 119 mixed video games. The dearth of takeaways places a variety of stress on the offense, which may use the good thing about a brief subject now and again. — Wealthy Cimini
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Payments 31-21Week 3 rating: 28
Greatest subject on protection: Forcing turnovers
The Dolphins rank final within the league in turnover differential, largely as a result of their protection has not had a takeaway but this season. This was additionally a difficulty for Miami final season, however coach Mike McDaniel believes the workforce will proper the ship because it progresses as an entire. “Our takeaways will enhance as our collective soccer improves,” he stated. “It is not ok. … We have definitely spent the weekend attempting to determine the best way to get that monumental win-loss indicator in our favor.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Chiefs 22-9Week 3 rating: 29
Greatest subject on protection: Not sufficient sacks
It is simple to take a seat there and speak in regards to the Giants’ run protection, which ranks thirty first within the league. However the go rush is meant to be the energy of this workforce. The Giants are getting stress, however they’re averaging a sack on 5.9% of opponent dropbacks, rating twentieth within the league. That is not ok for a bunch that has Brian Burns enjoying at an All-Professional degree and with Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter and Dexter Lawrence II on the roster. — Jordan Raanan
2:11
Schefter, McAfee in awe of Cam Skattebo’s highschool run
Adam Schefter and Pat McAfee react to footage of Giants RB Cam Skattebo in highschool.
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Colts 41-20Week 3 rating: 27
Greatest subject on protection: Missed tackles on rushes
The Titans have allowed 147.7 speeding yards per recreation (third most within the league), primarily due to missed tackles. Opposing offenses have had explosive landing runs in every of Tennessee’s three losses. Colts operating again Jonathan Taylor’s 45-yard landing run on Sunday is an effective instance, as he broke 4 tackles on the play. Rams huge receiver Puka Nacua broke three tackles on a 45-yard TD rush in Week 2. And Broncos operating again J.Okay. Dobbins broke two tackles on a 19-yard rush to the tip zone that sealed Denver’s Week 1 win. — Turron Davenport
Week 3 outcome: Misplaced to the Seahawks 44-13Week 3 rating: 32
Greatest subject on protection: Giving up large passing performs
The Cardinals had a 45-yard bomb from quarterback Kyler Murray to huge receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. within the season opener. The 49ers, with backup quarterback Mac Jones and a depleted offense, had a 42-yard landing go in Week 2. And the Seahawks had a 45-yard completion that helped arrange a landing within the second quarter on Sunday. The Saints do not get off the sector on third down, they’re hurting themselves with penalties they usually cannot cease giving up large passing performs. That is one thing that probably will not change at Buffalo this Sunday. — Katherine Terrell
