{"id":170469,"date":"2025-09-26T11:18:31","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T11:18:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/170469\/"},"modified":"2025-09-26T11:18:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T11:18:31","slug":"nfl-week-4-power-rankings-2025-how-all-32-teams-stack-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/170469\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Week 4 Power Rankings 2025: How all 32 teams stack up"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885498_88_espn_generic_m.jpg&#038;h=80&#038;w=80&#038;scale=crop.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/p>\n<p>NFL NationSep 23, 2025, 06:45 AM ET<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"icon-font-after icon-close-solid-after\" href=\"#\">Close<\/a>NFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover the NFL year-round across ESPN.com, ESPN television shows, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established ahead of the 2013 season.<\/p>\n<p>Week 3 brought even more excitement to this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/scoreboard\/_\/week\/1\/year\/2025\/seasontype\/2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL season<\/a>, with special teams getting shining moments during the Sunday slate. Multiple games had blocked field goals late in the fourth quarter, including on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46340966\/jordan-davis-fg-block-score-caps-eagles-win-rams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">last play of the Eagles-Rams matchup<\/a>. Four other contests were decided on time-expiring field goals.<\/p>\n<p>But for this week&#8217;s Power Rankings, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to take a closer look at another unit: the defense. From third-down stops to forcing turnovers, we named the biggest issue on defense for every team.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s get right into it with our No. 1-ranked team. Our power panel of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluated how NFL teams stack up against one another, ranking them from 1 to 32.<\/p>\n<p>See previous rankings: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/41193988\/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-poll-2024-best-newcomer-performance-coaches-players\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 2<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46273770\/nfl-week-3-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-quarterback-takeaways\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 3<\/a><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">Jump to a team:<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#ari\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ARI<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#atl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ATL<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#bal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BAL<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#buf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BUF<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#car\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CAR<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#chi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CHI<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#cin\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CIN<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#cle\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CLE<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#dal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DAL<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#den\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DEN<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#det\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DET<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#gb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">GB<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#hou\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">HOU<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#ind\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IND<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#jax\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JAX<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#kc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">KC<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#lac\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LAC<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#lar\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LAR<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#lv\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LV<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#mia\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MIA<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#min\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MIN<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#ne\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NE<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#no\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NO<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#nyg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NYG<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#nyj\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NYJ<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#phi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">PHI<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#pit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">PIT<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#sf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SF<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#sea\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SEA<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#tb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TB<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#ten\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TEN<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46283631\/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-biggest-issues-defense#wsh\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">WSH<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/_end_rule.png\" width=\"100%\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885500_100_phi.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Rams <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772839\/rams-eagles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">33-26<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 2<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Defensive rush success rate<\/p>\n<p>The Eagles are last in the league with a 45.1% success rate against the run this season. They are yielding a first down or a touchdown on over 34% of the opponent&#8217;s attempts, which also is a league low, and they are 25th in rushing yards allowed (133.3 per game). Philadelphia has a quality interior front led by defensive tackles <a data-player-guid=\"86b8b213-9243-10f5-da53-498e174e5249\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4381558\/jordan-davis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Davis<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"7ee5f263-e374-346d-bf67-b4c305cf3ed4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685759\/jalen-carter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Carter<\/a>. It also has two good linebackers in <a data-player-guid=\"9a9bf194-a70e-8980-77ea-ffca07e769de\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917657\/zack-baun\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zack Baun<\/a> and rookie <a data-player-guid=\"23e1997f-707c-3915-b745-94a119996c4a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685287\/jihaad-campbell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jihaad Campbell<\/a>, who is developing on the job. So this seems like a fixable problem for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. &#8212; Tim McManus<\/p>\n<p>Editor&#8217;s Picks<\/p>\n<p>2 Related<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885500_579_buf.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Dolphins <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772937\/dolphins-bills\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">31-21<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 1<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Getting off the field<\/p>\n<p>The Bills&#8217; defense was incredibly effective <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772727\/bills-jets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">against the Jets in Week 2<\/a>, but Buffalo struggled to end drives versus Baltimore and Miami. Third downs were a specific issue against the Dolphins, who converted 10 of 15 attempts to keep that game close. The Bills also have given up five touchdowns in the red zone this season. Buffalo hopes linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"eca93632-a9f4-7d3d-573a-2b4fa154c576\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3046287\/matt-milano\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matt Milano<\/a> and defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"0a4a252b-ac67-b6de-319b-7f7b39b25345\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4039303\/ed-oliver\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ed Oliver<\/a> will solve this issue when they return after being <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46234424\/bills-defensive-tackle-ed-oliver-jets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">injured<\/a>. &#8212; Alaina Getzenberg<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885501_929_det.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Ravens <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772812\/lions-ravens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">38-30<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 5<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Pass rush outside of DE <a data-player-guid=\"ea011a11-6683-b299-50e2-f601bdd7172a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4372099\/aidan-hutchinson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aidan Hutchinson<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Through Week 3, the Lions are tied for a league-low 22.0% pass rush win rate. They&#8217;ve relied on Hutchinson, who has been consistently double-teamed as he tries to find a groove after returning from a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45824083\/detroit-lions-defensive-end-aidan-hutchinson-feeling-good-broken-leg-injury-training-camp\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">season-ending leg injury<\/a> in 2024. Detroit lacks depth at the position, as defensive end <a data-player-guid=\"471237f6-0156-f078-017b-1f31feb639ef\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3124058\/marcus-davenport\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marcus Davenport<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46349049\/lions-put-vet-de-marcus-davenport-ir-chest-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">chest<\/a>) is now on injured reserve. The Lions are counting on fellow end <a data-player-guid=\"7c2658da-79fe-cfbf-aad4-3fd0da86327f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3051942\/al-quadin-muhammad\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Al-Quadin Muhammad<\/a> to step up (he had 2.5 sacks against the Ravens). Also, the return of defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"0f21e2f4-356f-603f-e8bd-4ee9c36da099\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361662\/alim-mcneill\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alim McNeill<\/a> (ACL injury) and end <a data-player-guid=\"ca28e24e-6fa2-42e3-8324-5c5030ec2ff4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4259994\/josh-paschal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Paschal<\/a> (reserve\/non-football injury list) at some point this season will help fix those issues. But Detroit did look impressive in tallying seven sacks against the Ravens on Monday night. &#8212; Eric Woodyard<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885501_620_lac.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Broncos <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772735\/broncos-chargers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23-20<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 7<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Fourth-down stops<\/p>\n<p>Jesse Minter&#8217;s defense has been among the league&#8217;s best in many categories. However, the Chargers have struggled on fourth down. Opponents are converting 71% of their attempts against L.A., which ranks 22nd in the NFL. The fourth-down struggles were apparent Sunday: Denver wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"32a202cd-dda5-e1c7-1c11-569436ff5230\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3128429\/courtland-sutton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Courtland Sutton<\/a> scored a 52-yard touchdown on fourth-and-1 just before halftime, which gave the Broncos much-needed momentum and nearly led to the Chargers&#8217; first loss of the season. &#8212; Kris Rhim<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885501_417_gb.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Browns <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772842\/packers-browns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">13-10<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 3<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Lack of takeaways<\/p>\n<p>A season ago, the Packers tied for fourth in the NFL with 31 takeaways and ranked third in interceptions with 17. They have a grand total of two takeaways this season: <a data-player-guid=\"43deba0f-5355-34a4-5bf8-3f2d159f719b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4428863\/evan-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evan Williams<\/a>&#8216; interception in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772722\/lions-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 1 against the Lions<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"a7764a76-3d05-3784-1714-d4367e541bf0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241470\/xavier-mckinney\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Xavier McKinney<\/a>&#8216;s interception on Sunday. McKinney&#8217;s pick was essentially a punt by the Browns, who threw a deep shot on fourth-and-8 with just 12 seconds left in the first half. The Packers spent training camp stressing punching the ball out and causing fumbles, but they haven&#8217;t forced one yet. &#8212; Rob Demovsky<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>1:28<\/p>\n<p>Orlovsky: Jordan Love has to grow up<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Dan Orlovsky explains why Jordan Love needs to display more maturity in critical situations after his costly turnover in Week 3.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885501_228_tb.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Jets <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772840\/jets-buccaneers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29-27<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 10<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Fourth-quarter stops<\/p>\n<p>The Buccaneers have a plus-six point differential this season, which is tied for the lowest by a 3-0 team in NFL history (2005 Washington, 2020 Titans), per ESPN Research. Part of the reason for these close games is their defensive struggles late in games; they&#8217;ve allowed 5.8 yards per play (fifth most) in the fourth quarter. The Bucs gave up two touchdowns on defense in the fourth quarter against the Jets. &#8220;It takes time,&#8221; Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said. &#8220;But we&#8217;ve got to put four quarters together. As the schedule goes, it gets tougher every week, so we&#8217;ve got to make sure we don&#8217;t make those mistakes.&#8221; &#8212; Jenna Laine<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885502_407_bal.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Lions <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772812\/lions-ravens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">38-30<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 4<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Poor tackling<\/p>\n<p>The Ravens are not wrapping up ball carriers, which has always been a source of pride. Baltimore has given up 200 yards after contact this season, the fourth most in the NFL. It&#8217;s also the most given up through the first three games in John Harbaugh&#8217;s 18 years as head coach. &#8220;That&#8217;s bad run defense, and that&#8217;s not who we are,&#8221; Harbaugh said. &#8220;It cannot be who we are. It&#8217;s just, it&#8217;s not going to be good enough. It&#8217;s not going to be acceptable, and it has to be better.&#8221; &#8212; Jamison Hensley<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885502_333_lar.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Eagles <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772839\/rams-eagles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">33-26<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 6<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Cornerback depth<\/p>\n<p>While the Rams discussed the possibility of trading for cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"a5623fce-1fb1-d273-2b6e-61ac583303c3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3045373\/jalen-ramsey\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Ramsey<\/a> during the offseason, they decided adding his contract didn&#8217;t make sense and that they liked the players they already had at the position. The Rams gave up just one passing touchdown in their first two games, but they lost cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"72d6ef73-c689-2b53-d898-fe42c0ed8ceb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3122630\/ahkello-witherspoon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ahkello Witherspoon<\/a> to a broken clavicle in Week 2. Veteran cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"94067207-cfae-159a-0012-d82d8f7b8651\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4239833\/darious-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Darious Williams<\/a>, who was a healthy scratch in Week 1, played 39.7% of the defensive snaps in Week 3 alongside <a data-player-guid=\"1d87efb4-eb10-5946-e8ad-06a8d24e66e4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4384549\/cobie-durant\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cobie Durant<\/a> (77.8%) and <a data-player-guid=\"63970a98-410c-32d8-90a3-46be6a015033\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429767\/emmanuel-forbes-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emmanuel Forbes Jr.<\/a> (82.5%). The Rams held the Eagles to negative passing yards (minus-1) in the first half, but quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"caceb80c-6350-a107-9fcf-7c7bd1b4edd8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4040715\/jalen-hurts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Hurts<\/a> was more effective in the second half, throwing three touchdown passes. &#8212; Sarah Barshop<\/p>\n<p>All of ESPN. All in one place.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/plus.espn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"imageLoaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/r1531432_1296x729_16-9.jpg\" width=\"100%\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. <a href=\"https:\/\/plus.espn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sign Up Now<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885503_785_kc.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Giants <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772920\/chiefs-giants\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">22-9<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 8<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Pass rush surrounding <a data-player-guid=\"3a9adacc-63fb-4f5e-805d-d98750056eef\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3044859\/chris-jones\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Jones<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Chiefs have been inconsistent in pressuring the quarterback without blitzing, an issue that could plague Steve Spagnuolo&#8217;s unit all season long. The Chiefs have just seven sacks, and most offensive lines are doubling Jones often, which leads to several one-on-one opportunities for edge rushers <a data-player-guid=\"5c6a6d9e-f116-c17f-3e30-23accba436db\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426659\/george-karlaftis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">George Karlaftis<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"add4de20-804f-5086-dc40-cc8a8ea5f107\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3929865\/charles-omenihu\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Charles Omenihu<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"3ac83f78-db5e-eb3b-d046-93641150bae3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3915487\/mike-danna\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mike Danna<\/a> and rookie <a data-player-guid=\"0d6e024e-de29-38d0-ad96-8a75c7bc5c1a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4684432\/ashton-gillotte\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ashton Gillotte<\/a>. One of those players needs to elevate his performance to be a consistent threat alongside Jones. &#8212; Nate Taylor<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885503_818_wsh.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Raiders <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772841\/raiders-commanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">41-24<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 9<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Big plays allowed<\/p>\n<p>Washington is tied for second in number of pass plays allowed of 15 yards or more (20). There have been too many coverage mishaps, sometimes stemming from aggressive safety play to stop what appears to be a run only for the opposition to pass. The Commanders allowed eight pass plays of 15 yards or more versus the Raiders, which too often was due to blown coverage and not just getting beat. The secondary needs to play with more eye discipline in coverage. &#8212; John Keim<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885504_573_sf.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Cardinals <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772843\/cardinals-49ers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">16-15<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 11<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Not having DE <a data-player-guid=\"6a5ec871-ae65-1fde-4664-f513284ad1ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4040605\/nick-bosa\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nick Bosa<\/a> for the rest of the season<\/p>\n<p>Before Sunday, the 49ers had avoided season-ending injuries to key defensive players. But Bosa <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46347804\/sources-49ers-nick-bosa-torn-acl-done-season\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">tore the ACL<\/a> in his right knee against the Cardinals, and he will miss the rest of the campaign. This means the Niners will have to lean even more into a youth movement that already saw them install eight starters who were not in the starting lineup in Week 1 of 2024. Bosa was not only the team&#8217;s best defensive lineman, he was the veteran leader for the group. As left tackle <a data-player-guid=\"569156ee-309b-ce78-c1ac-1e9494943ce2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/13241\/trent-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trent Williams<\/a> put it Sunday, the 49ers will need three or four guys to help fill Bosa&#8217;s shoes. &#8212; Nick Wagoner<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885504_577_ind.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Titans <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772733\/colts-titans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">41-20<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 16<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Hit-or-miss pass rush<\/p>\n<p>The Colts registered four sacks against Tennessee, but there have been too many plays in which opposing QBs have been unbothered in the pocket. Indianapolis ranks 20th in pressure rate at 27.4%. Defensive end <a data-player-guid=\"9aaa8862-dd04-4802-d050-c572387b364f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426473\/laiatu-latu\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Laiatu Latu<\/a> is the most capable to change this trajectory, especially after an effective return from a hamstring injury. But while his overall pressure rate of 11.4% is good, it will need to improve if the Colts are going to consistently threaten quarterbacks. &#8212; Stephen Holder<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>1:47<\/p>\n<p>Eisen: Daniel Jones is doing things we&#8217;ve never seen a Colts QB do<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Rich Eisen sings the praises of Daniel Jones after his impressive start to the NFL season.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885504_198_min.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Bengals <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772731\/bengals-vikings\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">48-10<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 20<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Injuries to veterans<\/p>\n<p>Through three weeks, the Vikings have the NFL&#8217;s best defensive expected points added per play (minus-0.17). But they also have a core of older veterans, and injuries have been an issue. Safety <a data-player-guid=\"db16d7bd-d012-85a3-9ab5-b49cb65b1445\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/14945\/harrison-smith\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Harrison Smith<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46218328\/vikings-harrison-smith-confident-return-3-weeks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">personal health issue<\/a>) missed two games. Linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"0178fa5f-003f-ee54-f7f6-a39070ccaf65\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3133487\/andrew-van-ginkel\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Andrew Van Ginkel<\/a> (concussion) missed one, as did cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"3487e305-7ff4-10c8-7be4-9af670ab9f26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241984\/jeff-okudah\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jeff Okudah<\/a> (concussion). A chest contusion forced defensive lineman <a data-player-guid=\"b3b4a21e-8a12-8875-aab4-3c5080dbc5d4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2983055\/javon-hargrave\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Javon Hargrave<\/a> to sit out the second half in Week 3. Linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"74a9d1aa-3d92-c6e8-0d49-d5ad07fa1deb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3728281\/blake-cashman\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Blake Cashman<\/a> (hamstring) is on injured reserve through at least Week 4. That&#8217;s a pretty significant list before October. &#8212; Kevin Seifert<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885505_529_sea.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Saints <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772736\/saints-seahawks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">44-13<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 18<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: A banged-up secondary<\/p>\n<p>You have to nitpick to find any flaws in a defense that is allowing the second-fewest points per game (15.7). The Seahawks&#8217; only real issue is one for which they&#8217;ve found some solutions. Seattle played without Pro Bowl slot cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"ab06b9de-c0f0-4cf3-420f-63322352e458\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4575431\/devon-witherspoon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Devon Witherspoon<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46237058\/injuries-leave-seahawks-short-handed-secondary-vs-steelers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">knee<\/a>) and rookie safety <a data-player-guid=\"cf1af8ca-d4d3-37b9-96e8-c1af5a639b1e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4869523\/nick-emmanwori\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nick Emmanwori<\/a> (ankle) the past two games, and Pro Bowl safety <a data-player-guid=\"c91f9d4e-99dd-a498-26da-a7afed8affd1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4046675\/julian-love\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Julian Love<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46316248\/seahawks-zach-charbonnet-devon-witherspoon-julian-love-nick-emmanwori-doubtful-week-3-vs-saints\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">hamstring<\/a>) was sidelined in Week 3. But the team&#8217;s depth players stepped up in two straight wins, particularly cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"c51239ac-eb45-d131-2dd4-a5298155d1d7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360307\/derion-kendrick\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Derion Kendrick<\/a>, who had two interceptions in Witherspoon&#8217;s spot. It&#8217;s not clear who among those three will be available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772938\/seahawks-cardinals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">on Thursday at Arizona<\/a>, but that might have factored into Seattle&#8217;s decision to sit them against the winless Saints. &#8212; Brady Henderson<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885505_362_den.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Chargers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772735\/broncos-chargers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23-20<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 13<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Haven&#8217;t closed the deal<\/p>\n<p>Though the Broncos have flashed elite tendencies and created a big list of impactful moments, they haven&#8217;t gotten the last necessary stop in back-to-back losses. The Colts had drives of 81 and 41 yards for field goals on their final two possessions in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772729\/broncos-colts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29-28 win<\/a> in Week 2. Sunday, the Chargers went 76 yards on seven plays to tie the score at 20, then marched 43 yards on eight plays for the game-winning field goal. Those drives included a 68-yard run by Colts running back <a data-player-guid=\"ddd8786c-fd5a-4e55-ccc8-6ddf6f1ede33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4242335\/jonathan-taylor\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jonathan Taylor<\/a>, a 22-yard reception by Chargers running back <a data-player-guid=\"757d9056-88c7-3df1-b2e3-f6f8f186780b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685382\/omarion-hampton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Omarion Hampton<\/a> and a 20-yard touchdown catch by L.A. receiver <a data-player-guid=\"c22ef201-95ad-1740-dd33-3ae06d7e7e68\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/15818\/keenan-allen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Keenan Allen<\/a>. &#8212; Jeff Legwold<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885505_917_ari.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the 49ers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772843\/cardinals-49ers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">16-15<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 17<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Sacking the quarterback<\/p>\n<p>The Cardinals overhauled their front seven during the offseason, rebuilding their line and inside linebackers with two hopes: that the defense would improve against the run and get to the quarterback more. The first part has happened, with the Cardinals allowing just 76.3 rushing yards per game. But Arizona isn&#8217;t putting pressure on the quarterback, with a sack rate of only 3.5% and a total of five sacks (tied for 24th in the NFL). &#8212; Josh Weinfuss<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885505_410_pit.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Patriots <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772732\/steelers-patriots\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">21-14<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 21<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Giving up explosive plays<\/p>\n<p>The Steelers wouldn&#8217;t have beaten the Patriots without getting five takeaways, but the defense has largely been boom-or-bust this season. Pittsburgh has given up a league-high 32 explosive plays, defined as 10 yards or longer. Four of those turned into touchdowns, including a fourth-down, 16-yard throw from New England quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"2fbd2f9e-624d-3e63-9bb5-9bb965782b68\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431452\/drake-maye\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Drake Maye<\/a> to tight end <a data-player-guid=\"aa4d3e91-bafe-5ffe-bae4-36e00386dd19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3046439\/hunter-henry\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hunter Henry<\/a> that tied the game in the fourth quarter. Some of that is the result of injuries to starters and communication issues with new personnel, but the Steelers have to find more defensive consistency. &#8212; Brooke Pryor<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>1:02<\/p>\n<p>Why Stephen A. is &#8216;very concerned&#8217; about DK Metcalf<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Stephen A. Smith questions Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf&#8217;s underwhelming start to the NFL season.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885505_154_jax.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Texans <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772734\/texans-jaguars\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">17-10<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 23<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Finishing with sacks<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re nitpicking here because the defense has been the backbone of Jacksonville&#8217;s two wins. The Jaguars rank fifth in points allowed per game (17, tied with the Texans and Cardinals) and rushing yards allowed per game (82.7). But they&#8217;re not converting a significant amount of pressure into sacks. They rank ninth with 44 QB pressures but have only six sacks, and their pressure rate (33.6%) ranks 18th. Defensive end <a data-player-guid=\"5431a37e-7b11-f9fb-a12b-68627e0eb858\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426349\/travon-walker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Travon Walker<\/a> leads the team with two sacks, while defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"5a1a8f38-1683-80d6-32a0-ee8637300618\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2971275\/arik-armstead\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Arik Armstead<\/a> is second with 1.5. &#8212; Mike DiRocco<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885506_385_atl.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Panthers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772838\/falcons-panthers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">30-0<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 15<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Overreliance on the blitz<\/p>\n<p>Overall, there isn&#8217;t much to complain about. Atlanta is eighth in the league in QB pressure rate (40.4%), and opposing quarterbacks have the fourth-worst rating in the league (76.0) against the Falcons. But D-coordinator Jeff Ulbrich&#8217;s system is relying quite a bit on the blitz, as no team has a higher blitz rate in the NFL (44.7%). So far, the metrics say it&#8217;s working. But that might not last forever, considering the next quarterbacks the Falcons will see are Washington&#8217;s <a data-player-guid=\"f03f3238-b035-6f0e-5844-1529ca021c3a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426348\/jayden-daniels\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jayden Daniels<\/a> (if he returns from his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46313800\/commanders-rule-qb-daniels-vs-raiders-mariota-start\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">knee injury<\/a>) and Buffalo&#8217;s <a data-player-guid=\"237b9f2a-4701-8fc3-60eb-250978af9893\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3918298\/josh-allen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Allen<\/a>. &#8212; Marc Raimondi<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885506_522_cin.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Vikings <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772731\/bengals-vikings\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">48-10<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 12<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Defense before third down<\/p>\n<p>The Bengals, while improved from last season, have been in a tough spot on third down: On average, opposing teams have needed 5.8 yards to gain against Cincinnati, the fourth-shortest distance in the NFL, per ESPN Research. So it&#8217;s no surprise the Bengals are tied for 28th in the league in third-down conversions allowed (although three games represent a small sample size). Improvements on first and second down would do a lot for coordinator Al Golden&#8217;s defense, which was just smacked by the Vikings. &#8212; Ben Baby<\/p>\n<p>Your League, Your Rules<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fantasy.espn.com\/football\/welcome?addata=ffl_2025_in_line_bethecommish\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ffl-1320x528_03.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" class=\"imageLoaded\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Create a league and customize league size, scoring and rules to play in the league you want to play in.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fantasy.espn.com\/football\/welcome?addata=ffl_2025_in_line_bethecommish\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Create a league today!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885507_445_hou.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Jaguars <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772734\/texans-jaguars\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">17-10<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 14<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Getting that final stop<\/p>\n<p>Houston&#8217;s defense doesn&#8217;t have any glaring issues. The Texans are tied for fifth in scoring defense (17 points per game). They have nine sacks on the season and are on pace for 51. The one spot where they could improve is the final drive of games, during which they&#8217;ve allowed winning touchdowns over the past two outings. But even given that criticism, the Texans held opposing offenses to 14 and 10 points before the two-minute warning, so that falls back on Houston&#8217;s offense continuing to struggle. &#8212; DJ Bien-Aime<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885508_970_lv.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Commanders <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772841\/raiders-commanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">41-24<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 22<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: First-half defense<\/p>\n<p>In first halves this season, the Raiders are eighth worst in points allowed (15.7 per game) and third worst in total yards allowed (214 per game). The Commanders picked the Raiders apart through the first two quarters Sunday with 20 points and 259 yards, including 174 on the ground. &#8220;We just got to play better,&#8221; Las Vegas defensive end <a data-player-guid=\"edb9517c-ee97-3c68-ce94-2d1309042d04\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3916655\/maxx-crosby\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Maxx Crosby<\/a> said. &#8220;There&#8217;s going to be no excuses with this group. We know everybody knows you got to take accountability, and we got <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772742\/bears-raiders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago this week<\/a> at home, so we got a lot of work to do until then.&#8221; &#8212; Ryan McFadden<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885508_517_chi.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Cowboys <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772844\/cowboys-bears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">31-14<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 26<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: No pass rush with a low blitz rate<\/p>\n<p>The lowest blitz rate in the league (4.0%) seems to reflect the Bears&#8217; determination to get pressure with their four down linemen, but the lack of results are concerning. They are tied for the fifth-fewest sacks (five) and are third worst in pass rush win rate (23.3%). After recording zero sacks and four QB hits <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772835\/bears-lions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">against Detroit<\/a>, the Bears came away with two sacks against Dallas, including the first of the season for defensive end <a data-player-guid=\"a3254d42-99c4-61f9-03ee-c92797ae8db4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3134690\/montez-sweat\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Montez Sweat<\/a>. But it hasn&#8217;t been enough to consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. &#8212; Courtney Cronin<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885508_467_dal.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Bears <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772844\/cowboys-bears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">31-14<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 19<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Too many big plays<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s really everything, but the most egregious part is the number of big pass plays allowed. The Cowboys have given up 13 pass plays of 25 yards or more, including five touchdown passes of 25-plus yards. Whether it is communication or execution issues, it doesn&#8217;t matter. Twelve of those big plays came in the past two games against QBs <a data-player-guid=\"f0610946-ceb6-9a99-3bcc-cf110b2078b5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/14881\/russell-wilson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Russell Wilson<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"dd15176c-3004-333f-beaa-149216c42968\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431611\/caleb-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Caleb Williams<\/a>. The <a data-player-guid=\"19e0d5a6-9c4e-83d1-c9c2-5cfa322727f5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361423\/micah-parsons\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Micah Parsons<\/a>-less pass rush has been nonexistent, and quarterbacks have found gaping holes in the secondary. For those who wonder whether the pass rush makes a secondary or the secondary makes a pass rush, the Cowboys are showing it&#8217;s the former. &#8212; Todd Archer<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>1:13<\/p>\n<p>Woody: Cowboys should be embarrassed by what the Bears did to them<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Damien Woody lays into the Dallas Cowboys after they got manhandled by the Bears.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885508_365_ne.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Steelers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772732\/steelers-patriots\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">21-14<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 24<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Lack of turnovers<\/p>\n<p>Coach Mike Vrabel&#8217;s desired team identity is one that protects the ball and creates ball disruption. But the Patriots have had six turnovers on the season (including five on Sunday) and have forced only three (one in each game). Perhaps getting second-team All-Pro cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"ba95b578-b00e-3156-8e2b-b24e3974f8ef\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4686772\/christian-gonzalez\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Christian Gonzalez<\/a> back from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for the past three games will help create more disruption. &#8212; Mike Reiss<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885509_667_cle.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Packers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772842\/packers-browns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">13-10<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 30<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Only one takeaway so far<\/p>\n<p>The Browns&#8217; defense has done just about everything right, including leading the league in yards allowed per game (204.3), but takeaways have been a point of emphasis. Safety <a data-player-guid=\"a779bb68-fefd-f56b-6f64-bad23a1063d7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4242208\/grant-delpit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Grant Delpit<\/a>&#8216;s late interception on Sunday against the Packers gave Cleveland its first takeaway since Week 16 of 2024 &#8212; and a much-needed momentum swing. &#8220;Grant got that first one for us, and I think they&#8217;ll start coming in bunches,&#8221; cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"7f04e79f-e845-ddf7-dce9-50b8259dc8e4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361266\/greg-newsome-ii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Greg Newsome II<\/a> said. &#8220;I think the football gods are on our side right now.&#8221; &#8212; Daniel Oyefusi<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885509_323_car.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Beat the Falcons <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772838\/falcons-panthers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">30-0<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 31<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Sacks and QB pressure<\/p>\n<p>Although there was improvement in pressure during Sunday&#8217;s win over the Falcons, the Panthers rank last in the NFL in sacks (just one, from linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"6e054426-486a-3045-ba0a-061469f7b4e7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429166\/princely-umanmielen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Princely Umanmielen<\/a> in Week 2) and pressure rate (18.9%). That&#8217;s the same boat they were in last season, when they finished last with a 25.3% pressure rate. The pressure was enough to force two interceptions from Atlanta&#8217;s <a data-player-guid=\"28022fa1-9050-eee1-5160-c77a6a379ec2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360423\/michael-penix-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Penix Jr.<\/a>, but it&#8217;s something that needs to improve against more veteran signal-callers. &#8212; David Newton<\/p>\n<p>Best of NFL Nation<img decoding=\"async\" data-lazyload=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/r1550463_608x342_16-9.jpg\" class=\"round lazyload\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46367833\/seattle-seahawks-new-offense-klint-kubiak-sam-darnold-cooper-kupp\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Is the Seahawks&#8217; new offense working?<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46346508\/which-0-3-team-needs-win-most-texans-titans-jets-dolphins-saints-giants\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Which 0-3 team needs a win most?<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46355546\/cardinals-kyler-murray-learning-embrace-beauty-boring-football\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cards&#8217; Kyler Murray making key adjustments<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46366700\/nfl-dallas-cowboys-micah-parsons-green-bay-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">What will Parsons&#8217; return to Dallas be like?<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46368518\/demario-davis-cam-jordan-new-orleans-saints-nfl-leadership-key-2025\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Winless Saints lean on Davis, Jordan&#8217;s leadership <\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885510_641_nyj.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Buccaneers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772840\/jets-buccaneers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29-27<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 25<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Zero takeaways this season<\/p>\n<p>The Jets are one of only three teams without a takeaway. (Miami and Washington are the others.) This is surprising, considering how much they pressure the quarterback. They lack playmakers in the secondary, as cornerbacks <a data-player-guid=\"4a3e8bb3-8d6a-7208-dc0f-7cf148b34c1b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4427250\/sauce-gardner\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sauce Gardner<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"48bb2cfa-83b5-d4ec-4bfe-3d310e534658\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035824\/brandon-stephens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brandon Stephens<\/a> aren&#8217;t ball hawks, with just five career interceptions in 119 combined games. The dearth of takeaways puts a lot of pressure on the offense, which could use the benefit of a short field on occasion. &#8212; Rich Cimini<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885510_33_mia.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Bills <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772937\/dolphins-bills\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">31-21<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 28<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Forcing turnovers<\/p>\n<p>The Dolphins rank last in the league in turnover differential, mostly because their defense has not had a takeaway yet this season. This was also an issue for Miami last season, but coach Mike McDaniel believes the team will right the ship as it progresses as a whole. &#8220;Our takeaways will improve as our collective football improves,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It&#8217;s not good enough. &#8230; We&#8217;ve certainly spent the weekend trying to figure out how to get that monumental win-loss indicator in our favor.&#8221; &#8212; Marcel Louis-Jacques<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885510_56_nyg.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Chiefs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772920\/chiefs-giants\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">22-9<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 29<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Not enough sacks<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s easy to sit there and talk about the Giants&#8217; run defense, which ranks 31st in the league. But the pass rush is supposed to be the strength of this team. The Giants are getting pressure, but they&#8217;re averaging a sack on 5.9% of opponent dropbacks, ranking 20th in the league. That&#8217;s not good enough for a group that has <a data-player-guid=\"ce3ca19e-f098-3c39-f922-18cad8eafb5e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035631\/brian-burns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brian Burns<\/a> playing at an All-Pro level and with <a data-player-guid=\"e6b16b17-cc50-e144-c567-7fde9ceaa979\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426326\/kayvon-thibodeaux\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kayvon Thibodeaux<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"df4ecbf0-8676-3fbd-8563-25721d12b4ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4725996\/abdul-carter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Abdul Carter<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"ac126158-4522-b807-e3bc-bc4256320611\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035483\/dexter-lawrence-ii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dexter Lawrence II<\/a> on the roster. &#8212; Jordan Raanan<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>2:11<\/p>\n<p>Schefter, McAfee in awe of Cam Skattebo&#8217;s high school run<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Adam Schefter and Pat McAfee react to footage of Giants RB Cam Skattebo in high school.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885510_113_ten.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Colts <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772733\/colts-titans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">41-20<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 27<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Missed tackles on rushes<\/p>\n<p>The Titans have allowed 147.7 rushing yards per game (third most in the league), primarily because of missed tackles. Opposing offenses have had explosive touchdown runs in each of Tennessee&#8217;s three losses. Colts running back <a data-player-guid=\"ddd8786c-fd5a-4e55-ccc8-6ddf6f1ede33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4242335\/jonathan-taylor\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jonathan Taylor<\/a>&#8216;s 45-yard touchdown run on Sunday is a good example, as he broke four tackles on the play. Rams wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"05861488-1bb7-7c32-83eb-d0658a6e2b89\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426515\/puka-nacua\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Puka Nacua<\/a> broke three tackles on a 45-yard TD rush in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772724\/rams-titans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 2<\/a>. And Broncos running back <a data-player-guid=\"249571a5-6db7-2705-2aa0-10c3bca5b417\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241985\/jk-dobbins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">J.K. Dobbins<\/a> broke two tackles on a 19-yard rush to the end zone that sealed Denver&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772832\/titans-broncos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 1 win<\/a>. &#8212; Turron Davenport<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758885511_72_no.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 3 result: Lost to the Seahawks <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772736\/saints-seahawks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">44-13<\/a><br \/>Week 3 ranking: 32<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Biggest issue on defense: Giving up big passing plays<\/p>\n<p>The Cardinals had a 45-yard bomb from quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"9bef707d-d33f-266b-3020-81900d735915\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917315\/kyler-murray\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyler Murray<\/a> to wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"7a24e799-fc0e-395e-b740-4ecee71a3c53\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432708\/marvin-harrison-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marvin Harrison Jr.<\/a> in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772718\/cardinals-saints\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">season opener<\/a>. The 49ers, with backup quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"1b10c3ae-12ed-7035-5b1e-4512832b6efc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241464\/mac-jones\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mac Jones<\/a> and a depleted offense, had a 42-yard touchdown pass in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772833\/49ers-saints\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 2<\/a>. And the Seahawks had a 45-yard completion that helped set up a touchdown in the second quarter on Sunday. The Saints aren&#8217;t getting off the field on third down, they&#8217;re hurting themselves with penalties and they can&#8217;t stop giving up big passing plays. This is something that likely won&#8217;t change at Buffalo this Sunday. &#8212; Katherine Terrell<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NFL NationSep 23, 2025, 06:45 AM ET CloseNFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":170470,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[436],"tags":[49,48,514,82],"class_list":["post-170469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-nfl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/170469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=170469"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/170469\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/170470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=170469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=170469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=170469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}