2012 NFL Season Predictions – Top 5 Defensive Lines in the NFL: With the NFL evolving into a passing league, it only makes sense that defenses must focus on stopping the pass in order to be successful. The easiest way to do that is to put pressure on the quarterback, disrupting timing and forcing mistakes. While linebackers are becoming increasingly involved, the heart of the pass rush remains the defensive line. Whether doing the damage themselves or creating the push to allow other players to make plays, defensive lines are the first line of defense against the pass. As the New York Giants have shown by winning two Super Bowls in the last five years, a strong defensive line can derail even the best offense.
2012 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Defensive Lines
1. New York Giants
This unit has basically owned Tom Brady in a pair of Super Bowls, and they have the best trio of defensive ends in the NFL in Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora. Tuck’s versatility allows him to shift to defensive tackle, as well, where he teams with veteran Chris Canty. Not to mention that the tackle spot should be even better this year now that former early-round picks Linval Joseph and Marvin Austin have a little experience. The Giants finished second in the NFL last year with 48.0 sacks, and the defensive line played even better in big games. With all the talent that returns, this group should challenge for the lead league in sacks once again.
2. Buffalo Bills
One of the biggest offseason acquisitions not named Peyton Manning landed in Buffalo when former No. 2 overall pick Mario Williams signed with the Bills. Williams had five sacks in five games before getting injured last season, and averaged 11.0 sacks per year in the four previous seasons. Buffalo added Mark Anderson at the other defensive end spot, as well, and Anderson is coming off a 10.0-sack campaign with New England. The two newcomers at end should seriously bolster a pass rush that finished with the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL last season. Throw in the fact that the Bills already had one of the best pairs of defensive tackles in veteran Kyle Williams and youngster Marcell Dareus, and this revamped unit should be stout.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Playing predominantly in a 3-4 base, it can be tough for a defensive line to make a lot of standout plays. However, there is no question that the three guys up front for San Francisco were a big reason why the 49ers had by far the best rushing defense in football, had the second-best scoring defense, and ranked in the top 10 in sacks. Defensive end Justin Smith is the star of the group, but fellow defensive end Ray McDonald keeps improving and is coming off a career-high 5.5 sacks. Nose Tackle Isaac Sopoaga is the unsung hero of the bunch, but he paves the way in the middle for the rest of the defense. Linebacker Aldon Smith, who is coming off 14.0 sacks in his rookie year, can drop down to the line in pass rushing situations. He is the cherry on top of an unheralded but very valuable group.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
A lot went wrong for the Eagles last season, but the defensive line was definitely a bright spot. Defensive ends Jason Babin and Trent Cole combined for 29.0 sacks last year with Babin registering 18.0 and Cole reaching double digits for the third year in a row. Both players are back in 2012, along with Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins is one of the better playmakers at the defensive tackle spot, and he logged 5.5 sacks last year. The newcomer to the group is tackle Fletcher Cox. The first-round pick has a rare combination of size and strength, and he consistently made big plays in the backfield at the college level. Cox should fit right in with a group that led the NFL in sacks one year ago.
5. Detroit Lions
While this young group showed its immaturity at times, it also showcased is immense potential and talent. The Lions ranked in the top 10 in sacks last season, forced the fourth-most fumbles in the NFL, and led the league with seven defensive scores. Defensive ends Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch provide steady production off the edge, combining for 19.0 sacks one year ago. The X-factor for the unit will be the play of young defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Suh slumped a bit in 2011 after notching 10.0 sacks as a rookie, while Fairley battled injuries and focus issues as a rookie last year. Still, the two talented youngsters can dominate at times, and Detroit’s defensive line has the talent to be very special.
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