The Defensive Dilemmas of the NFL's Top 10

Week 3 of the NFL season brought plenty of excitement, with multiple games decided by last-second heroics. However, a closer look at the league's top-ranked teams reveals that even the best defenses have their issues. Here's a breakdown of the biggest defensive problems facing the NFL's top 10 teams.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)

Biggest Issue: Run Defense The Eagles, despite their perfect record, have a significant problem stopping the run. They rank last in the league with a 45.1% success rate against the run and are giving up over 133 yards per game on the ground. This is a fixable problem for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, but it's an issue that could haunt them later in the season.

2. Buffalo Bills (3-0)

Biggest Issue: Getting off the field The Bills' defense has struggled to end drives, particularly on third downs. Against the Dolphins, they allowed Miami to convert 10 of 15 third-down attempts, which kept the game uncomfortably close. They've also given up five touchdowns in the red zone this season, a number they hope to lower when key players return from injury.

3. Detroit Lions (2-1)

Biggest Issue: Pass Rush Outside of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions' pass rush has been a non-factor. They have a league-low 22.0% pass rush win rate and lack depth at the position. While they did have a stellar seven-sack performance against the Ravens, they will need other players to step up to take pressure off Hutchinson.

4. Los Angeles Chargers (3-0)

Biggest Issue: Fourth-down Stops The Chargers' defense has been excellent, but their Achilles' heel is stopping opponents on fourth down. They have the 22nd-ranked fourth-down defense in the league, allowing a 71% conversion rate. This issue nearly cost them the game against the Broncos, who scored a 52-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-one play.

5. Green Bay Packers (2-1)

Biggest Issue: Lack of Takeaways Last season, the Packers were a takeaway machine, but this year has been a different story. They have a grand total of just two takeaways through three games and have yet to force a fumble. This lack of turnovers is a stark contrast to last year and something they've stressed in practice.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0)

Biggest Issue: Fourth-quarter Stops The Buccaneers are a surprising 3-0, but they've been living on the edge. They have the lowest point differential of any 3-0 team in NFL history, in large part because of their defensive struggles in the fourth quarter. They've allowed 5.8 yards per play in the final quarter, giving up two touchdowns against the Jets, making their close games a nail-biting affair.

7. Baltimore Ravens (1-2)

Biggest Issue: Poor Tackling The Ravens' defense, a source of pride for the organization, has struggled with tackling this season. They have given up the fourth-most yards after contact in the league, a stat that infuriated head coach John Harbaugh. He stated that this is "not who we are" and that it "has to be better."

8. Los Angeles Rams (2-1)

Biggest Issue: Cornerback Depth The Rams decided against a trade for a big-name cornerback this offseason, a decision that has come back to bite them. They lost cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to injury in Week 2 and have struggled with depth at the position. While they held the Eagles to negative passing yards in the first half, they crumbled in the second, giving up three touchdown passes.

9. Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

Biggest Issue: Pass Rush Outside of Chris Jones The Chiefs' defense has been decent, but they lack a consistent pass rush outside of Chris Jones. With Jones often double-teamed, the rest of the defensive line has struggled to take advantage of one-on-one matchups. They will need players like George Karlaftis or Charles Omenihu to step up and create pressure on their own.

10. Washington Commanders (2-1)

Biggest Issue: Big Plays Allowed The Commanders have been prone to giving up big plays, allowing 20 pass plays of 15 yards or more this season, tied for second-most in the league. Too often, these are a result of blown coverage and poor eye discipline in the secondary, something they will need to fix to remain a contender.