All articles tagged with #pass rush
On Day 15 of Eagles camp, a relentless pass rush disrupted Jalen Hurts throughout, with Hunt and Moro Ojomo recording sacks and Jalen Carter forcing interior pressure while Cooper DeJean provided tight coverage; Makai Lemon returned to full participation and ran first-team reps, but he and DeVonta Smith had few big plays as practice wrapped in shells ahead of open practice and a preseason finale.
In Week 2 of the preseason, the Kansas City Chiefs showed significant tackle-depth concerns with Josh Simmons out due to a back injury, as Jaylon Moore, Khalil Benson and Esa Pole struggled in pass protection and raised questions about right tackle depth. If Simmons misses time, the offense would rely on extra chips and limit downfield throws. On defense, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Mason Thomas flashed as disruptive edge players, though rookie Peter Woods has been underwhelming with limited power and hand usage. Special teams delivered a jaw-dropping moment as Harrison Butker nailed a 69-yard field goal before halftime, underscoring the kicking game’s strength this season.
Detroit’s defense flashed a strengthening pass rush in a 17-13 preseason win over the Washington Commanders at Ford Field, tallying two sacks (one negated by a penalty), a forced fumble, and not allowing an offensive touchdown, suggesting the unit may be turning a previous weakness into a strength.
Atlanta adds veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith on a one-year contract to bolster a thin pass rush after injuries to Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. The 34-year-old three-time Pro Bowler, who has 70.5 career sacks and has played for several teams, had briefly retired before signing with Atlanta. He should immediate contribute to a rotation with Ojulari, Ebukam, Thomas and Trice and could see another addition before Week 1 as he ramps up.
Detroit's rain-soaked preseason opener against Cincinnati yielded a standout pass rush from Ahmed Hassanein (16.7 productive rating with 5 pressures, 2 sacks and a forced fumble), solid run-defense grades from Roger McCreary and Keith Abney, a strong yards-after-contact performance from Jacob Saylors, and a tough outing for Ennis Rakestraw in coverage, underscoring Lions' depth and some early roster questions.
At a chippy Santa Clara joint practice, the 49ers and Titans staged eight early scuffles. The 49ers’ pass rush was active and disruptive even without Nick Bosa, pressuring Titans QBs, while Titans left tackles were ejected early. San Francisco’s secondary made plays with multiple interceptions, and Fred Warner praised the unit. Rookie linebackers Jaden Dugger and Larry Worth flashed, Tonges showed up as a potential TE2, and Brock Purdy delivered an efficient day, connecting with receivers like DeMarcus Robinson and Stribling as expectations rise for his and the offense this season.
In a Rams-Cowboys joint practice, Matthew Stafford was largely precise with one interception by Justin Barron, while McVay praised his decision-making. Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson split second-team reps behind Stafford, with Bennett handling most of the snaps and Simpson showing flair on a redzone drive. The Rams’ offensive line rotation—featuring McClendon Jr., Jackson, Avila, and Dotson—facilitated a strong run and pass game, though Puka Nacua left early and others stepped up. On defense, Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart keyed the pass rush against Prescott and backups, Quentin Lake snagged a redzone interception, and Nate Landman piled up run stops, with Garrett held out as a precaution.
After Jalon Walker's injury, the Falcons turn to the free-agent market for run-stopping and pass-rush help. Leonard Floyd tops the list as a ready-made contributor, while others such as Kyle Van Noy, Von Miller, Haason Reddick, and Derek Barnett could add veteran depth; big names like Joey Bosa may be unlikely, but any addition could stabilize the defense as training camp opens, even if none can fully replace Walker.
A Packers training camp preview warns that missing star edge rusher Micah Parsons could derail the season, as the team would struggle to rush the passer with depth questions in the early games, potentially starting 2-5 or 3-4 without him, before a hoped Week 6 return, hinging on LaFleur's ability to adapt and a tougher second-half schedule.
As training camp opens, the New York Giants project a dynamic pass rush led by Burns, Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter with rookie Arvell Reese adding a new dimension, but the interior defensive line is a concern after trading Dexter Lawrence and Roy Robertson-Harris’s ACL injury; new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is expected to accelerate the rush this season, while a tougher, longer camp under coach John Harbaugh tests durability and Malik Nabers’ health (Nabers not on PUP), which will be crucial for Week 1.
The Los Angeles Rams pulled off a blockbuster deal to acquire All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett, upgrading their defense with a player many consider one of the greatest pass rushers of all time. At 31, Garrett is a rare physical specimen whose presence should dramatically boost the Rams’ front, complement a retooled secondary (Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson) and the creative scheme of defensive coordinator Chris Shula, and could push the Rams’ defense into a league-leading tier while providing more finishing ability than last year’s pass rush, potentially transforming the team into a top Super Bowl contender.
49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster called Myles Garrett an 'all-time great' and said he’ll present a difficult matchup after Garrett joined the Rams, noting he’s studying tape ahead of Week 1 in Melbourne against Garrett’s new team.
At Ravens OTAs, Mike Green flashed around the edge to pressure Lamar Jackson on the opening 11-on-11 play, kicking off a day of increased pass‑rush activity. Rookie Zion Young stood out with interior power rushes and a screen disruption, and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver called him “as good as advertised.” Undrafted rookies also applied pressure, while Keondre Jackson intercepted a pass and several others contributed, signaling a notable step forward for Baltimore’s pass rush as pads remain off.
A Sports Illustrated piece cites a defensive coordinator outlining how to slow Aaron Rodgers if he quarterbacks the Steelers in 2026: disrupt his passing reads with varied coverages and generate free rushes to force quicker decisions, while Pittsburgh’s revamped offense—headlined by an improved run game with Rico Dowdle and receivers Michael Pittman and Germie Bernard—could become more dynamic.
During the NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired defensive end Jonathan Greenard from the Vikings for the 98th pick, a future third, and a four-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed, while the 49ers passed on a move using the 90th pick (later used on Kaelon Black) and a future third to land Greenard. The 49ers instead drafted Romello Height at 70, hoping he becomes an impact edge rusher; the piece argues San Francisco should have been more aggressive to add a proven pass rusher with Greenard’s 38 sacks in 77 games, and may regret not acting.