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Run Defense

All articles tagged with #run defense

Bills Aim to Stifle Texans' Ground Game in Season Opener
sports1 month ago

Bills Aim to Stifle Texans' Ground Game in Season Opener

Buffalo’s run defense, revamped under new coordinator Jim Leonhard after a poor 2025, faces an early test against Houston’s ground attack led by Woody Marks and David Montgomery. With Ed Oliver back from injury and veterans Bradley Chubb and Greg Gaines, the Bills aim to tighten run gaps and create more opportunities for Josh Allen, while the Texans’ rebuilt line and 1-2 backfield potential provide Buffalo a chance to show the improved front seven in Week 1.

Huskers Kick Off Season vs Ohio With Four Key Storylines
sports1 month ago

Huskers Kick Off Season vs Ohio With Four Key Storylines

Nebraska opens Matt Rhule’s fourth year against Ohio with four key storylines: Anthony Colandrea makes his starting QB debut after a standout UNLV season; several depth-chart battles—at running back, right tackle, and the second cornerback—will play out in live action; Rob Aurich’s 4-2-5 defense aims to shore up the run against a run-heavy Bobcats attack; and the Frank Solich connection adds an off-field thread as Solich returns to Memorial Stadium for honors and to be part of the day’s events.

Hassanein shines as Lions' preseason opener highlights pass rush
sports1 month ago

Hassanein shines as Lions' preseason opener highlights pass rush

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.

Vikings Add Run-Blocking DT Domonique Orange at No. 82
sports5 months ago

Vikings Add Run-Blocking DT Domonique Orange at No. 82

The Vikings selected Iowa State nose tackle Domonique 'Big Citrus' Orange at No. 82 in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a run-stuffing interior presence to pair with Caleb Banks and Jake Golday to bolster the front seven. At 6'2", 322 pounds, Orange is known for occupying blockers rather than flashing pass rush, having limited sacks in college. The pick earned an instant grade of B, reflecting value in beefing up the trenches despite other needs.

Ravens land Zion Young at 45 to bolster edge rush and run defense
sports5 months ago

Ravens land Zion Young at 45 to bolster edge rush and run defense

Baltimore selected Missouri edge rusher Zion Young with the No. 45 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Baltimore Beatdown’s staff gave the pick high marks, praising Young’s power-run defense, versatility to rush from outside or inside, and immediate impact potential alongside Trey Hendrickson and Mike Green, with a path to double-digit sacks as he develops. Some analysts suggest Baltimore could target a center or tight end at No. 80 to complete the move.

Bills pivot to Day 2 with LB and nose tackle targets after blockbuster trades
sports5 months ago

Bills pivot to Day 2 with LB and nose tackle targets after blockbuster trades

Buffalo used a flurry of trades to move back into the second round (No. 35, plus a later No. 66) and now faces Day 2 with a plan to add value at edge/OLB, off-ball linebacker and nose tackle to shore up a suspect run defense behind Rousseau, Chubb and Hoecht. Targets discussed include Cashius Howell, Jacob Rodriguez, CJ Allen, Kayden McDonald, and Anthony Hill.

Bengals swap No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence to bolster run defense
nfl5 months ago

Bengals swap No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence to bolster run defense

The Bengals traded the No. 10 overall pick to the Giants to acquire Dexter Lawrence, a move aimed at shoring up a leaky run defense (147.1 rushing yards per game and 5.22 ypc in 2025) with Lawrence set to earn about $22 million in 2026 and $25 million in 2027; Duke Tobin called the deal too good to pass up as Cincinnati pursues a playoff run, hoping Lawrence sparks a stronger 2026 run stop while the Giants allowed 145.3 ypg and 5.31 ypc last season.

Jets land mammoth DT Sweat to shore up run defense
sports7 months ago

Jets land mammoth DT Sweat to shore up run defense

The Jets traded Jermaine Johnson to the Titans for defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, an early-second-round pick from Texas. Sweat is a 366-pound run-stuffer who has posted strong run-defense grades (rookie 75.0, 2025 79.3) and solid pass-rush numbers (2025 grade 74.1) while boasting superb tackling (career 4.4% missed-tackle rate). After starting 28 of 29 games for Tennessee and increasingly playing nose tackle in 2025, he should anchor the Jets' 3-4 middle, upgrading run defense and offering more pass rush than New York's prior interior options. The trade is viewed as a potential steal given Sweat's size, film, and versatility.

Austin: 'Bigs' No Longer Operating Sideways
sports9 months ago

Austin: 'Bigs' No Longer Operating Sideways

The Steelers' run defense has become the best in the NFL over the last three games, thanks to strong play from their front line and perimeter defenders like Joey Porter Jr., with coach Teryl Austin highlighting their disciplined, square blocking and tackling. The return of T.J. Watt is anticipated to further bolster the defense, while offensive decisions, such as a recent aggressive play call, reflect ongoing efforts to improve.

Patriots Dominance and Key Player Highlights in Browns Victory
sports11 months ago

Patriots Dominance and Key Player Highlights in Browns Victory

The Patriots are on a five-game winning streak, with standout performances from QB Drake Maye and coach Mike Vrabel, complemented by innovative play-calling from OC Josh McDaniels. The defense has also excelled, especially in run stopping against Browns star Myles Garrett and rookie RB Quinshon Judkins, showcasing a strategic shift in their defensive front. Overall, the Patriots' combination of strong coaching, emerging offensive talent, and stout defense has contributed to their impressive 6-2 start.

Titans' Key Players Shine Despite Loss to Colts
sports11 months ago

Titans' Key Players Shine Despite Loss to Colts

The Titans suffered a 38-14 loss to the Colts, with key moments including Cam Ward's passing, a critical fourth-down punt that led to an 80-yard touchdown, a poor run defense allowing 153 yards and three touchdowns from Jonathan Taylor, and standout performances from rookie Gunnar Helm and Chimere Dike. The game highlighted areas for improvement, especially in run defense and decision-making on fourth downs.

Penn State's Losing Streak Extends to Four After Iowa Defeat
sports11 months ago

Penn State's Losing Streak Extends to Four After Iowa Defeat

Penn State lost 25-24 to Iowa in a game marked by a season-ending injury to quarterback Drew Allar, leading to a challenging performance by backup Ethan Grunkemeyer. The team struggled with its run defense, allowing Iowa to average 6.8 yards per carry, but Kaytron Allen was a bright spot with 145 rushing yards. The game highlighted issues in Penn State's passing game and run defense, contributing to their first losing record since 2020.