Eagles and Titans headline NFL teams that surrendered fewest total yards in 2024. While the league showcases a variety of explosive offenses, the dominance of formidable defenses remains a pivotal element of the game, as evidenced by the Eagles’ and Titans’ impressive performances. These teams have proven that a strong defense can not only halt opponents but also secure victories, including a Super Bowl title for one of them.
Here are the top five defenses in the league last season, ranked by total yards allowed.
Team defense stats: 201.0 passing yards (sixth in the NFL), 114.0 rushing yards (11th), 315.0 total yards (fifth), and 21.9 points (14th) per game, with 49.0 sacks (tied for fourth).
Best performances:
- Defeated Chicago Bears 19-13 in Week 2
- Triumphed over Dallas Cowboys 34-10 in Week 11
- Conquered Miami Dolphins 20-12 in Week 15
Individual standouts:
- CB Derek Stingley Jr. (five interceptions, 18 passes defended)
- S Calen Bullock (five interceptions, 11 passes defended)
- DE Danielle Hunter (12.0 sacks)
- DE Will Anderson Jr. (11.0 sacks)
- LB Henry To’oTo’o (105 combined tackles)
Team defense stats: 210.6 passing yards (ninth), 103.7 rushing yards (ninth), 314.3 total yards (fourth), and 21.4 points (10th) per game, with 35.0 sacks (27th).
Best performances:
- Overcame Los Angeles Rams 23-15 in Week 10
- Defeated San Francisco 49ers 29-17 in Week 16
- Bested Cleveland Browns 20-3 in Week 17
Individual standouts:
- DT Zach Sieler (10.0 sacks, 55 combined tackles)
- LB Jordyn Brooks (143 combined tackles, 3.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries)
- LB Tyrel Dodson (three interceptions in eight games)
- CB Jalen Ramsey (two interceptions, 11 passes defended)
- CB Kader Kohou (two interceptions, eight passes defended)
Team defense stats: 192.6 passing yards (fourth), 121.1 rushing yards (17th), 313.8 total yards (third), and 23.8 points (20th) per game, with 43.0 sacks (tied for 11th).
Best performances:
- Dominated New England Patriots 24-3 in Week 3
- Limited Denver Broncos to 10 points in Week 4
- Defeated Houston Texans 21-13 in Week 9
Individual standouts:
- LB Quincy Williams (116 combined tackles, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries)
- LB Jamien Sherwood (158 combined tackles, NFL-high 98 solo tackles, 2.0 sacks)
- DE Will McDonald IV (10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles)
- S Tony Adams (one interception, six passes defended, 84 combined tackles)
- DL Quinnen Williams (6.0 sacks, 37 combined tackles)
Team defense stats: 177.3 passing yards (second), 133.9 rushing yards (26th), 311.2 total yards (second), and 27.1 points (30th) per game, with 32.0 sacks (30th).
Best performances:
- Conquered Miami Dolphins 31-12 in Week 4
- Triumphed over New England Patriots 20-17 (OT) in Week 9
- Limited Jacksonville Jaguars to 10 points in Week 14
Individual standouts:
- S Amani Hooker (five interceptions, nine passes defended, two forced fumbles)
- DT Jeffery Simmons (5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 76 combined tackles)
- LB Harold Landry III (9.0 sacks, 71 combined tackles)
- LB Arden Key (6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 42 combined tackles)
- LB Kenneth Murray (3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 95 combined tackles)
Team defense stats: 174.2 passing yards (first), 104.2 rushing yards (10th), 278.4 total yards (first), and 17.8 points (second) per game, with 41.0 sacks (tied for 13th).
Best performances:
- Dominated New York Giants 28-3 in Week 7
- Overcame Dallas Cowboys 34-6 in Week 10
- Bested Dallas Cowboys 41-7 in Week 17
Individual standouts:
- LB Zack Baun (five forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, 151 combined tackles)
- S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (six interceptions, 12 passes defended, one forced fumble)
- LB Nakobe Dean (3.0 sacks, one forced fumble, 128 combined tackles)
- S Reed Blankenship (four interceptions, one fumble recovery, 78 combined tackles)
- DT Jalen Carter (4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 42 combined tackles)
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