NFL Preview: Top Defense

Since we are about to embark on the final week of preseason football, it is time for those usually-oh-so-wrong NFL preseason picks. Here at Every Day is a Sports Day, we will take a look at our collective crystal balls and try to divine the future of the league by  using both last season's results, the preseason, darts being thrown blindly at a wall. Some of the writers got together to discuss our picks for Best Defense, Rookie of the Year, MVP, and our Super Bowl picks and champions. We'll get the festivities started today with our thoughts on who the best defense in the league will be and follow up with the other categories throughout the week.

Best Defense

John: Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals were the surprise defense of the league last year. The only thing that seemed to slow down their front seven was a big hit from the injury bug. They come back this season with another year of experience for the young defensive squad that should definitely improve on last year's numbers. The Bengals ranked 6th in points allowed last season with 18.2 per game and fourth in yards allowed (301.4). Expect Antawn Odom, Domata Peko, Rey Maualuga, Keith Rivers, and Leon Hall to become household names this season.

Johnny C: Green Bay Packers.
Michelle: Green Bay Packers.
Even though the Packers are currently trying to get past some tough injuries to cornerback Al Harris and safety Atari Bigby, they should still be a force to be reckoned with once they hit their stride. They were second in defense last year and the best in the NFC. They also lead the NFL in both defense against the run and forcing turnovers. Second year defensive coach Dom Capers should have another good year with this defense with the Packers tauted as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.


Kevin: Oakland Raiders.
There is a good amount of discord in terms of the Raiders potential for the 2010 season. One thing that should see a great improvement is the front seven of the Oakland defense as they introduced some new components in the offseason. First and second round selections middle linebacker Rolondo McClain and defensive lineman Lamarr Houston will be probably plugged into the defense from day one. The Raiders hope that the learning curve is not too steep for these two as expectations regarding their contributions to the team are riding high. With the addition of John Henderson and Kamerion Wimbley in the offseason as well as last season's trade for Richard Seymour, the Raiders appear to have a formidable core. Not to mention one of the best NFL corners in Nnamdi Asomugha.

Sport4Prophet: New York Jets.
Even with the absence of leading pace rusher Calvin Pace and Darrelle Revis's holdout the Jets still have the tool to be one of the best defenses in football. First of all, there are many rumors that indicate Revis's holdout will end soon. In the meantime Antonio Cromartie (nickname AlCROtraz) and Kyle Wilson (one of the top corners in this year's draft class) will try and fill in on Revis Island. Plus you still have a guy named Rex Ryan whose coaching helped this team to have the NFL's best defense last year. People say the NFL is a passing league? Well the Jets were the best against the pass last season only allowing 154 yards per game through the air last year. They also were number one in scoring defense last year so if you turn the ball over against these guys, expect them to take it to the house.