Miami Hurricanes, returning to prominence with strong recruiting and a notable pass rush, are eager for revenge against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, but Ohio State is favored to win by about a touchdown due to their advantages in multiple positions.
The Dallas Cowboys' defense has struggled all season, characterized by a bend-and-break style that allows long drives and points, largely due to the loss of their star pass rusher and inadequate pass rush production. To improve, they need to focus on acquiring effective pass rushers and possibly changing defensive coordinators, with an emphasis on strengthening the trenches and finding players who can pressure the quarterback without blitzing.
The Cowboys' defense was highly aggressive against the Chargers, blitzing over half the time but failing to record a sack, allowing Herbert to complete most of his pressured throws and leading to a Chargers victory with 452 total yards and a standout performance by Quentin Johnston.
The Green Bay Packers' prospects for the 2025 season have significantly diminished, especially with Micah Parsons likely out for the year, exposing weaknesses in their pass rush and defense. The team faces a tough upcoming game against the Bears, with key players potentially returning from injury, but overall, expectations should be lowered for the remainder of the season.
The Denver Broncos' pass rush is on track to set an NFL record for sacks in a season, with 46 sacks through 10 games, potentially reaching 78 by season's end, surpassing the 1984 Bears' record of 72.
The San Francisco 49ers' defense will look significantly different in their upcoming game against the Rams due to multiple injuries and lineup changes, which could impact their performance against a strong Rams offense. The 49ers' pass rush has been underwhelming this season, and facing a well-protected Matthew Stafford will be challenging. Additionally, their rushing attack has struggled against top-tier defenses, and the game will be a tough test for their run game against the Rams' solid run defense.
The Patriots are evaluating their needs ahead of the NFL trade deadline, focusing on improving their offensive line, pass rush, and depth at running back and safety, while managing injuries and considering strategic trades to maintain their AFC East lead.
The Vikings secured a surprising 27-24 victory over the Lions in Detroit, led by a strong pass rush and special teams plays, including a kickoff return and a blocked field goal, while Lions QB Jared Goff was pressured throughout the game. The win improves the Vikings to 4-4, intensifying the NFC North race.
Michigan's 30-27 win over Nebraska highlighted key strengths like Justice Haynes' running ability and Jaishawn Barham's pass rush, while also revealing the need for improved discipline to maximize their potential for a successful season.
The Dallas Cowboys are struggling primarily due to a lack of pass rush, especially after trading Micah Parsons, which has left their defense vulnerable. Despite some individual efforts, the team has not replaced Parsons effectively, leading to poor pressure on quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Russell Wilson. The issues extend to turnovers, coaching decisions, and injuries, notably losing CeeDee Lamb, all contributing to their recent struggles. The upcoming game is expected to highlight the importance of a strong pass rush.
Dan Campbell anticipates an improved pass rush for the Detroit Lions in Week 2, focusing on better execution and exploiting opportunities against the Chicago Bears, who allowed significant pressure in their previous game. The Lions aim to leverage the extra attention on Hutchinson to create pressure from other players and improve their overall defensive performance.
The Miami Dolphins suffered a disappointing 33-8 loss to the Colts in Week 1, highlighting issues with their pass rush, offensive adjustments, and consistency, though there are some positives like the running game and the fact that it's only one game. The team needs to improve in multiple areas to avoid similar results in future games.
The Arizona Cardinals' revamped pass rush showed limited success in their 2025 opener against the Saints, primarily focusing on containment and preventing big plays rather than generating sacks, with only one sack recorded. The team plans to improve their pass rush in Week 2 against the Panthers, who also favor quick, underneath passes, highlighting the ongoing challenge of pressuring quarterbacks effectively.
The Lions' loss to the Packers was heavily influenced by poor red zone performance, struggles along the offensive line, and a lack of pass rush, highlighting areas for improvement as they prepare for their next game.
The Cleveland Browns are relying on rookie Mason Graham and veteran Maliek Collins to generate interior pressure and disrupt quarterback Joe Burrow, with the coaching staff emphasizing the importance of winning inside to secure a victory. Graham, a top draft pick, has shown promising development and quick adaptation to the team's attack-focused defensive system, potentially transforming the Browns' defensive line.