NFL Week 9: Top 3 Defensive Performances

With Week 9 in the books, it's time to look back at some of the players who contributed memorable efforts for their team. Here are the top three performances by defenders from this week's slate.

Edge Rushers Matt Judon and Josh Uche, New England Patriots

It's impossible to pick just one defender from the New England Patriots' 26-3 dismantling of the Indianapolis Colts, so we won't. Matt Judon and Josh Uche both set career-highs with 3.0 sacks a piece, contributing to a Patriots' record 9.0 sacks on the day. Overall, the Patriots held the Colts to a pathetic 121 total yards of offense and an astonishing 0/14 on third down. Judon is making a compelling case for Defensive Player of the Year: his 11.5 sacks lead the league.

Defensive Lineman Javon Hargrave, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have maybe the deepest roster in the league, with countless stars on both sides of the ball. None of them outshone Javon Hargrave in Week 9. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle feasted on the Houston Texans, notching seven total tackles and 3.0 sacks in a 29-17 victory. Should he win NFC Defensive Player of the Week, he'll be the sixth Eagle to take home one of the weekly honors this season. Incredible.

Edge Rusher Justin Houston, Baltimore Ravens

Perhaps no defensive player had quite so complete a game as Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Justin Houston. The four-time Pro Bowler stuffed the stat sheet with 2.5 sacks, two tackles for a loss, and an interception in the Ravens' 27-13 Monday Night Football win over the New Orleans Saints. It was the best game of what has been a resurgent season for the 33-year-old: Houston has notched 8.5 sacks in only six appearances this year. 

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