The NFL had another memorable slate of games this week, and difference-makers made their mark on both sides of the ball. Here are three of the top defensive performances from Week 17.
The New Orleans Saints pulled off the upset of Week 17 when they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 20-10, and edge rusher Cameron Jordan was a big reason why. Jordan notched 3.0 sacks, five solo tackles, and a forced fumble in the shocking victory. The seven-time Pro Bowler was due for a big game; Jordan had only tallied 5.5 sacks in his 14 previous starts.
Linebacker James Houston, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions played perhaps their most dominant game of the season on Sunday, utterly dismantling the Chicago Bears in a 41-10 win. Linebacker James Houston was the star of the show on defense, totalling 3.0 sacks, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in the decisive NFC North victory. Houston has been on an absolute tear since making his way into the lineup in Week 12: he has notched 8.0 sacks in his first six career games while playing a minuscule 110 defensive snaps. The Lions may have hit the jackpot with their 2022 sixth-round pick.
Edge Rusher Darrell Taylor, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks kept their playoff dreams alive with a 23-6 win over the New York Jets, and a dominant defense certainly played its part. Edge rusher Darrell Taylor stuffed the stat sheet with 2.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble, propelling his team to a key victory. It was a career day for the third-year pass rusher.
Photo Credit: © Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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