NFL Defenses Show Varied Improvement Amid Season Challenges

Teams from college to the NFL are prioritizing fundamentals, chemistry and accountability as they try to fix defensive issues across the board. Georgia coach Kirby Smart said the Bulldogs’ biggest need is tackling and creating more third-and-long opportunities after allowing 30+ points twice and struggling on third downs. The Atlanta Falcons’ loss to Miami exposed a run-defense lapse and suggested mindset and collective effort — not just missing players — was the deeper problem despite the unit’s strong overall statistics. Atlanta will use a committee to replace Divine Deablo and is emphasizing “11 to the ball” and swarm tackling to regain consistency. In Indianapolis, DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore II and Zaire Franklin led a culture reset around accountability and camaraderie that has helped the Colts’ defense rebound to a 7-1 start. And in Las Vegas the cornerback room remains a clear weakness, with coaches urging young Kyu Blu Kelly to eliminate mistakes and take the next step quickly.