-2022 NFL Schedule -Strength of Schedule
MOCK DRAFT
Ask the Commish.Com 2022 Draft Kit
Carolina's defense has been hurt by their offense not moving the ball. In fact, Carolina's offense rarely sustained drives which put the defense in a position to defend a short field -- inflating their yards allowed defensive stats last season. With Sam Darnold or Matt Corral starting at quarterback, we see no reason to expect anything vastly different. This is a well-coached and talented group, but it’s being wasted.
Over the last few seasons, the Browns have really improved their defense. Investments made in the Cleveland Browns defense provided some rewards. The unit allowed the second-lowest yards per play (5.0) and the Myles Garrett-Jadeveon Clowney duo dominated. However, Cleveland surrendered the sixth-worst conversion rate (66.7%) inside the red zone. With Clowney re-signed to a new deal, the dangerous pass-rushing duo returns and this front seven is deeper than the 2021 season. If the mental mistakes of some coaching blunders get fixed, the ceiling is even higher. The problem is that Cleveland has evolved into a real clown show -- and it may be a good idea to steer clear.
T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward are two of the best players in the NFL. Unfortunately, that’s not remotely enough for the Pittsburgh Steelers. We saw this team allow 146.1 rush ypg in 2021, the worst run defense in the NFL. Against the pass, Pittsburgh ranked 16th in yards per attempt (7.1). Overall, the Steelers ranked 24th in second-half points allowed per game (12.8). A healthy Tyson Alualu and adding Myles Jack isn’t nearly enough to fix things. A year removed from being in the top five, the Steelers will enter 20th in Sportsnaut’s NFL defense rankings.
Tennesee improved a lot last season to finish 11th. They likely will have a tough time reaching that again in 2022.