NFL Week 10: Top 3 Defensive Performances

Week 10 had its share of amazing defensive performances, but these three players stood above the pack as incredible playmakers in crucial wins. Here are the top three defensive performances from Week 10.

Safety Rudy Ford, Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers safety Rudy Ford made his first start of the season in Week 10's 31-28 overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys, and he made it a good one. The sixth-year defensive back nabbed a pair of crucial interceptions that the Packers offense converted into touchdowns. He added 68 return yards on the picks and pitched in four tackles, helping the Packers put an end to a five-game losing streak and giving them life in the NFC.

Edge Rusher Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh Steelers

Linebacker T.J. Watt didn't stuff the stat sheet in his return, but his presence clearly reverberated across the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Playing across from Watt, edge rusher Alex Highsmith was the top star in the team's dominant 20-10 win over the New Orleans Saints. The third-year linebacker notched two sacks, five total tackles, and a forced fumble.

Cornerback Patrick Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

The Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings played the game of the year in Week 10, and no defender came through in the clutch more than cornerback Patrick Peterson. The eight-time Pro Bowler snatched a pair of dramatic red zone interceptions, including the game-sealing pick in overtime that preserved the Vikings' 33-30 win. Peterson's late-career resurgence with the Vikings is a big reason why they find themselves 8-1.
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