NFL Week 14: Top 3 Defenders

NFL Week 14 is officially in the books, and that means it's time to take a look back at some of the elite performances on the less-heralded side of the ball. Here are three of the top defensive performances from last week's games.

Linebacker Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens made one of the biggest splashes of the NFL trade deadline when they acquired Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith in exchange for a 2023 second-round and fifth-round picks. It appears to have paid off. Smith notched one sack, one interception, and another pass breakup in the Ravens' hard-fought 16-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He should only improve as he gets more experience on his new team.

Edge Rusher Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham could not be denied in his team's 48-22 win over the New York Giants. Graham logged 3.0 sacks and three tackles for loss in the game while also forcing a fumble. It was his second Player of the Week award this season and the eighth overall for an Eagles player this year.

Edge Rusher Josh Uche, New England Patriots

New England Patriots edge rusher Josh Uche notched 3.0 sacks and three tackles for loss in his team's 27-13 Monday Night Football win over the Arizona Cardinals. The performance is the culmination of an incredible six-game run for the third-year pass rusher: Uche has amassed an amazing 10 sacks since Week 8, the most of any player in the league. He only had four sacks in his previous 26 career appearances.

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports