The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers dominated on defense last season, but there are other teams who are ready to make some noise defensively.
Last season, the Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl with the help of their top-ranked defense, which was one of the best units in NFL history.
Other teams such as the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers also performed extremely well on defense, but there are other teams who are bound to burst onto the scene.
Here are five teams whose defenses will improve in 2014.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers finished 21st in scoring defense last season, but they are primed to improve on that ranking and possibly enter the top 10. They signed defensive end Michael Johnson and cornerback Alterraun Verner in free agency, which will improve both their pass defense and pass rush in a heartbeat. Verner’s presence will greatly second-year cornerback Johnthan Banks, who is looking to improve upon a rough rookie season. Lovie Smith arriving as the Buccaneers’ head coach will also provide a spark for the defense as he was able to consistently bring life to the Chicago Bears defense.
4. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have struggled on defense since they won the Super Bowl in the 2010 season, but the unit showed potential before injuries piled up last season. They were near the top of the league in run defense before they completely fell apart in that area. The injury to Aaron Rodgers was a major factor why the defense was unable to perform well, but even with him healthy, the defense is in need of improvement. The Packers signed Julius Peppers in a rare free agency move, and he will take pressure off of outside linebacker Clay Matthews. HaHa Clinton-Dix will also provide an instant upgrade at safety while Casey Hayward returns healthy at cornerback.
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