Ranking the NFL’s highest-graded run blockers and defenders in Week 6
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- The Bears slowed down the Commanders in a big way: Both Montez Sweat and Tremaine Edmunds made the list for their contributions on Monday night.
- Elijah Wilkinson‘s efforts fueled the Falcons‘ victory over the Bills: The tackle produced a 90.3 PFF run-blocking mark, his best since 2023.
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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
At PFF, the run game matters just as much as the pass game, and every play is meticulously graded. Each week, we’ll be looking at the highest graded run blockers and run defenders from each position.
OFFENSE
The Atlanta Falcons gained a huge win on Monday night led by their ground game, and journeyman tackle Elijah Wilkinson led the charge with his highest PFF run-blocking grade since 2023. Wilkinson and the Falcons thrived in their zone blocking scheme, running it 75% of the time. Wilkinson produced an 86.3 PFF run-blocking grade on such runs.
Honorable Mention: Bernhard Raimann, Indianapolis Colts – 88.0
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line continues to dominate on the ground. Despite the loss, Christian Mahogany was a force. The second-year guard compiled the highest PFF run-blocking grade among all offensive linemen in Week 6. After a strong showing in the back half of his rookie season, Mahogany became a starter this season, and he’s starting to put it together as a run blocker. He’s now assembled two straight weeks with a PFF run-blocking grade over 83.0.
Honorable Mention: Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts – 89.8
The Carolina Panthers dominated on the ground in Sunday’s win, rushing for over 200 yards. While three of the team’s five starting offensive linemen finished with a PFF run-blocking grade over 74.0, Mays’ 86.7 run-blocking grade led the way. The fourth-year center posted the second-highest run-blocking grade of his career, paving the way for a huge ground game.
Honorable Mention: John Michael Schmitz Jr., New York Giants – 84.7
DEFENSE
Linebacker: Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears – 90.8
The Chicago Bears secured a big victory on Monday night, and it was led by their defensive performance. Tremaine Edmunds was one of three Bears players with a PFF run-defense grade over 84.0. Edmunds finished with four tackles, three of them being run stops, and a career-best 90.8 run-defense mark.
Honorable Mention: Alex Singleton, Denver Broncos – 90.4
Edge Defender: Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears – 91.4
Another Bears player makes the list for their performance Monday night. This time, it’s Montez Sweat. The former Commander made a statement against his former team. Sweat recorded two run stops and a forced fumble, leading to his 91.4 PFF run-defense grade — the highest of his Bears career.
Honorable Mention: Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants – 84.0
Defensive Tackle: Grover Stewart, Indianapolis Colts – 82.2
Grover Stewart led the way for defensive tackles in Week 6 with his showing against the Arizona Cardinals. Stewart finished with the second-highest grade on the Colts’ defense, led by his performance in the run game. Stewart’s four tackles and three run stops were tied for the second-most among all defensive tackles in Week 6.
