Ranking the NFL’s highest-graded run blockers and defenders in Week 9
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- The Bears‘ offensive line dominated the Bengals: Both Darnell Wright and Jonah Jackson were elite in the run game for Chicago.
- Nick Bolton assembled a career day in Buffalo: The Chiefs linebacker garnered a 93.2 PFF run-defense grade, the best in his young NFL tenure.
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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
Tackle: Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears – 95.5
While the passing attack got all the shine for the Bears in their incredible win against the Bengals, the run game was just as dominant. That was led by their third-year tackle, Darnell Wright. His 95.5 PFF run-blocking grade was the highest of his career, as Wright was tossing defenders all around the field.
Honorable Mention: Colton McKivitz, San Francisco 49ers – 93.0
Guard: Jonah Jackson, Chicago Bears – 89.7
Jonah Jackson joins his teammate as Week 9’s highest-graded run-blocker. Jackson’s 89.7 PFF run-blocking grade is the highest of his season, as he and teammate Darnell Wright dominated the right side of the Bears’ offensive line. The Bears’ offensive line continues to get better and better in the run game each week, as they now have the sixth-highest-graded run-blocking unit this season.
Honorable Mention: Dominick Puni, San Francisco 49ers – 86.4
Center: Ryan Neuzil, Atlanta Falcons – 84.0
Ryan Neuzil continues to have an impressive season for the Atlanta Falcons. Neuzil’s career year has him currently graded as PFF’s seventh-highest-graded center this season. That’s thanks in large part to his work as a run blocker. His 84.0 PFF run-blocking grade in Week 9 marks the second time he’s earned a single-game grade over 84.0.
Honorable Mention: Drew Dalman, Chicago Bears – 81.9
DEFENSE
Linebacker: Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs – 93.2
Despite the loss, Nick Bolton put together an elite performance as a run defender. Bolton had three tackles, six assisted tackles and three run stops with an average depth of tackle of -0.3 yards. Bolton had one of the best games of his career in the run game, highlighted by his career-best 93.2 PFF run-defense grade.
Honorable Mention: Blake Cashman, Minnesota Vikings – 92.2
Edge Defender: Andrew Van Ginkel, Minnesota Vikings – 80.6
Andrew Van Ginkel came back from injury in a major way. While typically known for his ability as a pass rusher and dropping into coverage, Van Ginkel finished as the highest-graded run-defending edge rusher in Week 9. Led by his two run stops, Van Ginkel was a huge factor in stopping the Lions’ vaunted run game, helping propel the Vikings to a massive win.
Honorable Mention: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas Cowboys – 80.0
Defensive Tackle: Travis Jones, Baltimore Ravens – 86.4
Travis Jones and the Baltimore Ravens dominated on Thursday night, holding the Dolphins’ offense to just six points. Jones was dominant as a run defender, posting an 86.4 PFF run-defense grade — the highest of his career. The fourth-year defender led the team with his two run stops, and more importantly, didn’t miss a tackle.
