Week 10 of the 2018 NFL season produced another slate of thrilling matchups, which included three big upsets. As we've seen over the first half of the season; one stop, one pass breakup or one pressure in an opportune, high leverage situation often makes the difference between a win and a loss in today’s NFL, so let’s highlight some of the players on the defensive side of the ball who stood out and made a difference in Week 10.
[Editor's note: Our signature stats, like our grades, are subject to change upon review. These statistics will become final once the review process is complete, and will be available to all PFF ELITE subscribers]
EDGE Dee Ford, Kansas City Chiefs
Key signature stat: Produced nine total pressures on 33 pass-rushing snaps
Ford continues to cement himself as one of the league's premier edge defenders. Against the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, the outside linebacker produced a sack, three hits and five hurries on his 33 pass-rushing snaps.
EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, Los Angeles Chargers
Key signature stat: Produced six total pressures on 23 pass-rushing snaps
The Chargers’ second-round pick continues to flash in his limited snaps. Against the Raiders in Week 10, he produced a sack, two hits and three hurries on his 23 pass-rushing snaps.
DI Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
Key signature stat: Produced seven total pressures on 31 pass-rushing snaps
While Ford has commanded a lot of attention, Jones deserves recognition for his stellar performance versus the Cardinals. He harassed Josh Rosen all day to the tune of two sacks, a hit and four hurries. He also logged two batted passes and forced a fumble.
LB Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills
Key signature stat: Allowed a passer rating of just 6.3 on throws into his primary coverage
Milano flew around the field making plays for the Bills defense on Sunday. He was particularly impressive in coverage, where he allowed just one reception for 18 yards on four targets, and he also snagged an interception in the process. He allowed just 0.75 yards per coverage snap and a passer rating of 6.3.
CB Prince Amukamara, Chicago Bears
Key signature stat: Allowed a passer rating of just 45.0 on throws into his primary coverage
The Bears defense dominated the Lions on Sunday, and that includes a strong performance from veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara. He amassed eight tackles and allowed six receptions from 10 targets for a total of 78 yards. He managed to corral an interception, and he allowed a 45.0 passer rating when targeted.
S Malcolm Jenkins, Philadelphia Eagles
Key signature stat: Produced five defensive stops on 69 defensive snaps
The Eagles fell to the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, but Jenkins still had a productive evening. Jenkins logged an impressive nine total tackles and five defensive stops on the night. He allowed just one reception for five yards in coverage.
CB Bryce Callahan, Chicago Bears
Key signature stat: Allowed a passer rating of just 8.3 in slot coverage
Another Bear makes the list, as Bryce Callahan turned in one of the best performances of the week. He was targeted six times, but allowed only three receptions for 16 yards, while he also produced an interception. Callahan locked down the slot and allowed an abysmal 8.3 passer rating on throws into his primary coverage.
DI Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
Key signature stat: Logged three run stops on 20 run defense snaps
Despite the loss to the Cowboys, Fletcher Cox was his usual self in the trenches. The star defensive tackle registered a hit and four hurries on the night, to go along with three tackles and three defensive stops. He was a factor against the run and the pass, producing a run stop percentage of 15.0% and a pressure percentage of 10.7%.