Top 10 “Big Play” NFL Defensive Players

It’s no doubt that big defensive plays in the NFL can quickly change the complex of a game and help spark a team’s offense when they are struggling. In week 14, we saw a great example of this as the Pittsburgh Steelers went on to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23 to 7. The Bengals took an early lead in the game to go up 7-0. With the Steelers offense unable to put any points on the board, Troy Polamalu broke the ice with a 45 yard interception return for a touchdown. This play single handedly changed the entire complexion of the game and put an end to any offensive hopes Carson Palmer and the Bengals had. This play was followed by another pick six on Carson Palmer by Pittsburgh’s LaMarr Woodley as well as a 2nd interception by Polamalu to seal the victory for the Steelers. We are likely to see more of the same from Polamalu in next week’s big match up against the AFC East New York Jets.

Troy Polamalu is certainly one of the most notably defensive players in the league today, but he isn’t the only one making these type of game changing plays. Lets take a look at the top 10 defensive players in the league who are known for their ability to make game changing plays that can alter anyNFL predictions you may have had.

Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers

Years Played: 8
Career Tackles: 392
Career Sacks: 8.0
Career Interceptions: 26

Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears

Years Played: 11
Career Tackles: 786
Career Sacks: 41.5
Career Interceptions: 18

Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens

Years Played: 8
Career Tackles: 346
Career Sacks: 66.5
Career Interceptions: 5

Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles

Years Played: 8
Career Tackles: 297
Career Sacks: 0.0
Career Interceptions: 42

Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears

Years Played: 9
Career Tackles: 344
Career Sacks: 89.0
Career Interceptions: 7

Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

Years Played: 15
Career Tackles: 838
Career Sacks: 38.5
Career Interceptions: 30

James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers

Years Played: 8
Career Tackles: 348
Career Sacks: 48.5
Career Interceptions:5

DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

Years Played: 6
Career Tackles: 321
Career Sacks: 74.0
Career Interceptions: 1

Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts

Years Played: 9
Career Tackles: 233
Career Sacks: 92.0
Career Interceptions: 0

Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens

Years Played: 9
Career Tackles: 398
Career Sacks: 5.0
Career Interceptions: 50

Disagree with our list? Let us know your top 10 big play defensive players in the comment section below.