In this series, the Last Word on Sports NFL department will be selecting the best players in each division by position. With many changes coming to the NFC East team’s defenses this off-season, let’s take a look at the 2022 All-NFC East defensive team.<\/p>\n
For the All-NFC East defensive team,\u00a0Chase Young<\/a>\u00a0headlines as the best defensive lineman. Young suffered an ACL injury last season that will keep him off the field for at least week one. However, Young is a true talent and should continue terrorizing NFC offenses once he is back on his feet for the Washington Commanders<\/a>. Young has had a rough start to his career with an above-average rookie season followed by a season-ending injury in 2021. The former Buckeye has amassed 9.0 sacks in two seasons with six passes defended and six fumbles forced. Young is primed for a breakout season leading this high-powered defensive line<\/p>\n Next to Young stands\u00a0Fletcher Cox<\/a>. Cox is a highly talented veteran who has spent all 10 NFL seasons playing for the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>. Cox has long since preyed on NFC East offenses with 58 total sacks and 14 forced fumbles. The big defensive lineman is notorious for plugging up the running game and pursuing opposing quarterbacks and should continue to do the same leading a revamped Eagles in 2022.<\/p>\n Jonathan Allen<\/a>\u00a0lands at the second defensive tackle position next to Cox. Allen has been great since entering the league in 2017 with 26 total sacks. The Washington Commanders have had offensive struggles in the past, but players like Allen, Montez Sweat, and Chase Young have been able to keep themselves in games defensively. The Commanders are looking at another great defensive season led by Allen and Young on opposite sides of the defensive line.<\/p>\n Daron Payne, Dexter Lawrence, and Leonard Williams are several other names who could be listed on the defensive line. Payne has had a good career since entering the NFL from Alabama in 2018. He could build on his 14.5 sacks and find himself on this list next year alongside his Washington teammates. Lawrence and Williams both head up the defensive line for the New York Giants. Both Lawrence and Williams hope to capitalize on a new season with high expectations starting with the defensive line.<\/p>\n Demarcus Lawrence<\/a>\u00a0commands the other end of the defensive line. The veteran pass rusher has racked up 48.5 sacks over eight seasons playing for the Dallas Cowboys<\/a>. He missed a large chunk of last season with a broken fifth metatarsal. He was later activated on December 2nd but was only able to register three sacks and five passes defended in 2021. The veteran pass rusher is still very talented and should bounce back this year to lead a young Cowboys defensive line. The Cowboys defensive line will depend on the health of Lawrence and solid play from young guys like Neville Gallimore, Carlos Watkins, and Osa Odighizuwa.<\/p>\n Micah Parsons<\/a> had a tremendous rookie season with 84 tackles, 62 solo tackles, and a whopping 13 sacks. Parsons brought life to a struggling defense by pressuring opposing quarterbacks early and often. The former Nittany Lion was selected to the Pro Bowl and was awarded first-team All-Pro as a rookie. Parsons was also awarded the Defensive Rookie of the Year unanimously. He will look to continue his dominance by pressuring the quarterback and covering the middle of the field.<\/p>\n A Micah Parsons Year 2 jump? \ud83d\ude33 pic.twitter.com\/TWRAXxJQV5<\/a><\/p>\n — PFF (@PFF) July 28, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nDefensive Tackle: Fletcher Cox, Eagles<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Defensive Tackle: Jonathan Allen, Commanders<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Defensive End: Demarcus Lawrence, Cowboys<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Linebacker: Micah Parsons, Cowboys<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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