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NFL defenses face many challenging tasks as they attempt to slow down the high-powered offenses featured across the league. One of the many responsibilities they have is to slow down the opposing rushing attack. Teams that can consistently run the ball often find offensive success, so it's important for the defense to contain their effort.
Two ways to judge a rushing defense is by looking at the yards allowed per game as well as the yards allowed per carry. This gives a pretty accurate representation of a run defense's success. While many defenses have been solid this year, here are still the five teams who have been the worst at stopping the opposing run game this season entering Week 12.
#5 - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears' defense struggled to stop the run during the early stages of the 2022 NFL season. Things have become even more challenging since trading away Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens and Robert Quinn to the Philadelphia Eagles. They allow the fourth-most rushing yards per game and eighth-most yards per carry this year.
#4 - New York Giants
The New York Giants have struggled to slow down opposing rushers all year. They are one of only six NFL teams allowing more than 137 rushing yards per game. They are also one of only four teams allowing more than five yards per carry. On the other hand, they have one of the best rushing offenses. Saquon Barkley trails only Derrick Henry in total rushing yards this season.
#3 - Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers' defense is loaded with superstars. This includes Derwin James, JC Jackson, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack. However, they have severely underperformed this season, especially against the rush. They allow the third-most rushing yards per game while being the worst in the NFL in yards allowed per carry.
#2 - Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have been one of the worst overall defensive units during the 2022 NFL season. They currently allow the most total yards and the most points per game in the entire league. This includes their rushing defense that ranks second-worst in both yards per game allowed and yards per carry allowed.
#1 - Houston Texans
The Houston Texans allow the most rushing yards per game by a wide margin. They enter Week 12 allowing at least 25 more rushing yards per game than any other team. They are also one of only four teams allowing more than five yards per carry.
