Just like Week 1, Week 2 was a roller coaster of emotions with upsets and wild comeback victories. There was plenty to take in and I did my best to navigate through the snaps and stats to find some potential waiver wire options for your IDP leagues. Please keep in mind there are many fun ways to play this IDP game we love and if you ever have any league-specific questions feel free to reach out. Alright, let’s get to it.
Linebackers
Frankie Luvu, Carolina Panthers
Week 2 Stats: 10 solo tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 pass defended
Frankie Luvu made this article last week and was the biggest surprise of all the linebackers on the list. I understand if managers were apprehensive about adding Luvu after Week 1, but this looks to be the real thing. Luvu led the Panther linebackers in playing time once again with 70 defensive snaps (96%), just ahead of Shaq Thompson, who saw 67 defensive snaps (92%).
Luvu did play about one-third of his snaps on the defensive line last week, but that number came down to about one-fifth this week. A promising trend as spending more time in the box is a positive move for his tackle output. If Luvu was slept on after his surprising Week 1, pick him up after two weeks of solid playing time and production.
Ernest Jones, Los Angeles Rams
Week 2 Stats: 12 tackles (5 solos), 1 tackle for loss
The Rams have typically only featured one consistent IDP-relevant linebacker in their defense. Could we be seeing a bit of shift? Ernest Jones saw his snap share increase from 58% (34 snaps) in Week 1, to 79% (48 snaps) in Week 2. Jones put his added snaps to good use producing a team-high 12 tackles (5 solos) and one tackle for loss.
It's only a two-week sample size, but Jones' role seems to be trending in the right direction. However, it will be important to keep tabs on his snap shares week-to-week, as the season is young. Hopefully, Jones can consistently hover around a 75%-80% snap range going forward. Jones is off to a nice start in his second season and is worth a pickup where available, just keep an eye on his playing time.
Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions
Week 2 Stats: 8 tackles (5 solos), 1 QB hit
Sixth-round rookie and Hard Knocks star Malcolm Rodriguez is one of the exciting young players on this feisty Detroit Lions team. Rodriguez saw his snap share increase from 60% (46 snaps) in Week 1, to 73% (54 snaps) in Week 2. The rookie's role is trending in the right direction and he's produced a solid 14 tackles (9 solos) and one tackle for loss through his first two professional games.
Currently, Alex Anzalone is the full-time linebacker and play caller for the Detroit defense. Anzalone's struggles are well documented and Rodriguez could supplant him if/when the Lions feel he's ready. Rodriguez is an exciting young player and his potential to seize a full-time role is appealing. Managers should still navigate this situation with a little bit of patience, but adding Rodriguez now is the type of preemptive move that could pay off.
Drue Tranquill, Los Angeles Chargers
Week 2 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos), .5 sack, 1 QB hit
The Chargers linebacker unit is always one of the trickier situations to get a grasp on. In Week 1, we saw Kenneth Murray lead the way in playing time with 41 defensive snaps (71%), followed by Drue Tranquill's 35 snaps (60%), and Kyle Van Noy's modest 28 defensive snaps (48%). However, there was a shift this week as Tranquill paced the group with a solid 84% snap share (48 snaps). Murray's role was reduced as he saw only 27 defensive snaps (47%) and Van Noy's role remained the same as he played only 26 snaps (46%).
While this group could still be a headache, Tranquill's ascension in Week 2 is a positive sign. When given a healthy snap share, Tranquill has proved to be a useful IDP asset. Tranquill is a deeper league add If you have room, as we see if this week's positive snap share trend holds.
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Jayon Brown, Las Vegas Raiders
Week 2 Stats: 12 tackles (8 solos)
The Raiders were without Denzel Perryman this week (ankle) and Jayon Brown saw his role expand as a result. Brown saw his snaps jump from 44 (66%) in Week 1, up to 67 (77%) in Week 2. Divine Deablo was once again the lead man in Las Vegas as he played all 87 defensive snaps.
Brown turned in a solid IDP output with the extra playing time, producing 12 tackles (8 solos) on the day. If Perryman were to remain unable to go, Brown is a spot start candidate in deeper leagues.
Defensive Line/Edge
J.J. Watt, Arizona Cardinals
Week 2 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended
After being inactive with a calf injury for Week 1, J.J. Watt made his return to the Cardinal defense in Week 2. Watt played 42 snaps (63%) in his return and had a nice debut notching his first sack of the season. While Watt isn’t the force he used to be, there is still some DL3/4 appeal while he’s healthy—however long that is. The 63% snap share is a solid workload for Watt in his first game and he’s a sound pickup if he was left on waivers after missing Week 1.
Randy Gregory, Denver Broncos
Week 2 Stats: 3 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 3 QB hits, 1 forced fumble
Randy Gregory had off-season shoulder surgery and saw his role scaled back a bit in Week 1 (26 snaps/47%).
In Week 2, Gregory saw an uptick in playing time as he logged 43 defensive snaps (68%). Gregory was disruptive off the edge and came up clutch with a fourth-quarter strip sack in a tight game. This is exactly what Bronco fans and IDP managers had in mind when Denver made it a point to bring Gregory in this off-season. Gregory looks healthy and is a fine wavier wire add in leagues with DL/Edge eligibility.
DreMont Jones, Denver Broncos
Week 2 Stats: 6 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumble
Speaking of Denver defensive lineman, Dre’Mont Jones came to play in Week 2. Jones had a quiet Week 1 but turned it on in Week 2, compiling an impressive six tackles (4 solos) and two sacks. Also encouraging with Jones are his hefty snap shares to start the season. Jones played 51 defensive snaps (93%) in Week 1 and then another 53 snaps (84%) in Week 2. This type of performance isn’t going to be the norm for Jones, but his snap volume is alluring if you’re looking for DL options in deeper leagues where options are scarce.
Rasheem Green, Houston Texans
Week 2 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits
Rasheem Green (thigh injury) was inactive for Week 1 but made his presence felt in Week 2. Green had an excellent debut (see stats above), and head coach Lovie Smith applauded his work as a pass rusher and run defender after the game. Snap share-wise, Green was right on pace with last week’s surprise star Jerry Hughes (who disappointed) as both played 39 defensive snaps (54%). Jonathan Greenard paced the defensive end unit once again with 42 defensive snaps (58%).
Green should continue to be involved after his strong Week 2 and encouraging words from his head coach. In deeper leagues where options are thin, Green is worth a look as he takes on a beatable Chicago offensive line in Week 3.
Justin Jones, Chicago Bears
Week 2 Stats: 8 tackles (5 solos), 2 tackles for loss
Justin Jones had a quiet Week 1 (two tackles) but was busy Week 2 against Green Bay’s rushing attack. Chicago brought in Jones to play three-technique along their defensive front, and he’s been steadily involved playing 43 snaps (63%) in Week 1 and 42 snaps (62%) in Week 2. The eight-tackle outing will likely be Jones' season-high as a defensive tackle, but his activity and plays behind the line are promising. Jones is only a name to consider in defensive-tackle required formats if you’re in need.
Defensive Backs
Julian Love, New York Giants
Week 2 Stats: 8 solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
The Giants decided to deploy a heavy amount of three safety looks in Week 2. Given the state of their lackluster linebacker room, this could be a trend that continues. Julian Love and Xavier McKinney both played all 58 defensive snaps, while rookie Dane Belton logged 46 defensive snaps (79%) in his first game action. Belton is a taxi squad stash candidate in dynasty leagues if available.
Love had ideal alignment for IDP production in Week 2, as he played 38 of his 58 defensive snaps up in the box, per Pro Football Focus. McKinney also spent a good amount of time in the IDP sweet spot (box, slot, DL), while Belton primarily aligned deep at free safety. Love's box role is primed for IDP production, and he makes for a great waiver addition where available.
Donovan Wilson, Dallas Cowboys
Week 2 Stats: 8 tackles (6 solos), 1 tackle for loss
The Cowboys expect to be without Jayron Kearse (knee) for the next 2-4 weeks. Donovan Wilson was tasked with playing the box role in Week 2, while Malik Hooker aligned primarily at free safety. Wilson saw a hefty 44 of his 69 defensive snaps up in the box, per Pro Football Focus. While Kearse is out, Wilson should be a solid option with an ideal role for IDP production.
Josh Jones, Seattle Seahawks
Week 2 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos)
Last week, the Seattle defense and IDP managers alike suffered a big loss when Jamal Adams was lost for the season with a knee/quad injury. Josh Jones came in after Adams exited and was next to Quandre Diggs in the starting lineup this week. Jones had a modest day in Week 2, but it should be better days ahead. Jones played more of the IDP-conducive box role, while Diggs aligned primarily at free safety. If you're looking for an Adams' replacement or just need reinforcements, Jones is a name to consider.
Caden Sterns, Denver Broncos
Week 2 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos)
With Justin Simmons (quad) being placed on injured reserve, the Broncos' defense will be without a key piece for at least four weeks. Second-year man Caden Sterns drew the start with Simmons out and played all 63 of Denver's defensive snaps on Sunday. Sterns is worth a look in deeper leagues as he should see the field plenty while Simmons is out.
Final Thoughts
The defensive side of football never disappoints. It keeps us on our toes to follow snaps, trends, and potential scheme adjustments. Stay tuned throughout the week as our fantastic IDP staff here at Footballguys will keep you up to date on all things defense. Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you all back next week.
Thanks for taking the time to read my article. Feel free to reach me on Twitter @KBellf54 with any questions or feedback.