Rankings of the NFL’s highest-rated run blockers and defenders in Week 9

• Nick Bolton organized a career day in Buffalo: The Chiefs linebacker posted a PFF run defense grade of 93.2, the best in his young NFL tenure.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

At PFF, the run game is just as important as the passing game, and every play is carefully reviewed. Each week we take a look at the top-rated run blockers and run defenders from each position.

OFFENCE

Tackle: Darnell Wright Chicago Bears – 95.5

While the passing attack got all the shine for the Bears in their incredible win against the Bengals, the run game was just as dominant. That was led by their third-year tackle, Darnell Wright. His PFF run-blocking grade of 95.5 was the highest of his career as Wright threw defenders all over the field.

Honorable mention: Colton McKivitz, San Francisco 49ers – 93.0

Guard: Jonah Jackson, Chicago Bears – 89.7

Jonah Jackson joins his teammate as the highest-rated run-blocker of Week 9. Jackson’s run-blocking grade of 89.7 PFF is the highest of his season as he and teammate Darnell Wright dominated the right side of the Bears’ offensive line. The Bears’ offensive line is getting better and better in the run game every week, as they now have the sixth-highest rated run-blocking unit this season.

Honorable mention: Dominick Puni, San Francisco 49ers – 86.4

Center: Ryan Neuzil, Atlanta Falcons – 84.0

Ryan Neuzil continues to have an impressive season for the Atlanta Falcons. Neuzil’s career year currently has him rated as PFF’s seventh-highest rated center this season. That’s largely due to his work as a run blocker. His PFF run-blocking grade of 84.0 in Week 9 marks the second time he has posted a single-game grade above 84.0.

Honorable mention: Drew Dalman, Chicago Bears – 81.9

DEFENSE

Linebacker: Nick Bolton Kansas Town leaders – 93.2

Despite the loss, Nick Bolton put in an elite performance as a run defender. Bolton had three tackles, six assisted tackles and three run stops with an average tackle depth of -0.3 metres. Bolton had one of the best games of his career in the run game, highlighted by his career-best run defense grade of 93.2 PFF.

Honorable mention: Blake Cashman, Minnesota Vikings – 92.2

Edge Defender: Andrew Van Ginkel, Minnesota Vikings – 80.6

Andrew Van Ginkel returned from injury in an important way. Although Van Ginkel is typically known for his ability as a pass rusher and dropping into coverage, he finished Week 9 as the top-rated run-defending edge rusher. Led by his two run stops, Van Ginkel was instrumental in stopping the Lions’ vaunted run game, propelling the Vikings to a huge win.

Honorable mention: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas Cowboys – 80.0

Defensive tackle: Travis Jones, Baltimore Ravens – 86.4

Travis Jones and the Baltimore Ravens dominated on Thursday night, holding the Dolphins offense to just six points. Jones was dominant as a run defender, posting a PFF run defense grade of 86.4 – the highest of his career. The fourth-year defenseman led the team with his two run stops and, more importantly, didn’t miss a single tackle.

Honorable mention: Sebastian Joseph-Day, Tennessee Titans – 85.9