The 5 Best NFL Defenses Through Week 5

Arizona Cardinals

Adjusted Defensive NEP/P: -0.050 (3rd)
Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP/P: -0.040 (4th)
Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP/P: -0.059 (6th)

The Cardinals have followed up their impressive 2014 campaign, finishing as the seventh most efficient unit last season according to our advanced metrics, and now sit third on our early-season list.

While this team hasn't generated a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks -- their unimpressive eight sacks on the year rank them as a bottom-10 unit in this category -- what has been impressive is the number of turnovers this secondary has been able to generate despite this.

Thanks to a combined five interceptions by safeties Rashad Johnson and Tyrann Mathieu to go along with Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson's two, this unit leads the league in interceptions with 11 and is second in the NFL in turnovers with 13.

And with Deone Buchannon and Tony Jefferson rounding out a very talented, if not elite secondary, expect this unit to continue their early-season success -- perhaps not only to the top of the NFC West but also deep into the playoffs.