Unsung heroes of the 2023 NFL season: One underrated or surprise contribution from each AFC team.
On Thursday, February 8, NFL Honors (9 p.m. ET on CBS/NFL Network/Paramount+/NFL+) will highlight the stars of the 2023 NFL season. What about the players who made significant contributions yet went unnoticed?
Kevin Patra is celebrating one unsung hero from each club, focusing on players whose achievements were not recognized with Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors. Some names you know, some are acknowledged by only ardent fans, while some are simply surprise difference-makers who don’t get the respect they deserve.
All of the parts in coordinator Mike Macdonald’s defense work together seamlessly, like a smashmouth symphony — and while some instruments create more noise than others, all seats must be filled for the concert to sound well. Geno Stone is one of those underappreciated brass horns that makes a great impression when it’s his moment to shine. This season, the fourth-year player came into his own, with seven interceptions, second-most in the NFL, as well as nine passes defended and 68 total tackles, both of which were career highs. The Ravens have relied on Stone’s versatility and range in the backfield. Five of his selections occurred when he was situated as a safety in zone coverage, the most by any player in such an alignment in 2023, according
Ed Oliver had a stellar season, leading all Bills players with 60 quarterback pressures and a personal-best 9.5 sacks. According to Next Gen Stats, the penetrating defensive tackle had the sixth-best pressure rate (13.3%) among his position (minimum 300 pass rushes). The 26-year-old routinely burnt double teams on the interior, with 20 QB pressures versus double teams, which tied him for third among all players. While Oliver thrived in the pocket, he was no slouch against the run, with a 6.4% run-stuff rate, the highest among DTs (minimum 150 run snaps). The Bills signed Oliver to a four-year, $68 million contract extension last summer. He was worth the money in 2023.
Cam Taylor-Britt had four interceptions (one for a touchdown), 11 passes defended, one forced fumble, and 50 tackles, 40 of which were solo. Taylor-Britt, the Bengals’ defensive anchor, was in the top ten among corners in completion percentage allowed (53.4%) and quarterback rating against (67.6), according to Pro Football Focus (minimum of 350 snaps). Due to attrition, the Bengals had a youthful secondary in 2023, and Taylor-Britt’s physical play (he forced tight-window throws at a rate of 23.1%, according to NGS) in his second season helped to buoy the group. If he hadn’t missed time due to a mid-season ankle injury, the former second-round choice would have undoubtedly received more attention.
The Browns’ fearsome defense might not have been as effective without Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in the middle. The linebacker led Cleveland in total tackles with 98 (21 more than the next closest player), 20 of which were for loss. In 16 games, he recorded 3.5 sacks, six passes defensed, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Everything clicked for JOK in his debut year under coordinator Jim Schwartz’s defense, as the speedy linebacker knifed into the backfield on a regular basis. His -37.5 run-stop EPA ranked tenth among all defenders in 2023, according to Next Gen Stats.
The Broncos offense may have struggled this season, but Quinn Meinerz stood out on the interior. Meinerz, who had power and an aggressive temper that he utilized to shove defenders, was one of the league’s finest run-blocking guards in 2023. He also allowed a 6.1% QB pressure rate in one-on-one situations, ranking fourth among all right guards (minimum 300 pass-blocking snaps) according to Next Gen Stats (a bit lower than Cowboys Pro Bowler Zack Martin, who was at 5.9%).
Jonathan Greenard took off in DeMeco Ryans’ defense, with a team-high 12.5 sacks, more than he had in his first three years combined (10.5). The 26-year-old ended with 59 quarterback pressures and a pressure rate of 15.7%, ranking second on the team in both categories behind rookie Will Anderson. Greenard’s ability to win off the line, with a 0.77-second get-off rate, and his unwavering drive sprang out the screen. He didn’t only impress on the pass rush. His 13.6% run-stop rate was seventh among all edge defenders (minimum of 200 run snaps).
There were plenty great Colts to select from, like Zaire Franklin and Bernhard Raimann, but we’ll go with the perpetually overlooked Kenny Moore. Moore spent the majority of his time guarding the slot, one of the most difficult positions on the field, and recorded three interceptions (two for touchdowns) as well as 93 tackles, eight for loss. He was beaten on numerous plays down the stretch and missed Week 17 due to a back issue, but it does not diminish how important he was to the Colts defense. His target EPA of -10.0 placed sixth among all slot defenders, according to NGS. Moore, who was never hesitant to get involved, finished with 26 run stops in 2023, which tied him for the most among nickel corners.
The Jaguars may have faltered down the stretch, but Foye Oluokun remained a standout. The linebacker led Jacksonville in total tackles with 173 and ranked first in the NFL with 111 solo tackles. The rangy linebacker has 2.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, a pick-six, and six passes defended. The tackling machine improved his coverage skills in 2023, with a -13.4 EPA when targeted, ranking sixth among linebackers. Despite his impressive achievements, Oluokun is still one of the most underappreciated linebackers in the country.
