What happened: Justin Herbert has taken 17 sacks and Geno Smith has taken 16 so far. C.J. Stroud, Aaron Rodgers and Malik Willis are tied at 14 apiece behind them.

Why it matters: Sacks create long down-and-distance and push offenses off schedule. Quarterbacks taking that volume of hits face higher drive-stall and fumble risk on passing downs.

What to watch: Watch whether protection stabilizes for the leaders ahead of their next starts.