What happened: Greg Rousseau has 6.0 sacks, 3 strip sacks, 12 quarterback hits and 8 tackles for loss this season, all ranked first in the NFL. The production has come in a new defensive scheme under first-year coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Why it matters: The early edge production gives the defense a disruptive anchor while the staff installs its system. His 2025 baseline was 46 tackles and 7 sacks in 16 games, putting the current pace well ahead of last season's output.

What to watch: Watch whether the league-leading rates hold as protections adjust to Leonhard's fronts.