Ranking the NFL's highest-graded run blockers and defenders in Week 3

Penei Sewell steals the show: The Lions tackle put together a run-blocking game for the ages.

Eric Wilson dominated against the Bengals: The Vikings linebacker only registered three tackles, but all were run stops.

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At PFF, the run game matters just as much as the pass game, and every play is meticulously graded. Each week, we’ll be looking at the highest-graded run blockers and run defenders from each position.

OFFENSE

Tackle: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions – 99.3

Penei Sewell put on a show Monday night. He was completely dominant, and his 99.3 run-blocking grade is the highest single-game grade for an offensive lineman in all of PFFs history. Sewell has always been a dominant run blocker: He has never recorded a run-block grade lower than 83.0 in his more than four seasons in the NFL.

HM: Terence Steele, Dallas Cowboys – 89.3

Penei Sewell's historic night: The best single-game run-blocking grade in PFF history

Guard: David Edwards, Buffalo Bills – 93.8

David Edwards was dominant Thursday night. He was specifically effective in the Bills’ zone-blocking scheme, with a 92.4 PFF run-block grade on zone runs. His 93.8 total run-blocking grade is the highest of his career. It was also the highest single-game run-blocking grade for any guard through three weeks.

HM: Tyler Booker, Dallas Cowboys – 93.1

Center: Aaron Brewer, Miami Dolphins – 92.7

Aaron Brewer has quietly been one of the better centers in the NFL, specifically when it comes to run-blocking. His 92.7 run-blocking grade on Thursday night is the highest of his career and the best single-game grade for any center through three weeks. While the overall Dolphins’ offensive line hasn’t been great, Brewer has once again had a really good start to his season.

HM: Drew Dalman, Chicago Bears – 79.8

DEFENSE

Linebacker: Eric Wilson, Minnesota Vikings – 95.7

While his teammate, Isaiah Rodgers, got all the publicity with the first ever 99.9 overall grade in PFF history, Eric Wilson was extremely impressive. Wilson’s 95.7 PFF run-defense grade was the highest single-game grade any linebacker has had this season. Although he only registered three tackles, those three tackles were all considered run stops and included one forced fumble.

HM: Oren Burks, Cincinnati Bengals – 92.8

EDGE: Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions – 93.1

Aidan Hutchinson usually makes his name as a pass rusher, but it was his ability in the run game that shined. His 93.1 run-defense grade was by far the highest of his career. His one run stop in the game was a huge forced fumble on Derrick Henry that swung the contest in the Lions’ favor and ultimately led to a huge win on Monday night.

HM: Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota Vikings – 86.3

Defensive Tackle: Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers – 90.8

Cameron Heyward is no stranger to dominating in the run game. Throughout his long, illustrious career, Heyward has been a force in stopping the run. In his career, he’s played just one season with a sub-70.0 run-defense grade when he’s suited up on at least 800 snaps. On Sunday, Heyward was instrumental in leading the Steelers to victory, preventing a touchdown with a punchout and forced fumble at his 1-yard line.