4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

Ok, I reallize that GW runs a 4-3, and that's not going to change, that's not what this question is for.

This question has been discussed quite a bit on this forum, but never really singled out in it's own thread that I remember. IF, you were a defensive coordinator, and you were putting together your defensive scheme, which formation would you base your defense around, and why?

I chose a 3-4, because in my opinion, if you have a strong enough nose tackle, you can get pressure up the middle, while being able to hide blitzes easier with your LBS. Of course you have to have a stronger LB core in this situation. I guess Ive always been a Dome Patrol fan, and loved the 3-4 since then.

Ok, this is one thread I can't wait to read. So, LET'S GET IT ON! :)

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

I agree with you on every point made in your entry but would like to add smore... 3-4 gives an advantage on both pass and run because the four linebackers can quickly get to either the run or the pass, If u have a strong LB core wich is a must as saintpaul has already mentioned, It also makes coaches think twice about running the ball outside because the linebackers can more easily get from sideline to sideline and are usually lined up outside of the tackles. Plus it gives u an extra man for Playing the pass wouldnt recommend to much man coverage tho haha

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

46 defense? :)

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

I picked the 4-3 only because I like more teeth at the point of attack. But its kind of a heads-or-tails things. Stand up an extra guy in the 4-3 and you've got a 3-4. Bring one of the linebackers in a 3-4 and you've created a 4-3. It depends on what we are trying to do, and the situation we trying to do it in: run or pass, 1st and long or 3rd and short. The 4-3 (should) gives us stronger edges and better allow us to force teams into what we want them to do. Either way you are looking at 7-on-6, except for 2 tight-end sets, so if we have guys that can keep their feet and get to the ball, we should always have the advantage.

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

see this is where it really depends

against the NFC south.....id rather run a 4-3

the 4-3 is better designed to stop the run and control the LoS....against the NFC south you need to be able to stop the run to win games

however....if im going to design an offense to score points.....like we have....im going to need a defense that can stop the other team from throwing the ball

the 3-4 is better designed to stop the pass because they take away a defensive lineman in favor of more speed to cover the pass......of course the most important part of a 3-4 defense is probably the nose tackle whereas the most important part of a 4-3 defense is the MLB......really kind of ironic eh?

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

As recent as a few years ago, I would've told you the 3-4 - because of the all the different blitz/coverage combinations and how creative the scheme is. I felt it was the best way to disrupt the offense.

But I've come around to the 4-3. It's just more fundamentally sound and I think you really need that 4th man to control the line of scrimmage and disrupt the pocket. So I like 4 down line man. And you still have so many packages to utilize - 4-3, 4-2-5, 4-4, 4-6, nickel, dime.

I do however like the 3-3-5 against the college spread offenses.

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

GW will run every available formation possible............I believe that we need to run the 4-3 because our NT just isn't strong enough.:bng:

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

The 4-3 worked well for us so I'll stick with that.

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

New to the forum, so here goes....
I'd prefer a 4-3, because you HAVE to have that nose tackle, and good 3-4 tackles aren't easy to find. Soon the trend will go back to 4-3 because of the lack of this one position.

In addition, it's hard to take 3 pt stance undersized DEs and make them stand up linebackers. The coverage part of playing that role is the transition hump. Think about it, how many DEs turned LBs can actually cover TEs an RBs and actually get INTs like James Harrison, Lamarr Woodley, and Joey Porter? That ability makes those guys special. Not just the sack ability. The Steelers and Pats are exceptions.

The 4-3 is easier to find "fits" for your defense, and keep rebuilding.

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

Two words DOME PATROL......


I like the 3-4 ..but we dont have the personel....so we have to go with what works for us...but as stated above..we use many different hybrid formations...so with G.W you never know whats coming...

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

Once again, this question isn't really about the Saints schemes. This is if you are a DC, at ANY team anywhere, which defense would you run? Not the Saints defense, YOUR defense. Just wanted to clarify.

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

Ok Sp..i would run the .Dome Patrol...



sorry but its still the Saints

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

I never get tired of watching that Strat. Except for that fat blowhole Steelers guy. I have NEVER liked him. If our offense had been better back then, the Saints would have had a dynasty, no doubt about it.

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

I love a rally good 3-4 defence because you can be so agressive with all those LBs but if I would tak eover a team I would start by installing a 4-3 just because as som has already stated its a lot easier to find players. A one-tech is a whole lot easier to find than a 2-gap 3-4 NT.

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

We had some Pitt Bull LBs back then Geez...man whata group..

Re: 4-3 or a 3-4 defense, YOU DECIDE!!!
 

t also makes coaches think twice about running the ball