I Smell a 3-4
 

Nothing to back it up. Call me crazy.

Gut feelin'.



8)

Gary Gibbs
Defensive Coordinator

Gary Gibbs, a 26-year coaching veteran in both the college and NFL ranks, became the first hire of new Saints coach Sean Payton on January 23, 2006 as he was named defensive coordinator.

The former linebacker coach for the Dallas Cowboys for the last four seasons, Gibbs, 53, has been a coordinator three times, including at LSU in 2001.

Gibbs is a proven leader and an experienced defensive strategist. He joined Bill Parcells' staff in 2002 and made the Cowboys' linebacker corps one of the team's standout position groups. Since Gibbs' arrival, linebackers have led the club in stops each season and posted some of the top tackle-totals in franchise history.



8)

The Saints really dont have the personnel for a 3-4. Will Smith would have to move to LB. We would need to find a run stopping DT and another run stopping DE. Ninkovich is too small to play DE in a 3-4...and we dont have 3 good LB's...let alone 4. But maybe down the road...i just dont think its a good idea.

I agree with this to an extent. I don't think Will would have to move to LB. I think he would make a good 3-4 defensive end. I think he could be the most well-rounded player on defense. We don't really need another run stopping DE, because Grant has improved immensely on the run. DT is definitely a problem. There isn't a DT on the team that would be a good fit in a 3-4. I think Ninkovich would be a perfect ROLB in a 3-4 system, though. Simmons has played the middle before, and could really come back to form in a 3-4. Fujita is accustomed to that style defense, so he's fit in nicely. The only real concerns I have at this time are DT and the other MLB position. I do think it will be changed by next season though.

It is hard to see a 34 in this year draft. but i agree the coaches on D are 34 guys. We are better of in the secondary this year. I see alot of safties on the fiels as 3 and 4 CB. Next year will bring the D together in the draft. We have a very high priced backfield and with houston keeping us from screwing up the draft with bush we had no choice but look to the offensive side of the ball. Some nice D talent in next years draft. DE will be okay. Scott is better suited for inside SLB, next to Colby. I hope Colby can do it. I think he can. so the outside LB is of concern for both sides. do not get me started on the NT/DT positon.

Maybe some of our safeties could moved to LB. It worked for Urlacher, right?

In my opinion, I would be cool if we stayed with the 4-3, however if we're gonna eventually play the 3-4, I'd rather make the change now. I don't like 'transitional' years; I'd rather us take the growing pains and get our key players used to the system now.

To me, it boils down to this: if we're gonna run a 4-3 it is imperative that we find a player who can do a great job at MLB. Maybe Bockwoldt or Fincher or another candidate can came thru for us, like Tatupu did for Seattle last year or Zach Thomas did back during Jimmy Johnson's first year w/ the Dolphins. If this doesn't appear likely, then let's just switch to the 3-4. The Texans are switching to the 4-3 and they've got some capable 3-4 players who we could trade for or might even be cut on June 1.

I've always liked the 3-4 a little better since seeing the Dome Patrol do their thing. The Steelers have been so effective with it over Cowher's entire tenure. With the 3-4, it's more difficult to see where the blitz is coming from, if it's coming at all, and with good NT play, it's tought for the OL to create wide open running lanes against it.

That being said, teams like the Giants, Panthers and Bears are doing great w/ the 4-3 now and for the most part, we match up with those teams personnel-wise to run an effective 4-3. It's a tough call. My guess is that the staff is probably going to go with the 4-3 based on the decisions made in draft.

JB, while I agree with your analysis on the DT position, I honestly don't think Ninkovich playing DE is what Payton had in mind when he drafted him. Like someone else pointed out, I think Ninkovich is well suited to play ROLB. He has the size, a quick burst to the ball, & the sure tackling ability. As for the DE position, I think with the coaching in place now...we have as solid of 2 DE's as 90% of the other teams in the league. What we need is a good DT & a shut down corner!

Ok, Ninkovich could be an OLB in that scheme...but you do realize that 3-4 DE's are supposed to be big, 300 pound beasts that stop the run...i think Charles Grant can do that, but Will Smith? It takes too much of his game away to ask him to play DE in a 3-4. He will be a run stopper and a space eater and it would negate what he does best and thats rush the passer. I just dont think he is a good fit for it at all...but i do not doubt that this staff will switch to a 3-4 when they get the right personnel.

I would say we have the personnel to run a 3-4.

We have Thomas at DT now. Whitehead and he could make a decent rotation. As far as LB, I agree that Smith and Nink. could be moved to the outside. Fujita and Simmons on the inside sounds good for the time being, and don't count out Fincher yet. At DE Leisle, Grant, and young could work as a rotation.

The most successful 3-4 defense in the league (Pittsburgh) play these two guys at end.......

Travis Kirschke - 6'03" 288 lbs.

Aaron Smith - 6'05" 298 lbs.

Also, Dallas will be playing these two guys at end.......

Marcus Spears - 6'04" 307 lbs.

Greg Ellis - 6'06" 271 lbs.

Now, we're not exactly bad off in a 3-4 with these guys at end.......

Charles Grant - 6'03" 290 lbs.

Will Smith - 6'03" 282 lbs.

The real eye opening thing about it is that our two guys (Grant & Smith) are faster & more athletic than the above named guys starting on successful 3-4 defenses on other teams in the league. They are also in the same weight class. :wink: So again......Why couldn't these two guys be successful on a 3-4 defense???????? :?