Saints Shifting Back to Base 3-4 Defense?
 

Consider for discussion...

While we play both a 4-3 and 3-4 - we're still mostly a 4-3 with a down LB in pass rush mode...

With Vilma on the back end and the drafting of Cam Jordan and Martez Wilson; the signing of Franklin at the NT with Rogers on Backup; we can shift to a 3-4 with another good FA signing and draft...

Plus there is no way we're keeping Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Carl Nicks and Will Smith...

Dunbar getting playing time has seen him step up and improve this season...

It sure seems like that option is definitely there, whether intentional or neaux...

I have thought you know there is no way Brees would go...but if we win the big game this year and that is his second SB would he stay or want the challenge elsewhere? I feel he would stay, I can't see him going to a team that possibly won't protect him as well as his line does here. Now the money is a whole other issue. I would love to see us keep all 4 but I tend to agree we can't. If we could keep 3 only I would be inclined to let Smith walk.

Brees wouldn't want a challenge somewhere else, he doesn't like switching teams a lot he only wanted to play for one team for his NFL career, he is not going to leave.

To free up some salary space i'd let will smith walk before anyone else, we have young DE's who are waiting to take the spots anyway

Let me emphasize that In other words after Brees, Colston, and Nicks are all signed - their may not be necessary cap room to keep Smith...

I DO NOT get why we refer to our D as a 4-3.

We don't run anything like it... its more of a spin off of it. There are so many different sets we run out of that calling it a 4-3 is silly. I hardly hear anyone refer to it except the occasion person who thinks we should run a 3-4. Look we line up in just about everything including a 6-1 and a 7-0.

All the sports news outlets call it a Greg Williams Defense, no discussions of a 4-3

I think the 3-4 thing may be related more to WHO we are playing any given week, rather than saying "this is the Saints base defense" or that we are moving permanently in that direction. I'd like to see more specific info based on WHEN the 3-4 pops up, WHO it is against....I don't have time to do it and don't really care, but that is just my hunch -- that the 3-4 pops up when there is a reason for it based upon who we are playing, rather than an ironclad "this is where we are headed as a defense," if that makes any sense. The more confused and worried the opposing QB is, the happier I am. One of my favorite Saints defensive plays isn't even a "play" at all -- it's that frustrated look when the QB comes to the line and doesn't like what he sees, unbuckles his chin strap and burns a useless time out!

I didn't like the 3-4 set against Carolina. Our version of the 3-4 doesn't work well against the run because our backers play to deep and are slow to the LOS. A team that can run the ball well like Carolina can, will eat us up in a 3-4 which they did until they had to abandon the run. Now against the Packers or another passing team I can see running it.

I would like to keep just about everyone but I know we can't, money its going to be the problem, it always is. As far as Smith, I think he is going to have to take a big haircut and next year Romeus will be in the mix so who knows, unless we draft on the O-line I think we pay Nicks, he is already proven and not hurt. Brees well the jury is still out on him, what has he ever done? Colston, best reciever we got. And remember there is this little thing called the franchise tag that if applied by Loomis correctly that some of the money problems can wait.

I dont care what we play - hold teams 0-5 on 3rd down & ony 17 points & we are going to win!!