The annual 3-4 switch post
 

Every year someone suggests it, and every year I've laughed at it.

Our top players on defense were 100% suited for 4-3 defense. Will Smith, John Vilma, Sedrick Ellis would all be a fish out of water in a 3-4.

But I wonder if any of those guys will even be with us in 2012.

Looking at youth, we have a lot of young guys suited for a 3-4. Galette, Jordan, and Martez would fit nicely in a 3-4.

I heard the name Mike Nolan rumored to be in the DC mix. He's turned defenses around quickly, and he's strictly a 3-4 guy.

If we hear Mike Nolan a bit more in the coming days, look for the 3-4 switch to finally happen, and say goodbye to Smith, Vilma and Ellis.

If we hear Del Rio and Spags more and more, we'll likely stay in our 4-3.

Either way we need 3 or 4 acquisitions along the front 7 to improve this defense substantially.

bingo we have a winner ;)

3-4... man we barely have the personnel to put 3 linebackers out there right now. If we moved from the 4-3 to the 3-4, it may take 2 years of reloading and drafting to get the right personnel in place.

I think Del Rio or Spags are best fit, with Spags my preference. We need VETERAN upgrades at safety/corner, linebacker and d-line.

I say we get the coordinator first and then worry about the details...

We only have 1 LB that can play the 4-3, and he's getting old.

My point was since we need 3 or 4 players in the front 7, why not target 3-4 players.

We need the same amount of upgrades regardless of scheme.

Huh! I never looked at it that way before. The FO needs to make their decision about coaches(DC as well as some Asst. coaches maybe Dline) and then we can set course and start sailing into next year.

I brought up the 3-4 comment and it is because of the younger, recent acquisitions...

And as was rightfully pointed out, many of the YOUNGER acquisitions would transition nicely to a 3-4 defense...

There is considerable salary room tied up in Vilma, Smith, and Ellis...

Said move would free up money for acquisitions and possible draft picks...

And as has also been pointed out, many of our linebackers suck as it is and would have to be replaced...

Jo-Lonn would be a very good Middle Linebacker with less responsibilities among four linebackers...

Franklin has the size to be a great nose tackle for the 3-4, if retained...

Tom Johnson also has the size to transition for the 3-4 as well...

But would you want your better athletes at LB or DT?

That is one of the fundamental arguments in debate of the front seven alignment...

Considering the acquisitions, Williams departure, it is an appropriate time to discuss the type of defense as it could influence the selection of the new defensive coordinator...

Vilma was a no body in a 3-4

Our DE's and OLB shouldn't even be on an NFL field.

They'd be back up on most NFL teams let alone starters in a 3-4.

Martez Wilson has shown he can be a starter; and he has the speed and size to play in a 3-4 I think...

That's true. All I can say is, you're right.

Makes me think our front office is best at drafting and signing offensive skilled position talent and not as good at defensive talent. (not to say they haven't tried because Loomis/Payton have put a lot of energy into the defense... except for some strong exceptions, some of those investments just didn't pay off, and it hurt).

Let's hope the new DC can give input on move to make and what players fit and where they fit.

As a former Steelers fan, I'd love to see us move to a 3-4; it's where I feel more comfortable and, really, isn't it all about what I want? :D

Our lack of QB pressure, even when blitzing, proves we definitely need to shake up the personnel...why not rebuild the scheme too?

My vote is with Spags, we all know he can get pressure with his front four, I think Rodgers doesn't come back to the team and we start by getting a Young aggressive DT, follow that up by getting another DE to join Jordan and Wilson

Now more than ever, a switch to the 3-4 would be desirable. We need to look at the 49ers, Packers, Steelers as a template on how to build a good 3-4 defense. The only good 4-3 team left is the Giants ... and their defense was horrible most of the year anyway.

Covering the opponent's skilled TE's and slot receivers is key nowadays. When you run a 4-3 it is just too freaking obvious to see who is covering who and get the one-on-one matchup in man to man coverage. 4-3 zone coverages are easier to read and exploit. Brees' games vs Detroit are a prime example of this.

Romeus will be in the mix!! Agree 100% with a DT, I would like 2.

Top 5 defenses for 2011

1. Steelers
2. Texans
3. Ravens
4. 49ers
5. Jets

All run a 3-4 We may not have the personnel but,

Just saying.

i like this kid alot but to say he has shown he can be a starter is a stretch...he has looked great in some limited duty and id like him to get the shot at starting but its not a sure thing