Denver will switch to a 3-4, meaning more competition for Patriots-type players - New England Patriots Forums

***Deus Irae*** · 01-17-2009, 08:27 PM

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We hear Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels’ announcement that the team would transition to a 3-4 defense was welcome news to Broncos DEs Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, who were the team’s top two picks in the 2007 draft. Moss and Crowder struggled to get playing time last season, and both looked extremely disappointing in limited duty. Moss is expected to become a “stand-up” defender in the new scheme, where he should be a better fit, and Crowder appears more suited for a role as a 3-4 end.

The Way We Hear It - NFL pro football rumors and insider news from Pro Football Weekly

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Obviously we'll have to adjust the personnel some," said Jim Goodman, who runs the Broncos' player personnel department. "(McDaniels) may want to do a hybrid type thing where he goes to a 4-3 some."

Switch to 3-4? Not so quick - The Denver Post

The pool of players is going to get picked clean.

***IcyPatriot*** · 01-17-2009, 09:18 PM

The old version of the 3-4 will be copied ... Bill will stay ahead of them I am sure of it. I still think at some point he will have a system of 3-3-2 instead of a 3-4. Of course I have been thinking this for 3 years now and it still has not happened.

***ALP*** · 01-17-2009, 09:34 PM

wuts a 3-3-2?

***Rob0729*** · 01-17-2009, 09:51 PM

The Jets could switch back to the 4-3 or even the 4-6 if Rex Ryan is hired as head coach. The Broncos and Jets could negate themselves.

Besides, if McDaniels learned from Belichick, the switch from 4-3 to 3-4 will not be overnight and could take 2 years or longer to complete. Remember the Pats primary defense in the 2001 season was the 4-3 because they struggled with the 3-4 early in the season. The Pats didn't switch to the 3-4 as their base until the 2003 season.

RoughingthePasser · 01-17-2009, 10:19 PM

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Originally Posted by ALP

wuts a 3-3-2?

Good Question. I was getting in to the post when that one stumped me

billdog3484 · 01-17-2009, 10:41 PM

they still have to draft the right players. easier said than done.

***Deus Irae*** · 01-17-2009, 10:49 PM

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Originally Posted by billdgo3484

they still have to draft the right players. easier said than done.

Yes, but where once not that long ago the only teams running the 3-4 were New England and Pittsburgh, we could now see up to eight teams running it:

Denver
New England
San Diego
NYJ
Cleveland
KC
Miami
Baltimore

Given the lack of 3-4 teams in college, that will really put a strain on the number of players available to step into the sytem quickly, and will leave a lot of teams, the Patriots included, looking at long-term conversion projects a la Tedy Bruschi. It will also likely mean a lot more competition for the 'right' free agents. Guys like Dansby and Scott will be happy with the extra bidders, but the Patriots' salary structure will likely be tested.

***MassPats38*** · 01-17-2009, 10:51 PM

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Originally Posted by ALP

wuts a 3-3-2?

Apparently also referred to as the 33 stack (I'm familiar with that reference). A better diagram here.

It requires 3 safeties and 2 corners (3 LBs, 3 linemen). Given the difficulties keeping d-backs on the field in the past, the Pats would have to start stockpiling.

***maverick4*** · 01-17-2009, 11:28 PM

Mangini switched to 3-4 and it ended up messing the team up more than it helped the Jets.

He also completely mortgaged their future by trading future picks and also spending huge money.

***Deus Irae*** · 01-17-2009, 11:31 PM

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Originally Posted by maverick4

Mangini switched to 3-4 and it ended up messing the team up more than it helped the Jets.

He also completely mortgaged their future by trading future picks and also spending huge money.

Which is why the next coach may not want to go through that same process all over again.