Tunescribe

It's yet to be seen what BB has in mind for defensive scheme(s) this season, but count me in favor of all the 4-3 speculation. My guess is that BB will be running all kinds of hybrids and variations from 3-4 to 4-3 and beyond, but here is what I like about the 4-3: it's more aggressive. It's also more fun to watch from a fan standpoint vs. the contain-oriented "bend-but-don't-break" 3-4. It's comparatively high-risk/high-reward, but if it WORKS, we'll see more three-and-outs, shorter fields for our offense, and perhaps less need for elite speed at WR.

I'd be surprised if BB makes a radical change in the base defense effective day one, but you never know. Just imagine if Haynesworth really comes through and we add another beast to the mix like Tommie Harris. There might be an opportunity for the Patriots to field a truly dominating defense unlike any other we've seen in BB's tenure.

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Tasco

Spikes would be the MLB I suppose.
May would be WOLB and Guyton/Fletcher/Ninkovich the SOLB?
Would Lawson be a fit at SOLB?

condon84

As long as we become an aggressive defense and not a 4-3 read and react.

Tunescribe

The thing about changing to 4-3 is it requires a lot of re-tooling in technique and reads by the front seven especially. I think that's part of why Ty Warren was let go, because his physical skill set is geared more toward 3-4 play. Hard to tell how the holdover crop of linebackers would shake down in a new system. Suffice to say that the faster guys naturally will be on the outside and the MLB will have to be pretty stout. Also, it'll be interesting to see IF BB goes for linebacker in free agency, what kind of system he comes from.

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Jared

I don't understand why you think a change to 4-3 would also include a change in the basic philosophy of 2 gap bend but don't break. We already saw BB with a 4-3 in 2001. Look at the overall defense ranking compared to the scoring defense ranking that year.

Haley

Well as I said in the other thread, this makes me a little nervous with such a short pre-season. I am not adverse to the change, just the timing. Hopefully it will be a smooth transition.

Tunescribe

I'll have to revisit that 2001 defense as you suggest, but bringing in Haynesworth and the fact BB is looking at Tommie Harris indicates a new thinking process. Haynesworth's game is all about penetration, and the 4-3 overall is a more pressure-oriented scheme.

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JSn

Guyton. Write it down, tattoo it on your lip, whatever you like. Guyton will be a starting OLB, ESPECIALLY if we switch to the 4-3. Fastest LB on the team and very good coverage skills + great hands.

Mayo and Guyton outside, Spikes as a KILLER MLB. And based on camp reports, Spikes has been having a brilliant camp so far.

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The Brandon Five

I think this makes sense. Now that it is against the rules for defensive backs to, you know--play defense, it is more critical to minimize the amount of time the QB has to get rid of the ball.

JSn

Young, aggressive DE's and OLB's and TWO DT's who require double-teams = pressure scheme. With a short year and the current personnel (along with everyone else in the div having now switched schemes...) it just makes a TON of sense. imHo.

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