IF 4-3 becomes the base defense, I like it

[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.

 

[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]

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

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.

 

[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]

I'd be surprised if BB makes a radical change in the base defense effective day one, but you never know.

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 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.

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.

 

[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.

 

[The Brandon Five]

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.

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]

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.

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.

 

[Tunescribe]

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.

Also with Bodden back and McCourtey's development, BB might think he can get away with more man-to-man coverage/less zone, further accommodating pressure-oriented defense.

 

[JSn]

Also with Bodden back and McCourtey's development, BB might think he can get away with more man-to-man coverage/less zone, further accommodating pressure-oriented defense.

That's a VERY good point. Hm... I might need to enter ctyo-sleep for a couple of weeks so I don't go mad with anticipation.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

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.

You have Haynesworth and Wilfork as two monsters that can penetrate.

Not to make excuses for Albert. However, it does make little sense to have a beast with his skillset play nose tackle in a 3-4. Don't excuse the behavior but the point is valid.

Again, if you can get pressure with four guys (especially up the middle), it's all the difference in the world. The edge rush is great for stats against Carolina but it simply doesn't work against elite offenses.

A four man rush with Vince, Albert, Pryor, and Mike Wright would be unprecedented. Ya might have to keep nine guys in to block.

 

[ClevTrev]

I believe BB's ultimate goal is to build a flexible team, and that's exactly what the Pats have been doing over the past few years. They frequently move in and out of a 4-man front. Given the personnel, this is the time of year to get the team familiar with any formations out of their current comfort zones. BB has done this in past TCs. It doesn't necessarily mean we'll see this in the first regular season game, but he's adjusting the personnel and acclimating the team to being flexible when it counts. The more the team can operate instinctively in multiple formations, the more BB is at his best in adjusting to the opponent before and during the game.

 

[Keyser Söze]

Well the 43 fits our personnel much better than the 34 did last season. Our DL is better suited to get to the QB then our OLB are.

 

[goheels22002]

Nice Avatar Tunescribe - Gunga Galunga.

That Jets loss and the Ravens one before that in the playoffs is why this makes great sense. Win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and negate the opponent's running game. This is starting to look like Coach Bill is tacking back to his NFC East smashmouth in the trenches roots.

One thing you had to admire about the Jets prior to Rex was the build-up of the O-Line with Mangold, Ferguson, Hunter etc. The 4-3 with size like Wilfork and Haynesworth in the middle changes things and puts more pressure on the QBs. The QBs in the AFC East are not exactly Joe Montanas (except for the guy that replaced Drew Bledsoe.) The 4-3 will require one more d-lineman, preferably an end who can get around the corner.

One other guy that would be a good fit is Posluszny - very smart and tough.

 

[Keyser Söze]

Nice Avatar Tunescribe - Gunga Galunga.

That Jets loss and the Ravens one before that in the playoffs is why this makes great sense. Win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and negate the opponent's running game. This is starting to look like Coach Bill is tacking back to his NFC East smashmouth in the trenches roots.

One thing you had to admire about the Jets prior to Rex was the build-up of the O-Line with Mangold, Ferguson, Hunter etc. The 4-3 with size like Wilfork and Haynesworth in the middle changes things and puts more pressure on the QBs. The QBs in the AFC East are not exactly Joe Montanas (except for the guy that replaced Drew Bledsoe.) The 4-3 will require one more d-lineman, preferably an end who can get around the corner.

One other guy that would be a good fit is Posluszny - very smart and tough.

Jags signed him days ago

 

[DarrylS]

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.

I thought his issue was coverage, that is why there was reluctance in the past to put him on the outside???

He is fast, but not a cover guy.

 

[DarrylS]

I believe BB's ultimate goal is to build a flexible team, and that's exactly what the Pats have been doing over the past few years. They frequently move in and out of a 4-man front. Given the personnel, this is the time of year to get the team familiar with any formations out of their current comfort zones. BB has done this in past TCs. It doesn't necessarily mean we'll see this in the first regular season game, but he's adjusting the personnel and acclimating the team to being flexible when it counts. The more the team can operate instinctively in multiple formations, the more BB is at his best in adjusting to the opponent before and during the game.

Felt all along he has been morphing to hybrid defenses, now that he has a quality defensive backfield other things can fall into place.

So do not think he will be a 4-3 or 3-4, but a bunch of stuff that he has toyed with in the past... have nasty, quick players helps in the implementation phase.

 

[satz]

Why?


In a 3-4 at every snap you are making the OL and QB make a read and set protection.

IN a 4-3 you are telling the OL and QB unless its a blitz you are in base.

Just saying you need smarter OL to play against a 3-4....last year both the teams in the SB where 3-4.