Switching back to 3-4??

Joey007 · Feb 19, 2013

Should we?? Let's think about it. We could have Spikes and Mayo up the middle. Hightower and Jones can start as outside linebackers, with Ninkovich playing a situational, Vrabel-like role.

We would have to build onto the defensive line, and would have to be addressed in FA or early in the draft. Wilfork could play NT like he did earlier on in his career. But what really makes this all intruiging is Armstead's potential fit. At slightly under 300 pounds, he could make a great 3-4 DE.

Despite his potential, however, he is not a slam dunk. So signing a guy like Chris Canty, Desmond Bryant, or Alan Branch would be a likely move in this scenario.

I'm not saying this should be done, but looking at what we have... it might not be a bad idea.

Sciz · Feb 19, 2013

At this point, I think Belichick had the right idea last offseason when he went from a heavier 4-3 to a lighter 4-3. In this NFL, you want as much speed on the field as possible, and replacing Ninkovich with a 300 pound guy who runs a 5.1 40 doesn't really do that.

Fencer · Feb 19, 2013

I don't run defense has been our biggest recent defensive challenge.

So no, I wouldn't lean toward the plan.

supafly · Feb 20, 2013

They are going to have to address the situation on the DL regardless of whether they lean more towards one way or the other, as Love and Deaderick are up at the end of the year, and Wilfork is only signed for one more year after that. That isn't even bringing up the lack of talent or sufficient depth at the position either, which is a huge need.

I do think that the whole situation could look much different coming into camp this year though, as already we have Armstead, Vega, and Pryor adding at the very least camp fodder/competition. Francis will have the entire spring and summer to improve in his second year, so maybe that will help too.

I am expecting at least one higher rd (1-3) draft pick, along with a plethora of roster cuts, UDFAs and lower level free agents. I don't think that a specific change will be made though, and I think Belichick will continue to be versatile.

Spergon Wynn · Feb 20, 2013

I'm not sure how Jones translates to a 3-4 OLB. I know he played some snaps standing up last season but I'm not sure how he would do full time. Perhaps those more informed can provide details.

MTM558 · Feb 20, 2013

While the strength of this team could be argued lies in its Linebackers, as a poster above mentioned, Bill has finally recognized that speed is taking over the game and is now playing catch up. He can't afford to have many large bodied defenders on the field as he could have 10 years ago because the game has become a high-flying passing attack based around covering space and getting after the quarterback.

In a 3-4, there will be 3 "300 pound" bodies, and 4 in the 250-270 range.

In a 4-3, there will be 2 "300 pound" bodies, and 5 in the 250-270 range.

The switch from the 3-4 to a 4-3 has been argued that Bill just got tired of looking for his particular player to play in his 3-4 scheme, so he went to the 4-3 since more players can jump in and be comfortable. This is certainly plausible, but I think a large(er) factor was that he could replace a big bodied DT with a lighter, shiftier DE or LB and possibly be able to improve his pass rush.

signbabybrady · Feb 20, 2013

If you do I think its wiser to leave Jones at end and Ninko and Hightower at olb. Jones is not the ideal for the 5 but I think this keeps your best players on the field, avoids the 3 300 lbs dls, and slightly shrinks the need for another DL.

I think Jones showed his good enough to hold up vs the run and I think it would improve the overall pass rush to have him and 2 edge rushers too.

Brady6 · Feb 20, 2013

Joey007 said:
Should we?? Let's think about it. We could have Spikes and Mayo up the middle. Hightower and Jones can start as outside linebackers, with Ninkovich playing a situational, Vrabel-like role.

We would have to build onto the defensive line, and would have to be addressed in FA or early in the draft. Wilfork could play NT like he did earlier on in his career. But what really makes this all intruiging is Armstead's potential fit. At slightly under 300 pounds, he could make a great 3-4 DE.

Despite his potential, however, he is not a slam dunk. So signing a guy like Chris Canty, Desmond Bryant, or Alan Branch would be a likely move in this scenario.

I'm not saying this should be done, but looking at what we have... it might not be a bad idea.

He runs a hybrid front now that the best direction for us. Less about scheme more about finding more talent to inject into it. I like the 3-4 under / 4-3 over looks we run now just would like to see an upgrade over the DT/LDE combo of Love/Deaderick, development from Jones, Hightower and maybe even an upgrade over Ninkovich to someone more dynamic.

Deus Irae · Feb 20, 2013

MTM558 said:
While the strength of this team could be argued lies in its Linebackers, as a poster above mentioned, Bill has finally recognized that speed is taking over the game and is now playing catch up. He can't afford to have many large bodied defenders on the field as he could have 10 years ago because the game has become a high-flying passing attack based around covering space and getting after the quarterback.

In a 3-4, there will be 3 "300 pound" bodies, and 4 in the 250-270 range.

In a 4-3, there will be 2 "300 pound" bodies, and 5 in the 250-270 range.

The switch from the 3-4 to a 4-3 has been argued that Bill just got tired of looking for his particular player to play in his 3-4 scheme, so he went to the 4-3 since more players can jump in and be comfortable. This is certainly plausible, but I think a large(er) factor was that he could replace a big bodied DT with a lighter, shiftier DE or LB and possibly be able to improve his pass rush.

This would be more convincing if Hightower were smaller.

BaltimorePatsFan · Feb 20, 2013

4-3 didn't work last season and neither did the 3-4 defense the last time BB ran it.

Time to switch to the 6-1 defense.

Switching back to 3-4??

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