The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

One of the storylines of the draft was the teams making the transition to the 3-4 defense - Denver, Green Bay etc.

Bill Belichick is a guy who obviously regards himself as someone who is 'ahead of the curve'.

This makes me wonder when the Patriots will move away from the 3-4 and back to a 4-3 formation - or maybe something more (r)evolutionary.

Teams like Pittsburgh and New England made a killing in the early part of this decade at draft time - being able to select so-called 'tweeners' for their OLB position in later rounds - due to the fact 4-3 teams didn't value them so highly.

Now we see a shift on 2 fronts - opposition offenses figuring out the 3-4 and more teams moving to the 3-4 - the latter will surely only hasten the former.

When does the 'tipping point' arrive whereby its more beneficial, and better value, to draft/recruit guys who fit the 4-3 better than the 3-4 - 2010, 2011?

As noted by many draft day prognosticators - there are only so many 3-4 NT tackles out there.

I realise that there is more than just a single 3-4 defence and that different guys suit different schemes better but, looking ahead, the playing field and talent base are going to become more stretched as time goes by.

Any thoughts?

Re: The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

There are too many teams who continue to use the 4-3 and will for the future.
There wouldn't be a shift to becoming a 4-3 team, but more teams using 3-4 will remove the draft or FA advantage they used to enjoy, but it won't be a disadvantage.

Re: The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

The team has more players that are suited for 3-4 defense...so it will be the base for teh future..will they use MORE 4-3?? maybe...maybe the big nickel 3 safeties?? possibly...who knows...

Re: The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

anything would be better than that defense last year, horrible in red zone, and third down , come to think of it it was that defense that couldnt stop the giants in 07, and really was soft coming down the strech in 07, ie eagles,ravens and giant regular season games, and go back to 06 that defense cost us another superbowl when they couldnt stop manning and the colts, over all that defense the last 3 years has not been something to be proud of, something has to change

Re: The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

I know this sounds like it should be true, but how many of these type players have the Patriots actually drafted since BB became coach? I can think of TBC, who I don't think the Patriots make a killing on. Who else?

Re: The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

The Pat's D will continue to rebuild and evolve. It has to. I for one look positively at the current defense, but time and the season will tell.

It's a shame, but the defense has had one key negative game in each of the last three years that cost them dearly.
1. Unable to close out the Colts in '06 AFCCG. Couldn't go to SB
2. Unable to stop Giants in '07 SB. Cost them a moment in history
3. Unable to stop Jets in OT game in '08. Cost them the division and a playoff berth.

Re: The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

I think one thing to keep an eye on with the talks of extending the regular season schedule is the possibility of expanding the size of the roster as well. That to me could be a catalyst for a change in philosophy of the defense.

Due to the current size of the roster, Bill Belichick places a premium on versatility - specifically players who can fill more than one role or can play multiple positions. Expand the roster size and I could see a shift to more specialists, which could lead to more sub packages designed either for a specific down and distance, or for a specific team and the type of offense they run.

That may not be the tipping point that signals the end of the 3-4 based defense, but it could alter the defensive formations that we see in any given game in the near future.

Re: The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

I was thinking of the same thing. As a Patriot's fan it is hard to admit that BB's defense can be this bad.

Re: The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

They haven't.

They have a great nose tackle, which is really what you need for a 3-4.

The DE/OLB tweener picked up on the cheap and converted to successful starter is a myth. Woods would be the first. All the players who have started at linebacker have been third, second and first round picks, except Colvin, who we acquired after two 10.5 sack seasons.

Some have been college linebackers, some played both in college and some were converted to LB in the NFL.

You draft or acquire them same as any other position. I think the discipline is the hardest part, as college LBs in a 4-3 chase plays, while we train players to never chase a play.

Career LBs like Phifer and Seau have adapted. I think young players want to go after tackles and would therefore struggle.

Re: The future of the Patriots 'D' and the 3-4 tipping point
 

I see no drift away from the current base 3-4 and no reason to expect one in the near term.

With the addition of Brace and Prior, plus reports claiming Wilfork is happy with the pace and scope of the negotiations to date, it would appear the Pats' NT issues were carefully considered and have been addressed for the near term.

The strength of the DL pool and the questions surrounding the LBs has once again fooled some into seeing a base 4-3 in NE's future. BB has shown time and time again that he puts a great deal of emphasis on building his D-line "first," and this offseason reflects no change in that philosophy. The number of teams moving to a base 3-4 may have one effect on this preseason, with the strength at the back of the DL roster, I wouldn't be surprised to see at least one trade to grab one of NE's castoffs 'before' they hit the waiver wire.