4-2-5 In the NFL

The Pats run 2 TEs most of the time... I would hate to run a 4-2-5 against them. The reason they had so much success last year was because Brady was excellent at changing the play from a pass to a run based on the Defense formation/coverage. I read that the Pats only passed 54% of the time, which seems low to me, but when you have Woodhead and Green-Ellis and 2TE, you can butcher a nickle/dime or 4-2-5.

I think some of you all aren't understanding me correctly. I'm saying why isn't the defense run as a base defense in the NFL, not just a type of defense run during a game.

Today there are two base defenses that teams run, the 34 and 43 defense, I'm asking why some teams don't change to a permanent defense like the 42, like TCU. The last time I remember seeing a team run it was the Colts against the Pats in what people called Super Bowl XLI 1/2. Also the Bucs ran it against the raiders in that super bowl.

I think some of you all aren't understanding me correctly. I'm saying why isn't the defense run as a base defense in the NFL, not just a type of defense run during a game.

Today there are two base defenses that teams run, the 34 and 43 defense, I'm asking why some teams don't change to a permanent defense like the 42, like TCU. The last time I remember seeing a team run it was the Colts against the Pats in what people called Super Bowl XLI 1/2. Also the Bucs ran it against the raiders in that super bowl.

I suppose my argument was that it is used as a base defense sometimes. Given the need to change things up defensively, we might want to question whether ANYONE really runs a 3-4 or a 4-3 as a "base" defense.

Today there are two base defenses that teams run, the 34 and 43 defense, I'm asking why some teams don't change to a permanent defense like the 42, like TCU.Even within a 3-4 or 4-3 there are different types: 1-Gap, 2- Gap, Under Front, Over Front, Stunting/Slanting that allow a DC flexibility to be similar to a 4-2-5 or a 46.

The 4-2-5 and 3-3-5, very popular defenses in high school these days, are mostly a creative response to the proliferation of the spread in high school and colleges.

As the pass-oriented spread begins to take in the NFL, it will eventually require a defensive response, and teams will need to start drafting more versatile "super safeties", and we'll start to see 3 safety defenses in the NFL. Right now, teams use it in packages (such as the "Cobra" used by Greg Blache and Perry Fewell). But that's still five years or so away for significant structural defensive changes. The nickel personnel package is still sufficient for stopping most teams. But, already, defensive backs are at an all time high value in pro football.

I remember reading something (I think it was in Tuesday Morning QB, dont ask me why I read it) about 4-2-5 Ds giving up the most long runs, I could be wrong though, it could have been when there are 5 dlinemen with a hand on the ground. Anyone remember this more clearly?