Good info on the 3-4 and its variants

[SirClintonPortis]

MHR University - Modern 3-4 Defense Systems - Mile High Report
The Ultimate Guide to NFL Defense

Apparently, there are three variations, them being the Fairbanks-Bullough, the Phillips, and the Lebeau one. Since Haslett worked in Pittsburgh before, I guess this "hybrid" D we're implementing will have some of the Lebeau variant, but we won't get to see what the hell he is implementing until preseason. Rak is going to be the X factor OLB though, since we all know that the weak side OLB is usually the "star sack accumulator in the 3-4, with guys like James Harrison, Ware, and Dumervil being just a few prime examples(and don't forget Jason Taylor lolololol. He came two years too early.).

[NYCskinfan82]

Good find good read.

[CRedskinsRule]

Very good read.
From the article:

Advantages include -

* It is easier to obtain quality LBs than qualtiy DLs, and thus easier to build a 3-4.
* More "pure athletes" or on the field, since many would consider a LB to be more skilled than a DL.
* Increased reaction time for LBs. The LBs start further back than they would in a 4-3, so they have nearly .5 to a full second to read a play as it develops.
* Puts more men in the short zones to disrupt passes.
* Allows for a much larger play book, as LBs have more play uses than DLs. This also means more flexibility for the defense.
* Stops runs to the outside (wider spaced OLBs).

Disadvantages include -

* It is not as effective against the inside running game as the 4-3, and most of the League is "run first" and runs the middle.
* More often than not, a 3-4 can be more expensive to field (comparing the cost of LBs to DLs).

The Phillips

This is the system of choice for DAL, but also SD.

It is not the ideal system for SD in one sense. Denver (king of the offensive "zone block " system for runs) and oakland (newly switched to the zone block) are built to run over the 1 gap defenses, and they share the division with SD.

I hope we start "running over" Dallas version of the Phillips 3-4

and the last bit:

I hope you've picked up a little about the 3-4s. A lot of teams run the formation, and teams can start running it with little notice (like, right at the start of the season). Keep in mind that all 4-3 teams have a few plays they'll run with a 3-4 here and there. 3-4 teams also frequently disguise plays by lining up in a 4-3 looking formation where "extra DL" is either going to play like a DL, or play like a LB in a shifted 3-4 (this is pretty common).

I tend to believe that the quality of our D will be based solidly on how Haslett does as DCoord. We may not have the perfect group of D players, but before last year many said the same about the Saints, and GB. It's Haslett's job to put the players in position to make the play. For the most part, the players we have on D are up to the task.

[johno]

good looking out.

[53Fan]

Good stuff SCP! Hard to say how well we'll run the 3-4 with the personell we have, but I'm expecting a more aggressive defense by far.

[tryfuhl]

sweet, reading through

[53Fan]

Posted this in the offseason reports thread but it fits here too. An aggressive defense is what I've been waiting for, one that creates sacks and turnovers. Maybe we'll finally get one.

Carter Feels 'Comfortable' Moving to Linebacker

Orakpo Wants to Be a 'Ball Hawk'

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

Posted this in the offseason reports thread but it fits here too. An aggressive defense is what I've been waiting for, one that creates sacks and turnovers. Maybe we'll finally get one.

Carter Feels 'Comfortable' Moving to Linebacker

Orakpo Wants to Be a 'Ball Hawk'

Great news!


Carter is such a beast physically, I didn't have any doubts that he COULD succeed in a 3-4 at LB...it's just a matter of it he wanted to.

[GTripp0012]

I'd actually be kind of surprised if Orakpo doesn't stay on the strong side at OLB. A move to weakside means a position and side switch for four players: Alexander, Wilson, Orakpo, Carter, and probably Jarmon who will be asked to learn both sides. If he stays on the strong (left) side and locks down that position for the next three to four years, then we can use a bunch of different players at ROLB, because that's an easier position to fill using our current roster and free agency.

Of course, the good thing about making that transition now is that you put your best against their best right away, and hope you can win your matchups across the board.

[Carnage]

Great article. Makes me wonder... who is going to be our 2nd ILB?

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by Carnage

Great article. Makes me wonder... who is going to be our 2nd ILB?

Should be Fletch and Rocky on the inside. Orakpo and Carter? on the outside.

[backrow]

Originally Posted by Carnage

Great article. Makes me wonder... who is going to be our 2nd ILB?

Makes me wonder if Big Al is going to be in the mix of 3 down linemen!

[SirClintonPortis]

Originally Posted by Carnage

Great article. Makes me wonder... who is going to be our 2nd ILB?

Rocky and the Perry Riley dude are candidates for the position.

[CultBrennan59]

Originally Posted by SirClintonPortis

Rocky and the Perry Riley dude are candidates for the position.

I'm intrigued the most by Perry among the rest of our rookie draft picks, he could be a star on defense for us in a few years

[NYCskinfan82]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

I'm intrigued the most by Perry among the rest of our rookie draft picks, he could be a star on defense for us in a few years

Agree, i think all of our draft picks have talent it just comes down to drive, motivation & good coaching IMO.