More 3-4 info
Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 3:46 pm
FOund this good note on the 3-4 defense on the Browns message board.
Fun to relate this to BG.
The Basics of the 3-4 Defense
With the recent success of AFC playoff teams such as the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the San Diego Chargers, the 3-4 D has come back in style. The Raiders tried to run the 3-4 as their base defense in 2004 but didn't have the personnel at 3-4 OLB for it. In 2005, 5 NFL teams (the Broncos, Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins, and Niners) may switch to the 3-4 as their base defense, bringing the total to 10 teams (including the Chargers, Patriots, Raiders, Steelers, and Texans) who favor the system. So what is the 3-4 D? This article discusses:
1. How the 3-4 defense differs from the 4-3 defense
2. What are the personnel requirements for the 3-4 defense
3. What are the advantages of the 3-4 defense
How the 3-4 defense differs from the 4-3 defense
The 4-3 D has the following characteristics:
*There are 4 defensive lineman (DL) and 3 linebackers (LBs)
*On plays where a LB or DB does not blitz, the pass rush is generated by the defensive linemen. The DEs in particular must be able to get pressure on the QB. The best/fastest pass rushing DE typically plays at RDE and is referred to as the "rush end". The LDE is referred to as the "base end" and must be solid against the run, because teams often run strong-side, which is the side where the TE is, and the TE often lines up next to the RT. The DEs play from a 3-point stance, so they have a hand on the ground
*The SLB (strong-side LB) typically matches up against the TE. SLBs typically range from 240-250. The MLB (middle LB) plays the middle of the field and provides run support. MLBs typically range from 240-255. The WLB (weak-side LB) often plays in space and must have good range. WLBs are often "undersized" compared to other LBs, because unlike the SLB, they do not have to match up against a TE
The 3-4 D has the following characteristics:
*There are 3 defensive lineman (DL) and 4 linebackers (LBs)
*The primary function of the DL is to protect the LBs and play the run. Each defensive lineman is responsible for 2 gaps
*The pass rush is generated by the 3-4 OLBs. On almost every play, 1 of the OLBs will rush the QB. The OLBs play from a 2-point stance, so they're standing up
What are the personnel requirements for the 3-4 defense
The front 7 players in the 3-4 D are significantly different from their counterparts in the 4-3. In a nutshell, the DL in the 3-4 are bigger than the DL in the 4-3. The 3-4 OLBs are bigger than 4-3 OLBs because they have to match up against OTs.
The 3-4 NT is the toughest position to fill. The NT is head-up on the OC and is responsible for defending both A gaps in the running game. He faces constant double-teams and takes a pounding. He must be big, tough, durable, nasty, have stamina, and possess lateral quickness. If the NT can not hold his ground, the defense is very vulnerable to runs between the tackles. The prototypical 3-4 NT is the Raiders' Ted Washington, who is a massive 6-5 365. Washington was the key to the Patriots win over the Panthers in the 2004 Super Bowl. Stephen Davis ran for a meager 19 yards on his first 9 carries, because Washington effectively stuffed the middle of the line. Other quality NTs include the Steelers' Casey Hampton (6-1 320) and the Chargers' Jamal Williams (6-2 348)
The 3-4 OLBs are the playmakers of the D. They get the glory of picking up sacks on the QB. They must have strong pass rush skills and be able to drop into coverage. If the 3-4 OLBs are unable to consistently apply pressure on the QB, the D is very vulnerable in the passing game. They tend to weigh around 245-270, and many are former 4-3 DE/OLB "tweeners". Many 4-3 DEs are not suited to playing 3-4 OLB because they lack the ability to play in space. The more agile 4-3 RDEs, such as the Jets' John Abraham (6-4 256), are able to play both 4-3 DE and 3-4 OLB. But a guy like the Giants' Michael Strahan (6-4 275) would probably have a tough time playing 3-4 OLB. Many 4-3 OLBs are not suited to playing 3-4 OLB because they lack the pass rush skills and the ability to go toe-to-toe with an OT. Examples of solid 3-4 OLBs are the Patriots' Willie McGinest (6-5 270) and the Steelers' Joey Porter (6-2 248)
The 3-4 DEs tend to weigh around 290-310, and many are former 4-3 DT/DE "tweeners". They must be able to play the run well. The 3-4 DE is responsible for the B and C gaps in the running game and lines up in the 5-technique position, so he is head-up on the OT. It's tough for a 3-4 DE to pick up as many sacks as a 4-3 DE, because a 3-4 DE doesn't have the freedom to go willy nilly upfield. He has to protect the LBs in order for the 3-4 to work. Panthers' 4-3 DE Julius Peppers said that he didn't like playing 3-4 DE, because he felt like he was essentially a DT. Unlike Peppers (6-6 290), most 4-3 DEs are not suited to playing 3-4 DE, because they lack the size and ability to hold up against the run. Examples of solid 3-4 DEs are the Patriots' Richard Seymour (6-6 310), the Steelers' Aaron Smith (6-5 300), and the Raiders' Bobby Hamilton (6-5 285)
The 3-4 ILBs must be stout in run support. Because there are only 3 DL to match up against 5 OL, they must be able to stack and shed an unblocked offensive lineman in the running game. My impression is that the majority of 4-3 ILBs with decent size can play 3-4 ILB. Examples of solid 3-4 ILBs are the former Ravens' Ed Hartwell (6-1 250) and the Raiders' Danny Clark (6-2 245)
What are the advantages of the 3-4 defense
The offense does not know which of the 2 OLBs is going to rush the QB, as both of the OLBs are in a 2-point stance. This creates the following advantages:
1. It's harder for the offensive linemen to correctly determine their blocking assignments before the snap and execute
2. It puts more mental pressure on the QB. E.g. the Patriots did a masterful job in disguising their D against 2004 MVP Peyton Manning in the 2005 playoffs. Manning came unglued mentally, and his frustration seemed to affect his performance
With the growing number of defenses running the 3-4 D, it will be interesting to see whether its effectiveness decreases as offenses get used to facing it.
link
Some of the most important things I've learned from this along with questions I still have:
If the NT can not hold his ground, the defense is very vulnerable to runs between the tackles.
.....Can Jason Fisk, in his 10th year, be effective in this role and is he an every down player?
.....How soon can Andrew "Beer Keg" Hoffman contribute playing against premier offensive linemen?
If the 3-4 OLBs are unable to consistently apply pressure on the QB, the D is very vulnerable in the passing game.
.....Can Chaun Thompson have a break out year as a 3-4 OLB and give us the quarterback pressure we have sorely lacked?
.....Who will play the other OLB position and can he be effective?
.....Can our secondary rise to the challenge if we don't get the needed QB pressure right away?
It's tough for a 3-4 DE to pick up as many sacks as a 4-3 DE, because a 3-4 DE doesn't have the freedom to go willy nilly upfield. He has to protect the LBs in order for the 3-4 to work.
.....What chance does K.Lang have as a 3-4 DE? Can he switch to OLB?
.....Orpheus Roye will return to his original position as a 3-4 DE and should do well. Who will be the other DE if K.Lang cannot adapt or is moved to OLB?
.....Can our 3-4 defensive line do it's job of "protecting the LB's" allowing them to be effective?
I find the more I know about the 3-4, the more questions I have. But what I've learned through this short tutorial will have me watching games with much more understanding. For instance, if our secondary is getting tore up, I may not be so quick to place the blame on them. I now know to watch the LB's closer to see if the problems start there. In turn, I know to pay more attention to the DE's and NT to see if they are, in fact, protecting the LB's. There is a lot to this and I for one and determined to be a better, more knowledgable fan.
What are your thoughts?
Fun to relate this to BG.
The Basics of the 3-4 Defense
With the recent success of AFC playoff teams such as the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the San Diego Chargers, the 3-4 D has come back in style. The Raiders tried to run the 3-4 as their base defense in 2004 but didn't have the personnel at 3-4 OLB for it. In 2005, 5 NFL teams (the Broncos, Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins, and Niners) may switch to the 3-4 as their base defense, bringing the total to 10 teams (including the Chargers, Patriots, Raiders, Steelers, and Texans) who favor the system. So what is the 3-4 D? This article discusses:
1. How the 3-4 defense differs from the 4-3 defense
2. What are the personnel requirements for the 3-4 defense
3. What are the advantages of the 3-4 defense
How the 3-4 defense differs from the 4-3 defense
The 4-3 D has the following characteristics:
*There are 4 defensive lineman (DL) and 3 linebackers (LBs)
*On plays where a LB or DB does not blitz, the pass rush is generated by the defensive linemen. The DEs in particular must be able to get pressure on the QB. The best/fastest pass rushing DE typically plays at RDE and is referred to as the "rush end". The LDE is referred to as the "base end" and must be solid against the run, because teams often run strong-side, which is the side where the TE is, and the TE often lines up next to the RT. The DEs play from a 3-point stance, so they have a hand on the ground
*The SLB (strong-side LB) typically matches up against the TE. SLBs typically range from 240-250. The MLB (middle LB) plays the middle of the field and provides run support. MLBs typically range from 240-255. The WLB (weak-side LB) often plays in space and must have good range. WLBs are often "undersized" compared to other LBs, because unlike the SLB, they do not have to match up against a TE
The 3-4 D has the following characteristics:
*There are 3 defensive lineman (DL) and 4 linebackers (LBs)
*The primary function of the DL is to protect the LBs and play the run. Each defensive lineman is responsible for 2 gaps
*The pass rush is generated by the 3-4 OLBs. On almost every play, 1 of the OLBs will rush the QB. The OLBs play from a 2-point stance, so they're standing up
What are the personnel requirements for the 3-4 defense
The front 7 players in the 3-4 D are significantly different from their counterparts in the 4-3. In a nutshell, the DL in the 3-4 are bigger than the DL in the 4-3. The 3-4 OLBs are bigger than 4-3 OLBs because they have to match up against OTs.
The 3-4 NT is the toughest position to fill. The NT is head-up on the OC and is responsible for defending both A gaps in the running game. He faces constant double-teams and takes a pounding. He must be big, tough, durable, nasty, have stamina, and possess lateral quickness. If the NT can not hold his ground, the defense is very vulnerable to runs between the tackles. The prototypical 3-4 NT is the Raiders' Ted Washington, who is a massive 6-5 365. Washington was the key to the Patriots win over the Panthers in the 2004 Super Bowl. Stephen Davis ran for a meager 19 yards on his first 9 carries, because Washington effectively stuffed the middle of the line. Other quality NTs include the Steelers' Casey Hampton (6-1 320) and the Chargers' Jamal Williams (6-2 348)
The 3-4 OLBs are the playmakers of the D. They get the glory of picking up sacks on the QB. They must have strong pass rush skills and be able to drop into coverage. If the 3-4 OLBs are unable to consistently apply pressure on the QB, the D is very vulnerable in the passing game. They tend to weigh around 245-270, and many are former 4-3 DE/OLB "tweeners". Many 4-3 DEs are not suited to playing 3-4 OLB because they lack the ability to play in space. The more agile 4-3 RDEs, such as the Jets' John Abraham (6-4 256), are able to play both 4-3 DE and 3-4 OLB. But a guy like the Giants' Michael Strahan (6-4 275) would probably have a tough time playing 3-4 OLB. Many 4-3 OLBs are not suited to playing 3-4 OLB because they lack the pass rush skills and the ability to go toe-to-toe with an OT. Examples of solid 3-4 OLBs are the Patriots' Willie McGinest (6-5 270) and the Steelers' Joey Porter (6-2 248)
The 3-4 DEs tend to weigh around 290-310, and many are former 4-3 DT/DE "tweeners". They must be able to play the run well. The 3-4 DE is responsible for the B and C gaps in the running game and lines up in the 5-technique position, so he is head-up on the OT. It's tough for a 3-4 DE to pick up as many sacks as a 4-3 DE, because a 3-4 DE doesn't have the freedom to go willy nilly upfield. He has to protect the LBs in order for the 3-4 to work. Panthers' 4-3 DE Julius Peppers said that he didn't like playing 3-4 DE, because he felt like he was essentially a DT. Unlike Peppers (6-6 290), most 4-3 DEs are not suited to playing 3-4 DE, because they lack the size and ability to hold up against the run. Examples of solid 3-4 DEs are the Patriots' Richard Seymour (6-6 310), the Steelers' Aaron Smith (6-5 300), and the Raiders' Bobby Hamilton (6-5 285)
The 3-4 ILBs must be stout in run support. Because there are only 3 DL to match up against 5 OL, they must be able to stack and shed an unblocked offensive lineman in the running game. My impression is that the majority of 4-3 ILBs with decent size can play 3-4 ILB. Examples of solid 3-4 ILBs are the former Ravens' Ed Hartwell (6-1 250) and the Raiders' Danny Clark (6-2 245)
What are the advantages of the 3-4 defense
The offense does not know which of the 2 OLBs is going to rush the QB, as both of the OLBs are in a 2-point stance. This creates the following advantages:
1. It's harder for the offensive linemen to correctly determine their blocking assignments before the snap and execute
2. It puts more mental pressure on the QB. E.g. the Patriots did a masterful job in disguising their D against 2004 MVP Peyton Manning in the 2005 playoffs. Manning came unglued mentally, and his frustration seemed to affect his performance
With the growing number of defenses running the 3-4 D, it will be interesting to see whether its effectiveness decreases as offenses get used to facing it.
link
Some of the most important things I've learned from this along with questions I still have:
If the NT can not hold his ground, the defense is very vulnerable to runs between the tackles.
.....Can Jason Fisk, in his 10th year, be effective in this role and is he an every down player?
.....How soon can Andrew "Beer Keg" Hoffman contribute playing against premier offensive linemen?
If the 3-4 OLBs are unable to consistently apply pressure on the QB, the D is very vulnerable in the passing game.
.....Can Chaun Thompson have a break out year as a 3-4 OLB and give us the quarterback pressure we have sorely lacked?
.....Who will play the other OLB position and can he be effective?
.....Can our secondary rise to the challenge if we don't get the needed QB pressure right away?
It's tough for a 3-4 DE to pick up as many sacks as a 4-3 DE, because a 3-4 DE doesn't have the freedom to go willy nilly upfield. He has to protect the LBs in order for the 3-4 to work.
.....What chance does K.Lang have as a 3-4 DE? Can he switch to OLB?
.....Orpheus Roye will return to his original position as a 3-4 DE and should do well. Who will be the other DE if K.Lang cannot adapt or is moved to OLB?
.....Can our 3-4 defensive line do it's job of "protecting the LB's" allowing them to be effective?
I find the more I know about the 3-4, the more questions I have. But what I've learned through this short tutorial will have me watching games with much more understanding. For instance, if our secondary is getting tore up, I may not be so quick to place the blame on them. I now know to watch the LB's closer to see if the problems start there. In turn, I know to pay more attention to the DE's and NT to see if they are, in fact, protecting the LB's. There is a lot to this and I for one and determined to be a better, more knowledgable fan.
What are your thoughts?