Pass Rush & a 3-4

[Jetstream Green]

Levar Fisher and Raynoch Thompson both seem to have the speed and tenacity to flourish as pass rushers and even though Bell and players like Tanner might be a little slow, they do have the size to condense the line with their big wide bodies along with Bryant who I feel will be much improved next year. At this point, this team has more of the defenssive players fitted for a 3-4 opposed to a 4-3. The 3-4 question has been brought up before on this board and McKinnon and Darling could fill in well in the mix. We have a lot of hit and run LBs that could prosper in a 3-4.

BAG BAGHDAD!!!

 

[Krangodnzr]

We will never play a true 3-4 with Mac as our coach.....

 

[arthurracoon]

Is there any way that we could play both the 3-4 and the 4-3 to confuse the offense.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Originally posted by arthurracoon
Is there any way that we could play both the 3-4 and the 4-3 to confuse the offense.

Not very well. Teams have to build for either system, and it takes certain types of players to play a 3-4, which despite what some say, we don't have.

 

[JeffGollin]

Is there any way that we could play both the 3-4 and the 4-3 to confuse the offense.
Yes and no (heh heh).

Seriously - for teams wishing to install either the 3-4 or 4-3 as their base defense, they need to configure their defensive roster so that the right kind of players tailored for DE, DT, NG, OLB, MLB and ILB.

For example, the 3-4 usually requires 2 very large DE "tree trunks" who can anchor plus a fireplug shaped NG in the middle. The two OLB's are usually Raynoch and Levar types either or both of whom can be brought on the pass rush.

The 4-3 usually employs a big LDE, a penetrating DT, a stay-at home DT and an speedy, smaller edge rusher at RDE. OLB's usually consist of an SLB who's strong at run support and an WLB who can blitz when called on.

But there is no reason why the Cards couldn't operate out of a base 4-3 and include one or more 3-4 packages if they have the personnel to do so (and I agree - we do). If nothing else, it could really disrupt an enemy offense if snuck in there at the right time.

I'd be willing to bet that many NFL teams do precisely that. (If many defenses are already using zone blitzes with guys at strange positions blitzing or dropping back into coverage), there's no reason why they wouldn't do some juggling of defensive personnel and shifting around to create a 3-4 look every once in a while. We TV watchers would be better able to see this if we could see the whole field rather than what the TV screen shows.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

and i disagree that raynoch and levar are well-suited for a 3-4. they have the requisite speed, but 3-4 olbs are usually larger b/c of the general lack of beef (read "one less lineman" - i know the 3 down linemen are usually larger individuall) on the line and their importance in run-stopping. i played in a 3-4 in college and the olbs have to be the biggest, strongest, and best athletes on the field.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Originally posted by PHXSPORTS4LIFE
and i disagree that raynoch and levar are well-suited for a 3-4. they have the requisite speed, but 3-4 olbs are usually larger b/c of the general lack of beef (read "one less lineman" - i know the 3 down linemen are usually larger individuall) on the line and their importance in run-stopping. i played in a 3-4 in college and the olbs have to be the biggest, strongest, and best athletes on the field.

That was what I was thinking too.

3-4 OLBs are basically undersized DEs but large linebackers. Ray Thompson is an undersized LB, and would lack the bulk for playing the 3-4. Fisher isn't tall enough or big enough.