The 3-4 defense vs. the 4-3, and how the Eagles fit
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
The 3-4 defense vs. the 4-3, and how the Eagles fit
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
One dynamic that has generated considerable reaction since Chip Kelly arrived was the merits of a 3-4 defense or a 4-3 defense, and with good reason. The Eagles have played a 4-3 defensive alignment for much of recent memory, and their roster had been assembled with a 4-3 in mind. But it's becoming more likely that Kelly moves the Eagles to a 3-4, which would require some positional and roster changes.
It's first important to understand that any defense will succeed or fail based on personnel, and the players are far more important than the system. Plus, the team must have the players to fit. But for the sake of discussion, let's look at two factors -- the teams that run a 3-4 defense in the NFL, and the key pieces the Eagles possess.
3-4 IN THE NFL
There is no one way to measure the best defenses in the NFL, but here are the top 16 scoring defenses, and the system they use:
1. Seattle Seahawks -- 4-3
2. San Francisco 49ers -- 3-4
3. Chicago Bears -- 4-3
4. Denver Broncos -- 4-3
5. Atlanta Falcons -- 4-3
6. Pittsburgh Steelers -- 3-4
7. Miami Dolphins -- 4-3
8. Cincinnati Bengals -- 4-3
9. Houston Texans -- 3-4
9t. New England Patriots -- 4-3
11. Green Bay Packers -- 3-4
12. Baltimore Ravens -- 3-4
12. New York Giants -- 4-3
14. Minnesota Vikings -- 4-3
14. St. Louis Rams -- 4-3
16. San Diego Chargers -- 3-4
So 10 of the top 16 defenses (thus, the top half of the league) use the 4-3 alignment.
However, not all defenses are the same. Some use different blitz schemes, or line up players in differences. Tampa has a 4-3 front, but it uses different principles than other 4-3 defenses. And some defenses are hybrids of different schemes.
Of the past 10 Super Bowl champions, five have run a 3-4 and five have run a 4-3. Both defenses in this year's game run a 3-4. So there's no clear consensus around the NFL.
Yet the best defenses have players that fit the system. That leads to the players on the Eagles roster...
KEY PLAYERS ON EAGLES DEFENSE
There are positions that are critical in a 3-4 defense, such as a space-eating nose tackle and pass-rushing outside linebackers. The Eagles lack the nose tackle, and that would be a requirement if they make the switch. But here are five key pieces on the Eagles front seven, and how they fit:
FLETCHER COX -- The most promising player on the Eagles defense is Cox, the 2012 first-round pick who had a strong rookie season. When Howie Roseman talks about the Eagles featuring versatile defenders, that list starts with Cox. During the pre-draft process last season, Cox was seen as a potential fit as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 or a disruptive defensive tackle in a 4-3. So he'll be able to make the switch.
MYCHAL KENDRICKS -- Kendricks actually played in a 3-4 defense in college. He was an effective pass-rusher and had experience as both an inside and outside linebacker. He was viewed as a potential 3-4 defender in the NFL. So Kendricks is another player who could make the transiton.
DeMECO RYANS -- Ryans' case is perhaps the most interesting. He's viewed as a prototypical middle linebacker in the 4-3, and was not as effective in 2011 when the Texans transitioned to a 3-4. Of course, he was also coming off major surgery, but Roseman cited the scheme change when the Eagles acquired Ryans. That could have just been a talking point, but the offseason will be critical for Ryans if the Eagles make the switch. He's one of the Eagles' most consistent players, and he's a valuable player in the locker room. But he also has a big salary, and the Eagles must hope that the decline in 2011 was more the result of the injury than the scheme change.
BRANDON GRAHAM -- Similar to the Eagles draft picks in 2012, Graham's pre-draft hype in 2010 focused on his potential as a fit in the 3-4. A greater proportion of NFL teams play the defense than college defenses, so there is much about projection about the transiton of college pass rushers without much evidence. Graham's size and his skill set made him an option before the Eagles drafted him and the point was moot. Graham would need to learn a new spot, but he does have pass-rushing skills. The Eagles hope they can salvage this pick, and a fresh start in a new scheme might benefit Graham, who had a hard time with the Wide 9.
TRENT COLE -- At 30, Cole is not a long-term piece for the Eagles. But expect him on the roster next season by virtue of the money he's owed and his past performance. His entire NFL career has been in a 4-3, though. He was viewed as a potential linebacker when he was drafted in 2005, but Cole has added weight since then and he's been a down rusher. The Eagles would need to see how he fits in a 3-4, although it's not uncommon for players such as Cole to move to a 3-4 later in their careers. Like Ryans, the offseason will be critical for Cole if the Eagles make the switch.
Great post, Zach. Seems like Cole might really benefit from a 3-4 where the NT can eat up a ton of space. I've never been crazy about the end rush, either. Washburn didn't help with that. What a loser that guy was...— maximusud- even more frightening, the mastermind of the washburn hire and babin signings was none other than howie roseman
from inky reporter jeff mclane:
Andy Reid's decision to fire Jim Washburn was viewed as the Eagles coach owning up to his mistake in hiring the defensive line coach in the first place.
While Reid made the ultimate decision - he does have final say on all football matters - general manager Howie Roseman played an important role in the Eagles signing Washburn away from the Tennessee Titans in January 2011.
It was Roseman who first brought the idea to Reid's attention and then pushed for him to hire Washburn and bring his controversial wide-nine defensive scheme to the Eagles, two NFL sources said.— hannibal barca - The only have two starting LBs on the roster now and one of them definitely can't play the 3-4, Ryans.
You'd have to be crazy to the think any of the Eagles current DL can play standing up. Just another reason this team is a long way from getting back to the playoffs.— banned - I wouldn't say we're a long way from the playoffs. If the Chipper is smart, and everyone says he is, then I see a transition in 2013, improvement is 2014 and 2015 as a perenial playoff team! See, I will look at this with GREEN colored glasses. That is of course unless the plan fails and the leadership rips them from my head! GO KELLY GREEN!!!— desjones
- I predict Trent Cole will be traded for a 3rd round pick in 2014 draft.— rkr1960
- THAT is a distinct possibility. I can see it happen. I like Cole but his age is what is going to determine stay or go. I think if they could get a draft pick for him the eagles would take it. — Evil Overlord
- NT-Patterson, DEs-Cox and Jenkins, ILBs-Kendricks and Ryans, OLBs-Graham and Cole. However, I'd prefer if one of the OLBs were slightly more of an LB build.— majuub125
- The Eagles may not win a lot of games in 2013, but they will sure be interesting to watch.— SteveS11
- i think it'd be interesting to see the eagles implement the 3-4. it will be hilarious when howie drafts an undersized 265 lb NT with a high motor— hannibal barca
- Whatever scheme the Eagles decide on, the defense will be fine once they find a new steroid supplier.— Squizzy Magee
How about the biggest problem with the switch is that the Eagles have no nosetackle. Having an ineffective NT on defense is like having an ineffective QB on offense.....Wait a minute....I'm seeing a trend here.- A new 3-4 scheme with a new DC can't be any worse than the defense last year. IF tney can get a legit NT, why not 3-4. If they don't get the secondary fixed, it won't really matter. I drank the kool-aid and thought the 2012 defense would be strong. Wrong!— Z-Force
- Boy, do I hate to have my team in the hands of Roseman, he still thinks the 4-3 nd 3-4 are dance steps. My confidence level drops every time I read a story with Roseman mentioned.— jrzdvl
One of the many disappointments of last year was the no show of FS Nate Allen. I don't remember him making any plays.- This 3-4 stuff is just talk until we have a nose tackle on the roster. They don't grow on trees. You either have one or you play a 4-3. It's that simple.— Denali
