Commanders Post at The Warpath - View Single Post - I think the Redskins should Go to A 3-4 Defense.

freddyg12 · 02-06-2009, 02:29 PM

First off, this is a worthwhile discussion at this time of year. Second,let's not give to much credit to the #4 ranking. Sure, the D kept us in games, but I believe that by season's end they were just above avg. Offenses knew that if they were patient our D couldn't shut them down entirely. I know they were on the field a long time in some games, but they are not as imposing as a #4 ranking would seem. Next year they could really fall hard.

I never liked the 3-4 just because the Skins never have run it. But I also didn't like the WCO for the same reason, just seems foreign. When I think about it though, what makes these 3-4 teams stand out are the linebackers. The system allows tweener guys to develop, whereas those same guys are often undersized in a 4-3.

The style of systems being used is often a reflection of the types of players available. Seems these days there are a lot of guys that can play OLB/DE in a 3-4 that are not really suited to be 4-3 DEs.

Ever wonder why so many 4-3 DEs are busts in the draft? yet you don't hear about many OLBs that are busts. The Skins have passed up a lot of talented 3-4 OLB/DEs, a position which seems to be a surplus in the college ranks. Take a look at this year's DEs, most of them aren't over 255-260 lbs. For that reason alone, a 3-4 makes sense to me, but only if the whole staff is blown up. Otherwise, it's not practical anytime soon.

02-06-2009, 02:29 PM	#11
freddyg12 Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,540	Re: I think the Redskins should Go to A 3-4 Defense. First off, this is a worthwhile discussion at this time of year. Second,let's not give to much credit to the #4 ranking. Sure, the D kept us in games, but I believe that by season's end they were just above avg. Offenses knew that if they were patient our D couldn't shut them down entirely. I know they were on the field a long time in some games, but they are not as imposing as a #4 ranking would seem. Next year they could really fall hard. I never liked the 3-4 just because the Skins never have run it. But I also didn't like the WCO for the same reason, just seems foreign. When I think about it though, what makes these 3-4 teams stand out are the linebackers. The system allows tweener guys to develop, whereas those same guys are often undersized in a 4-3. The style of systems being used is often a reflection of the types of players available. Seems these days there are a lot of guys that can play OLB/DE in a 3-4 that are not really suited to be 4-3 DEs. Ever wonder why so many 4-3 DEs are busts in the draft? yet you don't hear about many OLBs that are busts. The Skins have passed up a lot of talented 3-4 OLB/DEs, a position which seems to be a surplus in the college ranks. Take a look at this year's DEs, most of them aren't over 255-260 lbs. For that reason alone, a 3-4 makes sense to me, but only if the whole staff is blown up. Otherwise, it's not practical anytime soon.