Shanahan wants a 3-4 Defense

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

LOL. I see your username and all I can think of is

That video kinda pertains to his sig line.

[Dirtbag59]

Shanny wants throwback offense?
11:50
AM ET
Mike Shanahan | Broncos Top Email

Mike Shanahan finally became the head coach (and executive vice president) of the Washington Redskins last Tuesday night, so let's continue to take a look at changes that might come to the organization. We had heard some rumors from several sources, and NFC East blogger Matt Mosley noted five specific things that Shanahan must address in the wake of his hire.

One decision that needs to be worked out before any offseason personnel moves can be made is the offensive strategy. Will Shanny stick with what worked for a while in Denver, a traditional "run to win" strategy as the Washington Post details, or will he join the rest of the league in realizing that a team needs to pass well in order to win?

Regardless, Clinton Portis might be a goner either way. Paul Tenorio of Redskins Insider pointed out that Shanahan didn't seem too high on Portis in his opening presser, and there appears to be some anti-Clinton chatter in the locker room.

No matter which offense Shanahan chooses, an upgrade to the offensive line is needed. Expect the 'Skins to address that issue in free agency and the draft.

[SouperMeister]

Originally Posted by BallzDeep

also london fletcher, our best linebacker would get his ass kicked in a 3-4 scheme, i say keep the 4-3 but go back to the gregg williams style

London Fletcher is a great football player. I'm pretty sure that he cound transition from 4-3 MLB to 3-4 ILB. What makes you think he would get his ass kicked? The guy still has excellent speed, and hits like a ton of bricks.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by SouperMeister

London Fletcher is a great football player. I'm pretty sure that he cound transition from 4-3 MLB to 3-4 ILB. What makes you think he would get his ass kicked? The guy still has excellent speed, and hits like a ton of bricks.

Inside LB's in the 3-4 don't get the protection from guards like they do in the 4-3, so smaller lb's are not usually what you want there. But Fletch IS a beast so...who knows?

[Monkeydad]

want's?

Considering our D-line, although talented, is aging. Griffin, Carter, Wynn...

If we keep Rak on the line and not at LB, I like the move. Haynesworth can handle the middle better than anyone. We'll need to add a lot of LB depth though.

[Monkeydad]

I have no doubts that Fletcher can excel in any system. The rest of the LB corps are what we should be concerned about. Fletcher, Blades, McIntosh could be fine, but where's the other LB coming from? Possibly Chris Wilson, hopefully not Orakpo at LB. Then depth?

At this time, our roster is better suited for 4-3, but that could change.

[53Fan]

I think in a 3-4, Orakpo definitely plays LB. They would want to use him like Ware.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

I think in a 3-4, Orakpo definitely plays LB. They would want to use him like Ware.

Yeah I agree, Rak has 3-4 OLB written all over him.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

I think in a 3-4, Orakpo definitely plays LB. They would want to use him like Ware.

yeah, and he would probably rush the passer more than he did overall this year, while only dropping into coverage a few times a game.

[Dirtbag59]

I just want to point out that a 3-4 doesn't have to have a huge nose tackle or huge defensive lineman for that matter. When Wade Phillips was in Atlanta running the 3-4 he was using Andre Carter type players at DE and stressing gap penetration. Hopefully they're thinking of using a 3-4 with an emphasis on gap penetration.

[DBUCHANON101]

All i heard from alot of posters on here last yr was how they wish the Skins D was more like the Steelers..... Well here it comes and now you will see first hand what it takes to make a defense of that caliber. How many 1st rounders have the Steelers used on their defense? Cody,McClain and Spikes are names we could be seeing on draft day. Oline is a need but for the 3-4 to work you MUST have a front 3 who can tie up blockers. if anything it will be interesting.

[DBUCHANON101]

How bout keepin an eye on NE and A Thomas? he can play OLB opposite of RAK.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by DBUCHANON101

How bout keepin an eye on NE and A Thomas? he can play OLB opposite of RAK.

I thought he was pretty much gone, no way the Dark Hooded One keeps him. I'm surprised he didn't cut Thomas after the snow incident.

On a related note, I wish Darth Hoody would have a "F you, I'll do what I want" moment and let Wilfork walk, so we can pick him up as our NT.

[DBUCHANON101]

OK so if the Skins go OT in the 1st, which ILB or NT would you want to see them land in the 2nd? or is there a FA in the mixlike Wilfork? I like McClain from Bama but he will be gone high 1st.
Definately need a NT if AH is to play DE. Mount Cody?

[CultBrennan59]

Originally Posted by DBUCHANON101

OK so if the Skins go OT in the 1st, which ILB or NT would you want to see them land in the 2nd? or is there a FA in the mixlike Wilfork? I like McClain from Bama but he will be gone high 1st.
Definately need a NT if AH is to play DE. Mount Cody?

Mount Cody could definitely be there for us in the 2nd round, but then again, Miami and San Diego may/do need NT's as well.