ESPND: How about a Cowboys' move to a 4-3?

[cowboys#1]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

Moving deck chairs on the Titanic.

this....

[TheXFactor]

Originally Posted by ScipioCowboy

So we finally have the linebackers to run a 3-4 and we're going to change? Genius!

This is correct. The challenge with switching defenses isn't scheme, it's personally. Assuming we keep Spencer, a 4-3 implies that Ware and Spencer would be DE because neither of them can play 43 outside LB. It also means that they would have to most likely play stand up DE because they usually only go into 3 point stances on passing downs, and playing the run from a 3 point is significantly different from playing it coming from a 2 point stance. We have the DT's and LB's for a 43, but we don't have the DE's for it, which is the most important position in a 43 because they are the primary pass rushers and primary contain on running plays

[ScipioCowboy]

Originally Posted by Eric_Boyer

the 3-4 generally is a faster defense then a 4-3.

you have one less large body up front replaced by a smaller backer.

Not position-by-position, which was the crux of my post.

Both the linemen and linebackers in a 4-3 defense tend to be smaller. So while there is one more "big body" in a 4-3 defense, the "big bodies" tend to be smaller and the linebackers need not be as large.

[cody_04l]

Could Jerry's comment of drafting LB Bobby Wagner in the last draft have any merit of a switch to a 4-3? If Mo wasn't there we draft wagner and make the switch?

[xwalker]

Originally Posted by ghst187

We absolutely should go back to the 4-3. The pitch on switching to the 3-4 was how much confusion you can throw at the opposing QBs. I don't think we've confused a QB this decade to include some of the worst QBs in the league. I imagine Zimmer with our current personnel, healthy, would've been tons better than what we've seen the last 5 years.
There I said it, Zimmer. hahaha

Rob Ryan, Wade and Parcells all use a 4-man line in obvious passing situations.

[TheXFactor]

Originally Posted by xwalker

Rob Ryan, Wade and Parcells all use a 4-man line in obvious passing situations.

We don't have the personnel to run a 43 every down