Misconceptions?

[VACowboy]

It's obvious that something needs to be done this offseason to fix the defense, and I think the big question rolling around in everyone's head is, 3-4 or 4-3? And I'm not posting to advocate one over the other. There are just a few ideas that seem prevalent on the board and I'd like some help clearing them up.

1) We are running the "Tampa" defense.
Zimmer coached at Miami under Jimmy Johnson. He was a DB coach there as well as in Dallas befor he became defensive coordinator. And looking at the so-called "Tampa" defense, it appears to me that it's the defense Jimmy Johnson introduced to the NFL in the early 90's--small, fast front 7 and zone pass coverage. The only difference I see between the two is the MLB dropping into the deep middle in the Tmpa scheme, and Zimmer's defense doesn't do that. So, what defense are we really playing?

2) We need bigger linebackers.
If we're sticking with the 4-3 and playing either the Tampa or Miami versions, why do ge need bigger linebackers? Both of these defensive schemes are predicated on speed at both the DT and LB positions. Does the move to bigger linebackers mean we're moving away from the Tampa defense?

3) The turnover in personnel required to move to the 3-4 would be too much to make it worthwhiile.
Well, lets see. We need a new CB, a new safety, a new DT, a new DE and probably at leatst one new linebacker. If we're making a huge overhaul anyway, why not switch to the defense Parcells has coached his entire career?

[lurkercowboy]

Zimmer did not coach with Johnson at U of Miami. He never coached with Johnson in Dallas either.

[VACowboy]

Originally Posted by lurkercowboy

Zimmer did not coach with Johnson at U of Miami. He never coached with Johnson in Dallas either.

Are you sure? I thought he was his DB coach.

[MichaelWinicki]

Jimmy didn't run the "Tampa" defense in the Dallas. The DT's played straight up on the guards, not having one of the DT's assume a "NT" position.

Also we play much more man-man than what TB does.