Good post.
I do think that people are panicking a little in thinking the team is going to some 2 gap read and react scheme like what Nolan had based on the 3 4 and hybrid comments. I think its far more complicated than that but functionally I do not think that this is going to be like that. It seems more aggressive.
Fact is the base defense came about as a reaction to the talent the Seahawks had on hand, and people have become convinced its the only way they play.
More accurately, both Pete Carroll and DQ are smart enough to make their front 7 fit the best 7 they can put on the field. They will call it a "package" and we'll be in that package most of the time.
Comparing the new "base" to a Marinelli front:
We are turning the 1T into a two gapper. CZ folks have been asking for this for years. That's a no brainer switch considering the run defense issues. I can't tell you how many hours my bro (A CZ lurker) and
I have spent on this. We've needed a 2 gap 1T for a while.
We are making DLaw play a two gap from a 4T (not a 5T) on running downs. GIven that strong side zone runs double team him anyway, I don't think that's beyond him and he's a strong run defender.
All other positions are more same than different.
On passing downs, we will be playing more Cover 3 than 2 and as the secondary improves, more man to man as a complement. Line play becomes one gap.
But with all the pieces they have, we will see a lot of situational defense. For sure.
D-
