xwalker
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its a simplified explanation. but over all the 3-4 and 4-3 have blended over time....one simple difference is the stand up DE. and in a 3-4, in old days, used to be a LB, true LB, but over time given its success in pass rushing (and how they disguised the designated pass rushers), the OLBs on the weak side (even some on strong side) became designated pass rushers, ala Ware. I doubt if Ware ever dropped into pass coverage, but he was considered a LB. Parcells tried the same thing with Ellis on the strong side and had limited success
its mostly around how you line up, between the tackles, as well as which shoulder of the tackle. its not necessarily just between tackles, DEs can line up on the inside shoulder or outside shoulder....
but most 3-4, the OLB on the weak side is a stand up pass rusher. allows them to get a better view of back field and pre-snap movements and most of these pass rushers have a easier time starting the rush from standup position, that gives them a step up (or faster)....last year they tried to make Lawrence into a stand up pass rusher and he struggled with his initial step. it wasn't an easy transition for him and he went back to his hands down on the ground and had more success.
I assume this year gregory will be the stand up pass rusher. most of these guys are on the smaller side and in the 3-4 the DL alignment are slightly different, including what they do. sometimes the DE lines up between the guard and tackle or over the guard or I have seen them line up over tackle, then overloading one side of the line up. forcing offensive pass blocking....it also depends on the personnel you have, but I go back to my initial statement, these days most teams run a blend of 3-4 or 4-3. its hard to distinguish sometimes. not many teams run a true 3-4 (like pittsburgh)....
DLaw did not go to more hand on the ground. He had that option but declined. It was Griffen that went back to hand down.
- DLaw appeared to like standing up and playing 3-4 OLB.
Ware did drop into coverage but far less than Spencer.
If there are not 3 DL between the outside shoulders of the OTs or within a few inches of being in that area, then it's not a 3-4 concept.
If fans want to know which concept is being used then looking at how many DL are between the OTs is a better method than looking at how many players are hand-down vs standing.
Atlanta often played a 4 man DL but with the DEs standing up. Just standing up didn't make them LBs.
Standing up is not done to make it easier to pass rush. The majority of 3-4 OLBs play hand-down in Nickel.
The biggest advantage of standing up is with regards to outside run contain. It is equivalent to giving the DE 1 or 2 extra steps towards the sideline on outside run plays. Obviously it also helps to see the action in the backfield.
The 3-4 is a run defense alignment. It is never used in obvious passing situations (i.e. 3rd and long, etc.).