3-4 defense and the new coordinator

[Bigrandrn]

I read in one of the threads that the new DC will run a 3-4. How would that work for us?

Osa and Clark at DE? WIlliams in the middle. Or will Clowney play DE(assuming we resign him). EZE at OLB? Justin Houston OLB? Or would Overshown be an OLB?

Any ideas?

I’d say the 3 down are osa—Clark—Q since Clark already played some NT.
OLBs are Clowney (he played this before) and EZ and Houston with a top draft pick or FA. Inside are Wilson and Overshown. We need another couple LB in FA or draft and obviously a CB and 1-2 safety’s, but there’s SOME players we can use in a 3-4

 

[Kwyn]

I’ve said many times that a 3–4 is the way to go, and hopefully they finally make the switch. We can start by not re-signing Clowney and instead transitioning Ezeiraku into a 3–4 linebacker. After watching plenty of BC’s breakdowns, it’s clear they already used him more like a pass‑rushing linebacker than a true defensive end.

The next step is the draft. We should use our first pick on Sonny Styles, then add another linebacker through free agency—someone like Quay Walker or Quincy Williams. That approach gives us speed, flexibility, and depth without having to spend big on a high‑priced edge rusher like Hendrickson.

The biggest advantage of the 3–4 is how much harder it makes life for opposing quarterbacks. It allows for better coverage disguise, more creative pressure packages, and far more uncertainty about where the blitz is coming from. With the right personnel, this defense could be faster, more aggressive, and much tougher to prepare for week to week.

Clowney has played in a 3-4 almost his entire career, including his most productive ones.

That being said, there are highly successful teams playing base 3-4 and base 4-3 and man dominant and zone dominant.

Almost any scheme can successful with the right coaching and players.

The Texans defense thar caddies Stroud all season and was dominant is a base 4-3 zone

Broncos play a 3-4 defense with dominant man coverage.

Very different both both terrific.

Parker has been in Joseph’s 3-4 and Fangios 4-3 so I’m sure he’ll figure out what works best here.

 

[ConstantReboot]

Clowney has played in a 3-4 almost his entire career, including his most productive ones.

That being said, there are highly successful teams playing base 3-4 and base 4-3 and man dominant and zone dominant.

Almost any scheme can successful with the right coaching and players.

The Texans defense thar caddies Stroud all season and was dominant is a base 4-3 zone

Broncos play a 3-4 defense with dominant man coverage.

Very different both both terrific.

Parker has been in Joseph’s 3-4 and Fangios 4-3 so I’m sure he’ll figure out what works best here.

I agree. I don't think it matters. Seattle plays base 4-3 and predominantly Nickel.

 

[Daillest88]

Here’s how the secondary might go tho..

 

[speedkilz88]

I read in one of the threads that the new DC will run a 3-4. How would that work for us?

Osa and Clark at DE? WIlliams in the middle. Or will Clowney play DE(assuming we resign him). EZE at OLB? Justin Houston OLB? Or would Overshown be an OLB?

Any ideas?

After the Quinnen trade they actually did run a 3-4. Clark is a NT. Osa & Quinnen are DEs. Eze & Clowney are OLBs. Overshown and (was Murray) inside LBs. I think Bland is still outside and then kicks inside for the nickle like Cooper DeJean.

 

[eromeopolk]

No, Eagles run a 3-4.

He was with Fangio in Denver as well. Believe Vic Fangio was running a 3-4 back then.

Fangio runs a 34 base!

I understand Fangio 3-4 roots, But it is a 4/3 base with 3-4 looks to rush the passer. They go 5-2 to stop the run. However the DTs line up in 4/3 positions not the typical DE, NT, DE 3/4 alignment (NT over the C). They have no NT on the team. Even big Jordan Davis was told to lose weight. So it is a 4-3 base Hybrid 3-4.

But no matter the 4-3 base and 3/4 look, the secondary always have a 2 high cover shell with the middle of the field open to disguise the final coverage. That is what Christian Parker does extremely well as his strength. You could end up with 4 new starters in the secondary. DL will add a Parsons type pass rusher, and LB will be Darrin Smith types not the big MLB focus of the traditional 4-3. The LBs were the similarity of Jimmy attack 4 defense and Landry Flex, and will be the same in the CPD (Christian Parker Defense).

I look forward to how Parker interprets the defense. I think it is a great higher if they do not screw him like they did Kris Richard saddling him with the Old Man Marine in Marinelli.

 

[Floatyworm]

I wouldn’t over think it. The cowboys played some 3-4ish looks this year. It won’t be a massive change up front in that regard

Because it worked so well......

 

[Verdict]

I wouldn’t over think it. The cowboys played some 3-4ish looks this year. It won’t be a massive change up front in that regard

Well, if we are going to run a 3-4, we are DEFINITELY going to need to stock up on linebackers. Probably several of them. We have maybe 1.5 linebackers at this point.

 

[Carson]

Here’s how the secondary might go tho..

Thank god no more cover 2 easy conversion for 10-15 on every 3rd down.

 

[blueblood70]

It is unknown if he runs the 3-4 like Fangio. He might have his own ideas or a combination of both. If it is similar to Fangio’s, a good secondary is a must.

Exactly, They will do what we hope Matt would have done and he didn't is try to run multiples, figure out going into training camp what you have on your roste,r and figure out what defense to run with these guys..

they'll have going into this first year as A DC he can change it a little each offseason to try to create something he hopes for but in the short term you have to kind of make the meal with the groceries you have...

I fully expect there's going to be a longer transition than one off season it's gonna be hard to rebuild this defense but if he can pull us from being the worst just somehow get us in the 18-20 range to start the season,

And what I'm looking for is progress what do we see in the first four or 5 games and then the middle of the season and how do they finish barring any ridiculous amounts of injuries the only expectation I have for the new DC is so we see the improvement and him getting better and making our roster better as the year goes on and maybe we finish mid which is a lot better with this offense it will help Brian Schottenheimer into play calling strategies and not having to score so much but expecting a huge turn around in one offseason is not going to happen

But I'm sure he'll find a way to get some kind of identity going and we'll see it progress as the season goes or I'll definitely be concerned if I don't see progress from the first quarter of the season to the middle and to the end 'cause that's all you can ask for in Year 1....

 

[Valkyr]

Hopefully we play with 11 men on defense instead of the 9 we had last year.

 

[Stash]

I read in one of the threads that the new DC will run a 3-4. How would that work for us?

Osa and Clark at DE? WIlliams in the middle. Or will Clowney play DE(assuming we resign him). EZE at OLB? Justin Houston OLB? Or would Overshown be an OLB?

Any ideas?

Clark has played 3-4 nose before and Williams has played 3-4 DE I believe as well. I think they’re skills and body types are best suited in those positions.

I also think Clowney played 3-4 OLB in Houston and some felt it was the best role for EZE so his transition should be smooth.

I think Overshown is your WILB and Sonny Styles (hopefully) lined up beside him.

 

[phildadon86]

I read in one of the threads that the new DC will run a 3-4. How would that work for us?

Osa and Clark at DE? WIlliams in the middle. Or will Clowney play DE(assuming we resign him). EZE at OLB? Justin Houston OLB? Or would Overshown be an OLB?

Any ideas?

I mean that would be what this Front Office would do.

Trade away a true OLB in Parsons then switch to the 3-4 lol.

 

[phildadon86]

Clark has played 3-4 nose before and Williams has played 3-4 DE I believe as well. I think they’re skills and body types are best suited in those positions.

I also think Clowney played 3-4 OLB in Houston and some felt it was the best role for EZE so his transition should be smooth.

I think Overshown is your WILB and Sonny Styles (hopefully) lined up beside him.

Ooooo I like this.

 

[Stash]

Hopefully we play with 11 men on defense instead of the 9 we had last year.

 

[phildadon86]

Any chance Jerry actually lets him pick players? Or is he going to pick them himself because he doesn't have the experience.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Well, if we are going to run a 3-4, we are DEFINITELY going to need to stock up on linebackers. Probably several of them. We have maybe 1.5 linebackers at this point.

It’ll be the same as if they run a 4-3 base. You’re still playing with two off ball style LBs either way. If anything to lose the need for a SAM if you go 3-4 so you actually need less lb depth. You’re just transitioning your ends to fill the OLB roles.

 

[CowboyFrog]

On the radio they pulled up a pod cast with him, he bases his scheme off of what he has at the Nickle (slot) DB, its a very interesting conversation and sounds great. try and find it on Utube.

 

[calicowboy54]

5 man is what pretty much all “3-4” teams use. The discussion about defensive schemes should really be even vs odd fronts and about gap responsibilities.

yes 5 men on the line of scrimmage. its 3 DL 2 LBs could be 2 middle backers on the line or 2 OLBs on the line its all about shifting lines and making angles so your OL is overwhelmed on any play, not knowing where your coming from.

 

[gimmesix]

I read in one of the threads that the new DC will run a 3-4. How would that work for us?

Osa and Clark at DE? WIlliams in the middle. Or will Clowney play DE(assuming we resign him). EZE at OLB? Justin Houston OLB? Or would Overshown be an OLB?

Any ideas?

I think he will definitely mix the fronts, but the 3-4 would take advantage of what we have at DT. Odig and Williams would be the DEs and Clark would be the NT. Houston and Eze are more OLB-built players than 4-3 ends and Cowboys has played OLB before as well. I'd assume Overshown would be one of the ILBs.

So we'd need another ILB, which we'd need in either system because Overshown would be an OLB in the 4-3, and need to upgrade 3-4 OLB as far as the front seven goes.