4-3 linebackers

[Smashin222]

Obviously Lee can play, and there's a presumption that so can Carter although that's probably quesitonable (this might be the reverse of what we did to Bobby Carpenter with the position switches)

What happens to Spencer and Butler. Are they capable of playing OLB in a 4-3?

will we need to draft one in the early rounds? (2-3)

 

[Smashin222]

sorry, the presumption of the thread would be a switch to a 4-3 -- what "would" happen?

 

[gmoney112]

Draft Bruce Irvin and sign Dan Connor. Done and done.

 

[ejthedj]

I think Spence could play SOLB, given how well he plays the run and pass already.

 

[cowboysooner]

Carter is less of a risk as a 4-3 wlb than anything in a 4-3. I think Lee could play any spot in the 4-3.

 

[Risen Star]

Carter's best fit is a 4-3. So that wouldn't be an issue.

But I still hate the idea. Our scheme has nothing to do with our struggles on defense.

 

[speedkilz88]

Spencer would have problems in coverage the most. Ryan isn't going full 4-3 anyway. He has always been a guy that changes into both sets, but I don't think he could do what he wanted last year without an offseason.

 

[jobberone]

Spencer would have problems in coverage the most. Ryan isn't going full 4-3 anyway. He has always been a guy that changes into both sets, but I don't think he could do what he wanted last year without an offseason.

This.

 

[durrrr]

I assume the move to a 4-3 would be predicated on signing Mario Williams, in which case I will also assume that Spencer won't be here (not going to worry about him signing the franchise tag until he actually does it).

Based on what we currently have at LB: MLB Lee, WLB Carter, SLB Butler

I feel great about Lee (at any position) and I'm comfortable with Carter as 4-3 WLB is probably his most natural position, but I'm not sure how Butler fits in, and depth is obviously an issue. Probably add a solid vet that can start if there isn't a better option and provide quality depth at multiple spots. Bolster depth with a draft pick or two, maybe even find a starter if the value's there early.

 

[reddyuta]

have we seen any indication of a switch from Jerry or the coaches?.This seems more an assumption on our perceived interest in Mario williams.

 

[Smashin222]

have we seen any indication of a switch from Jerry or the coaches?.This seems more an assumption on our perceived interest in Mario williams.

yes this would assume we sign a DE like Freeney or Williams

are we comfortable with the LB problem that it produces?

 

[TheCoolFan]

Carter's background is in the 4-3, he played it at UNC. You'd probably have to bring in another 4-3 OLB in free agency but those are a dime a dozen...4-3 LB is one of the most plentiful positions in the NFL

 

[Hostile]

Draft Bruce Irvin and sign Dan Connor. Done and done.

I'll be shocked if Connor lands anywhere but Philly. They want him bad. I think he might be the first FA signed once Tuesday rolls around.

 

[Hostile]

Carter's best fit is a 4-3. So that wouldn't be an issue.

But I still hate the idea. Our scheme has nothing to do with our struggles on defense.

I agree, and I really don't see us moving back as long as Ware is the most disruptive force in the NFL from the WOLB spot.

 

[Aven8]

If we did move to more 43 sets and got Mario then the 14 th pick could be Luke Kuelchy and we are off to the races!

 

[Joe Realist]

I'll be shocked if Connor lands anywhere but Philly. They want him bad. I think he might be the first FA signed once Tuesday rolls around.

Connor is coming to Philly. He is from the Suburbs here and went to PSU.

 

[Crown Royal]

I think in our division we can expect to see more nickel than either 4-3 or 3-4.

What are you more afraid of right now - teams passing against us or running against us?

 

[RastaRocket]

I think in our division we can expect to see more nickel than either 4-3 or 3-4.

What are you more afraid of right now - teams passing against us or running against us?

Or we can be the aggressor against the offenses in our division by signing Mario Williams and playing him at DE in the 3-4. Develop a scary defensive front with Ware, Ratlif, Lee, Carter, Spencer, Williams. Lets not back down to the spread offense and run nickel all the time to try and slow them down. It's time to bring smash mouth football to this defense and start rattling QB's. Lets force teams to bow down to our guys, go away from their spreads, add extra blockers and make them stop us. Offenses should fear us.

 

[Crown Royal]

Or we can be the aggressor against the offenses in our division by signing Mario Williams and playing him at DE in the 3-4. Develop a scary defensive front with Ware, Ratlif, Lee, Carter, Spencer, Williams. Lets not back down to the spread offense and run nickel all the time to try and slow them down. It's time to bring smash mouth football to this defense and start rattling QB's. Lets force teams to bow down to our guys, go away from their spreads, add extra blockers and make them stop us. Offenses should fear us.

I want my cake and I want to eat it too. I feel confident that with a four man line of Ware/Rat/Liss/Williams I can get to the QB and bring the smash mouth football you refer to. Then when I really want to make it nasty, I can send some blitzes as well.

 

[Eskimo]

SOLB is not a premium position in a 4-3 defense so I don't see us bringing Spencer back if we sign Mario Williams.

My guess is that we fill this hole via draft or mid-tier FA.

I actually suspect that we are going to play a hybrid defense with Mario being a DE in either of the alignments. Ware will switch between OLB/DE. I see us using our second rounder on a OLB to play in this new defense. I still see our best strategy is a trade down to net 4 picks in the first 3 rounds with at least one OG, CB and OLB drafted. Then there is one other pick to use however the draft plays out for us although I hope the pick is used at CB.