Cowboys have the personnel to move back to a 4-3

[YosemiteSam]

Ratliff at 295lbs is to large to play DE in a 4-3. DE in a 4-3 are usually 265-280lbs. Ratliff is a 3-4 DE. There is a big difference.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I'd like to see this done. Ratliff, Tank, and Spears at DT's.

Hatcher, Canty, Spencer, Ware, and Ellis at DE's. Though Ellis may be the odd man out on this one.

Carp would probably be a better fit on the outside of a 4-3 D.

Hatcher and Canty are close to 300lbs. Thats rather large for a 4-3 DE.

For those that don't understand why, it's because they need enough lateral movement to protect on screens and swing passes because you don't have an OLB like Ware to protect the flat. I don't think you can name a single 295lbs+ 4-3 DE in the entire league. Most 4-3 tackles are around 295lbs.

EDIT:
4-3 DEs:
Jason Taylor: 255lbs
Dwight Freeney: 268lbs
Aaron Kampman: 270lbs
Patrick Kerney: 272lbs
Jared Allen: 270lbs
Kyle Vanden Bosch: 278lbs

 

[JPM]

50% of the teams left vying for the Super Bowl run the 3-4.

And the one that will win will run it.

 

[YosemiteSam]

And the one that will win will run it.

Green Bay runs a 4-3

 

[CATCH17]

The 3-4 is garbage! It should only be used as a change of pace defense.

Its far from garbage.

Our front 7 isn't the problem either. Plus we generate a really good pass rush out of that allignment.

Plus rarely does anyone have any luck running outside on us.

 

[Doomsday101]

What differance does it make? I don't care if it is the 3-4 or the 4-3 the players have to execute the defense for it to work.

 

[Yeagermeister]

What differance does it make? I don't care if it is the 3-4 or the 4-3 the players have to execute the defense for it to work.

Truer words were never spoken

 

[Hostile]

Yeah we brought in Wade Phillips cuz of his expertise in the 3-4... yeah let's switch to a freakin' 4-3.

I'm so glad I didn't have to point this out.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

 

[YosemiteSam]

I'm so glad I didn't have to point this out.

...but you just did! :laugh2:

 

[satam55]

I agree. This 3-4 is useless these days. I've never been a fan of it ... especially when our best passrusher is forced to cover.

We have the personnel to return to the 4-3. Let's get it done ... and while we're at it, get Philips a 4-3 DC.

AMEN!

 

[TheHerd]

Front 7 is not the problem. Tons of talent, tons of depth. Still has upside.

Problem is Secondary. Problem has been secondary for probably the last 4 years. 3 and 4 years ago, we'd give up the huge play, the long td. Last 2 years we give up the dink and dunk to death. Big cushions and 1 or 2 guys just unable to cover and limit the bleeding.

Part of the problem 3-4 years ago, and even 2 years ago (Parcels last year), was lack of pass rush, although the secondary was still a bit part of it.

This last year it was secondary, pure and simple. Dink, dunk, lob it between Roy and Reeves, or Roy and Henry.

LarryCanadian

Which is funny since 3 of our back 4 are in the Pro Bowl! Shows how valuable that distinction is.

I'm not totally sold on our ILBs either. I know everyone loves Brady, but he overruns plays a lot though he improved a LOT this year. Ayodele is JAG. It scares me that Carp and Burnett can't win his starting spot.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

A CB and S fixes this defense.

Our line isnt able to get to the QB in time because of the 35 1/2 yard cushion our DB's give them

 

[SilberBlau]

3rd in sacks, 6th in run-D. So what's this line discussion about? The only number that is a problem is 35

 

[Rack]

Problem is Secondary

No, it isn't. LBs have to cover too, and I'd say most of our coverage breakdowns this year came from that group, not the secondary.

Although I am ready to replace our 3rd CB.