Matt Eberflus, the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, runs a 4-3 defensive front with zone coverage in the back end. He also uses Cover 2, Cover 2 man, and Cover 4 (quarters) coverages.
Explanation
Eberflus's scheme is similar to the one used by former Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.
He uses two deep safeties in his coverage.
He focuses on generating turnovers by pressuring the quarterback.
He seeks to stop the run by using "beefier" defensive tackles.
He's known for his demanding approach to defense.
He's known for stopping the run, causing turnovers, and bending, but not breaking.
Eberflus's defenses have ranked in the top 10 in takeaways in all but one season from 2018 through last season.
Eberflus's defensive philosophy is based on the "HITS" principle, which stands for hustle, intensity, takeaways, and playing smart.
Cowboys Coach Tom Landry's "Flex" 4 - 3 Defense's Concepts are used in today's modern 4 - 3 defenses, including the Tampa 2 scheme (which Eberflus uses) and the Seattle Seahawks' defense
Tom Landry's "flex defense," a 4-3 scheme, was designed to counter Vince Lombardi's "run for daylight" strategy, featuring a "flexible" alignment where defensive linemen could shift to attack gaps and disrupt option blocking.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
The Context:
In the 1960s, Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers dominated the NFL with their powerful running game, often referred to as "run for daylight".
Landry's Innovation:
To counter this, Tom Landry, the Dallas Cowboys' coach, developed the "flex defense," a 4-3 scheme that emphasized flexibility and gap control.
Key Features:
Gap Control: The defense aimed to have a player in every gap, preventing running backs from finding easy holes.
Flexibility: Defensive linemen could shift their alignment to attack specific gaps or react to the offensive line's blocking schemes.
Defensive Tackle Alignment: In the "flex," one defensive tackle would be aligned flush on the line, while the other would be flexed off the line, creating a "zig-zag" look that was difficult for offensive lines to prepare for.
Countering Option Blocking: The flex defense was specifically designed to counter option blocking, where offensive linemen would try to move defensive linemen to one side to create holes for the running back.
Impact:
The flex defense helped the Cowboys become a top-10 defensive team for 16 straight seasons and was a key factor in their success in the 1960s and 1970s.
Modern Influence:
The concepts of "shooting the gap" and "shoot and hold the gap," which were key elements of the flex defense, are still used in modern 4-3 defenses, including the Tampa 2 scheme and the Seattle Seahawks' defense.
Yes, Matt Eberflus is known to run a Tampa 2 defense, a scheme he learned and implemented as a disciple of Rod Marinelli, the former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Tampa 2 Origins:
The Tampa 2 defense is a zone coverage scheme that emphasizes a 4-3 defensive look and a reliance on zone coverage, particularly in the middle of the field.
Eberflus's Connection:
Eberflus spent several years working under Rod Marinelli in Dallas, where he learned and became a proponent of the Tampa 2 scheme.
Colts and Bears:
As the Colts defensive coordinator and later as the Bears head coach, Eberflus has consistently implemented versions of the Tampa 2 defense.
Emphasis on 3-technique:
Similar to Marinelli, Eberflus places a strong emphasis on the 3-technique defensive tackle position, a key element of the Tampa 2 scheme.
Modern Adaptations:
While rooted in the Tampa 2 principles, Eberflus's defenses have evolved and adapted to modern offenses, incorporating elements of other schemes to create a versatile and effective unit.
