Is Marinelli bringing back the 3-4 defense?

[itsaboat]

I noticed Dallas lined up in a 3-4 defense early in the first quarter. Spencer, Carter, T.McClain, Wilber, T.Crawford, and Mincey all have experience in that scheme. Maybe Marinelli is working into the game plan?

 

[AsthmaField]

No

 

[Doomsday101]

Marinelli will continue to be a base 4-3 defense but clearly he has different packages and 3-4 alignment within his defense.

 

[itsaboat]

Marinelli will continue to be a base 4-3 defense but clearly he has different packages and 3-4 alignment within his defense.

I think the versatility would be beneficial to the defense.

 

[conner01]

the 4/3 will be the base but all dc's run multiple looks. just part of creating confusion for the offense

 

[ScipioCowboy]

Most defenses are hybrid now anyway.

 

[Doomsday101]

I think the versatility would be beneficial to the defense.

It is important to give the QB different looks

 

[theogt]

I've often wondered why teams don't do this with more frequency. The Ravens used to do it a lot, and they were incredibly successful. It doesn't seem terribly difficult to remember assignments for the defensive players, but maybe I'm underestimating that (NFL players are surprisingly dense). On the flip side, it would be another wrinkle the opposing offense has to prepare for.

 

[Future]

It's a 4-3 over or a 5-2...which generally look like a 3-4.

And I hope they don't do it ever again b/c if the LT knew what he was doing and got to the second level on Hitchens that would have gone for a huge gain.

 

[gimmesix]

I noticed Dallas lined up in a 3-4 defense early in the first quarter. Spencer, Carter, T.McClain, Wilber, T.Crawford, and Mincey all have experience in that scheme. Maybe Marinelli is working into the game plan?

Not sure if that's a 3-4 or 5-2. Depends on if Wilber and Spencer are counted as DEs or LBs since the alignments can look pretty much the same.

 

[theogt]

Not sure if that's a 3-4 or 5-2. Depends on if Wilber and Spencer are counted as DEs or LBs since the alignments can look pretty much the same.

Considering the only difference is whether they're putting their hand on the ground or not, it's a 3-4.

 

[big dog cowboy]

It is important to give the QB different looks

Just trying to rattle the rookie.

 

[Doomsday101]

Just trying to rattle the rookie.

that and give other coaches something to think about as we head into the last part of the schedule. I would suspect that Dallas will have a few new wrinkles offense and defense over the remainder. Don't get me wrong you still go with what has gotten you to this point but I think we will see some other things mixed in

 

[itsaboat]

It is important to give the QB different looks

I agree, we don't have a consistent enough pass rush so having different looks can help us.

Most defenses are hybrid now anyway.

Not ours until last week

I've often wondered why teams don't do this with more frequency. The Ravens used to do it a lot, and they were incredibly successful. It doesn't seem terribly difficult to remember assignments for the defensive players, but maybe I'm underestimating that (NFL players are surprisingly dense). On the flip side, it would be another wrinkle the opposing offense has to prepare for.

Personnel has a lot to do with it. Like I said in OP we have a lot of players that have experience with it in the front seven.

It's a 4-3 over or a 5-2...which generally look like a 3-4.

And I hope they don't do it ever again b/c if the LT knew what he was doing and got to the second level on Hitchens that would have gone for a huge gain.

It's not a 4-3 over. This is a 4-3 over. 5-2 are with down lineman. 3-4 has OLBs that can rush the passer or drop into coverage. If a player picks up their assignment/makes a play then things can open up regardless of the scheme.

Not sure if that's a 3-4 or 5-2. Depends on if Wilber and Spencer are counted as DEs or LBs since the alignments can look pretty much the same.

3-4. They are OLBs

 

[tm1119]

Most likely a 4-3 over with Wilber playing OLB....Rod probably threw it in there to contain the edge against the speedy rb Robinson.

 

[Crown Royal]

It's a 4-3 over or a 5-2...which generally look like a 3-4.

And I hope they don't do it ever again b/c if the LT knew what he was doing and got to the second level on Hitchens that would have gone for a huge gain.

The current version of the NFL 4-3 over is nearly identical in gap responsibility to the 3-4 currently used. There are very few 3-4 two gap defenses left in the NFL. People get way too bent out of shape over whether you should be a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. There are definitely ramifications, but they are not night and day.

It's also why I get so annoyed when people go with the "3-4 ends aren't supposed to have a bunch of sacks." THat was true in 1989.

 

[brymatt94]

It's a typical 50 or okie front. It can be with 3 lineman or 4 but it doesn't really make it 3-4. The difference these days between 3-4 and 4-3 is very miniscule.

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

I noticed Dallas lined up in a 3-4 defense early in the first quarter. Spencer, Carter, T.McClain, Wilber, T.Crawford, and Mincey all have experience in that scheme. Maybe Marinelli is working into the game plan?

And we got absolutely gashed when we used it . NO!

 

[Crown Royal]

I agree, we don't have a consistent enough pass rush so having different looks can help us.

It's not a 4-3 over. This is a 4-3 over. 5-2 are with down lineman. 3-4 has OLBs that can rush the passer or drop into coverage. If a player picks up their assignment/makes a play then things can open up regardless of the scheme.



3-4. They are OLBs

Actually come to think of it you're right. This is more of a wide-9 with the wide gaps in a two point stance, but with a 0-nose gap and two 3 gaps.

Definitely a different look. Probably designed to confuse the hell out of a rookie.

 

[Crown Royal]

It's a typical 50 or okie front. It can be with 3 lineman or 4 but it doesn't really make it 3-4. The difference these days between 3-4 and 4-3 is very miniscule.

I will say, if teams continue to build running games like the NFC W, Cowboys, etc, there will be consideration to go back to two gap control defenses like the old 3-4.