Kiffin versus Zimmer 4-3 - please explain

[BAT]

Zimmer ran several versions of the 4-3 and learned the Tampa 2 in his last few years with Dallas Pre-Tuna. I dont recall what the Defense was pre-Tampa 2 but it should have been some sort of Miami 43 which was the model for the Tampa 2. So...scheme wise there shouldnt be too much difference. Thats why the Kiffin hire is kinda ironic as it invalidates all those 3-4 years of drafting to some degree. But thats another story.

Zimmer's blitzes were horrid here..something was wrong somewhere in the playcalling chain of command.

Miami 4-3 was not the model for the Tampa 2. Jimmy ran a 4-3 under base while Kiffen runs a 4-3 over base. Tony Dungy has always claimed that his D was based on the Steel Curtain defense, he was not a fan of the Tampa 2 nickname. Jimmy's defense frees the MIKE to make plays while Dungy/Kiffen does the same for the WILL. In Jimmy's 4-3, the primary cover guy is the WILL while Dungy/Kiffen/Steel Curtain like to put the MIKE in coverage.

 

[RamziD]

Miami 4-3 was not the model for the Tampa 2. Jimmy ran a 4-3 under base while Kiffen runs a 4-3 over base. Tony Dungy has always claimed that his D was based on the Steel Curtain defense, he was not a fan of the Tampa 2 nickname. Jimmy's defense frees the MIKE to make plays while Dungy/Kiffen does the same for the WILL. In Jimmy's 4-3, the primary cover guy is the WILL while Dungy/Kiffen/Steel Curtain like to put the MIKE in coverage.

Huh... then would the 4-3 under fit our players' skill sets more? Lee (Mike) freed up to make plays and Carter (Will) in coverage. Granted, the way they have it now is working out very well...

 

[ScipioCowboy]

Miami 4-3 was not the model for the Tampa 2. Jimmy ran a 4-3 under base while Kiffen runs a 4-3 over base. Tony Dungy has always claimed that his D was based on the Steel Curtain defense, he was not a fan of the Tampa 2 nickname. Jimmy's defense frees the MIKE to make plays while Dungy/Kiffen does the same for the WILL. In Jimmy's 4-3, the primary cover guy is the WILL while Dungy/Kiffen/Steel Curtain like to put the MIKE in coverage.

I think it's the other way around. The Miami front was an over front and the Tampa 2 front is an under front.

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/...-defenses-part-2-evolution-of-4-3-front/?_r=0

 

[BAT]

I think it's the other way around. The Miami front was an over front and the Tampa 2 front is an under front.

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/...-defenses-part-2-evolution-of-4-3-front/?_r=0

Thanks. That is what I get for speed typing. The 4-3 under and over utilize similar players and philosophies - front 4 pressure, speed (over size), gang tackling and turnovers. But the differences in how they use similar personnel are significant.

 

[cowboyz]

Interesting because it seems like Sean is the one free making the tackles and Bruce is the cover guy