LBs in a 3-4

[rwalters31]

I have not posted in a while.
I have been reading about some alinements of the LBs in a 3-4 but some of it seems difficult to do. How the Dline lines up and where the LBs are suppose to be. The LEO is the one that seems to be without an assignment. Any ideas?

 

[JoeKing]

 

[AsthmaField]

I have not posted in a while.
I have been reading about some alinements of the LBs in a 3-4 but some of it seems difficult to do. How the Dline lines up and where the LBs are suppose to be. The LEO is the one that seems to be without an assignment. Any ideas?

The LEO will rush the QB on passes and hold the edge on run downs to his side. He will trail run plays to the other side.

The LEO really is the 4th lineman (WDE) except he typically stands like a 34 OLB (but can put his hand in the dirt at times)and plays in a wide-9, which is wider than the typical WDE plays.

That’s why Quinn said “it will look like a 34”… because it isn’t strictly an odd front. You have a SDE ( called big end) in this scheme. It is called a big end because the SDE is somewhat bigger than a typical 43 SDE… but smaller than a typical 34 DE. The big End plays a 2-gap responsibility and can line up in the 5, 6, 4, or even 4i to close down the DE-DT bubble (4 and 4i alignment really helps stop inside runs). Should be Urban and maybe DLaw a little because he’s so strong in the run game. Odighizuwa could also do it if they need, but they drafted him to play 3T.

On the inside you have a heavier DT that will align in the 1 tech or 0 tech (NT). He also has 2-gap responsibility and usually draws a double team from the OG-C. This is critical for the success of the other DT. This will probably be Watkins or Bohanna.

The other DT is a 3-tech that has single-gap responsibility. He is usually one-on-one with the OG and is schemed to have success getting to the ball. Likely Odighizuwa, Gallimore, or Maybe Hill. Signing Atkins would have him in this rotation. He has always been very good as a 3T.

The final DL is the LEO standing in the 9.

Those 4 are really your DL although the LEO does appear as a 34 OLB.

As for the LB’s, you have the typical 3 that you have in a 43 scheme: SAM, MIKE, and WILL.

Sometimes, the SAM can walk up on the ball outside of the Big End and rush or drop from there. He is the other guy (along with the LEO) that “looks like” a 34 OLB, with the MIKE and WILL ‘backers off the ball behind the DL, also like a 34. This will likely be Parsons but it could also be J Smith, with Parsons as the Mike. Micah is such a great, natural A-gap blitzer, that they do want him inside to shoot the gap and be on the QB in an instant.

The Cowboys have been practicing Parsons at the MIKE spot but also some as a SAM. When he’s a SAM, the two outside (Edge) rushers on Pass downs will be Parsons and Gregory sometimes, with the Big End, 1-tech and 3-tach rushing from inside.

There is Leo some talk of Parsons playing some LEO when Gregory needs a break. He played DE all through high school and was recruited by Penn State at that position. He’s a natural rushing the QB. Penn State just saw that he runs a sub 4.4 forty and decided that he should be a LB.

Sometimes Parsons might drop off the line of scrimmage in coverage as the SAM, so he wouldn’t be going after the QB every time he’s lined up on the line of scrimmage. Or they could drop the Big End back in a zone and send Micah… or send all 5 and really stress the blocking.

There’s a lot you can do with it.

Of course, most of the time on passing downs (in nickel), they’ll be in a more typical 43 like we are used to seeing around here. That will be DLaw coming from SDE, Gregory coming from the WDE, and two 3-tech’s inside at DT (probably Odighizuwa and Gallimore), although it could also be Hill replacing one of them or Even Golston replacing one.

The nickel LB’s are likely to be Parsons and Neal, although Cox or LVE might could do it.

That is a rough estimation of what they’ll be doing.

Here is a look at the 43 under with two DL 2-gapping and two playing 1-gap. Note the SAM and LEO up on the line of scrimmage with the ability to rush or drop, while the other two LB’s and the SS have some gap responsibility in the run game. If the LEO was standing here (like he often does), it would look very much like a 34 scheme, but it isn’t.

You can also have a variation of that for some situations called the “Bear Front” in Seattle.

Below, you can see two 3-tech DT’s both playing 1-gap and a large NT playing 2-gap. Again, your Edge defenders are the SAM and the LEO. Either can rush or drop. I like this alignment, particularly if Odighizuwa and Gallimore are playing well. The QB has to get the ball out immediately.

Anyway, that gives you some idea of what the defense is going to look like and some of their responsibilities.

 

[rwalters31]

The LEO will rush the QB on passes and hold the edge on run downs to his side. He will trail run plays to the other side.

The LEO really is the 4th lineman (WDE) except he typically stands like a 34 OLB (but can put his hand in the dirt at times)and plays in a wide-9, which is wider than the typical WDE plays.

That’s why Quinn said “it will look like a 34”… because it isn’t strictly an odd front. You have a SDE ( called big end) in this scheme. It is called a big end because the SDE is somewhat bigger than a typical 43 SDE… but smaller than a typical 34 DE. The big End plays a 2-gap responsibility and can line up in the 5, 6, 4, or even 4i to close down the DE-DT bubble (4 and 4i alignment really helps stop inside runs). Should be Urban and maybe DLaw a little because he’s so strong in the run game. Odighizuwa could also do it if they need, but they drafted him to play 3T.

On the inside you have a heavier DT that will align in the 1 tech or 0 tech (NT). He also has 2-gap responsibility and usually draws a double team from the OG-C. This is critical for the success of the other DT. This will probably be Watkins or Bohanna.

The other DT is a 3-tech that has single-gap responsibility. He is usually one-on-one with the OG and is schemed to have success getting to the ball. Likely Odighizuwa, Gallimore, or Maybe Hill. Signing Atkins would have him in this rotation. He has always been very good as a 3T.

The final DL is the LEO standing in the 9.

Those 4 are really your DL although the LEO does appear as a 34 OLB.

As for the LB’s, you have the typical 3 that you have in a 43 scheme: SAM, MIKE, and WILL.

Sometimes, the SAM can walk up on the ball outside of the Big End and rush or drop from there. He is the other guy (along with the LEO) that “looks like” a 34 OLB, with the MIKE and WILL ‘backers off the ball behind the DL, also like a 34. This will likely be Parsons but it could also be J Smith, with Parsons as the Mike. Micah is such a great, natural A-gap blitzer, that they do want him inside to shoot the gap and be on the QB in an instant.

The Cowboys have been practicing Parsons at the MIKE spot but also some as a SAM. When he’s a SAM, the two outside (Edge) rushers on Pass downs will be Parsons and Gregory sometimes, with the Big End, 1-tech and 3-tach rushing from inside.

There is Leo some talk of Parsons playing some LEO when Gregory needs a break. He played DE all through high school and was recruited by Penn State at that position. He’s a natural rushing the QB. Penn State just saw that he runs a sub 4.4 forty and decided that he should be a LB.

Sometimes Parsons might drop off the line of scrimmage in coverage as the SAM, so he wouldn’t be going after the QB every time he’s lined up on the line of scrimmage. Or they could drop the Big End back in a zone and send Micah… or send all 5 and really stress the blocking.

There’s a lot you can do with it.

Of course, most of the time on passing downs (in nickel), they’ll be in a more typical 43 like we are used to seeing around here. That will be DLaw coming from SDE, Gregory coming from the WDE, and two 3-tech’s inside at DT (probably Odighizuwa and Gallimore), although it could also be Hill replacing one of them or Even Golston replacing one.

The nickel LB’s are likely to be Parsons and Neal, although Cox or LVE might could do it.

That is a rough estimation of what they’ll be doing.

Here is a look at the 43 under with two DL 2-gapping and two playing 1-gap. Note the SAM and LEO up on the line of scrimmage with the ability to rush or drop, while the other two LB’s and the SS have some gap responsibility in the run game. If the LEO was standing here (like he often does), it would look very much like a 34 scheme, but it isn’t.

You can also have a variation of that for some situations called the “Bear Front” in Seattle.

Below, you can see two 3-tech DT’s both playing 1-gap and a large NT playing 2-gap. Again, your Edge defenders are the SAM and the LEO. Either can rush or drop. I like this alignment, particularly if Odighizuwa and Gallimore are playing well. The QB has to get the ball out immediately.

Anyway, that gives you some idea of what the defense is going to look like and some of their responsibilities.

Thank you for the run down.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I have not posted in a while.
I have been reading about some alinements of the LBs in a 3-4 but some of it seems difficult to do. How the Dline lines up and where the LBs are suppose to be. The LEO is the one that seems to be without an assignment. Any ideas?

Gregory and Basham

 

[Jarntt]

Simply put, the Leo is pretty much just a versatile DE that stands up (and won't even be standing up all the time) and lines up a little wider, but that too won't be all of the time. These defenses nowadays don't really follow the old rules. I don't even consider it a 3-4. I consider it a hybrid defense.

 

[Robster8989]

The LEO will rush the QB on passes and hold the edge on run downs to his side. He will trail run plays to the other side.

The LEO really is the 4th lineman (WDE) except he typically stands like a 34 OLB (but can put his hand in the dirt at times)and plays in a wide-9, which is wider than the typical WDE plays.

That’s why Quinn said “it will look like a 34”… because it isn’t strictly an odd front. You have a SDE ( called big end) in this scheme. It is called a big end because the SDE is somewhat bigger than a typical 43 SDE… but smaller than a typical 34 DE. The big End plays a 2-gap responsibility and can line up in the 5, 6, 4, or even 4i to close down the DE-DT bubble (4 and 4i alignment really helps stop inside runs). Should be Urban and maybe DLaw a little because he’s so strong in the run game. Odighizuwa could also do it if they need, but they drafted him to play 3T.

On the inside you have a heavier DT that will align in the 1 tech or 0 tech (NT). He also has 2-gap responsibility and usually draws a double team from the OG-C. This is critical for the success of the other DT. This will probably be Watkins or Bohanna.

The other DT is a 3-tech that has single-gap responsibility. He is usually one-on-one with the OG and is schemed to have success getting to the ball. Likely Odighizuwa, Gallimore, or Maybe Hill. Signing Atkins would have him in this rotation. He has always been very good as a 3T.

The final DL is the LEO standing in the 9.

Those 4 are really your DL although the LEO does appear as a 34 OLB.

As for the LB’s, you have the typical 3 that you have in a 43 scheme: SAM, MIKE, and WILL.

Sometimes, the SAM can walk up on the ball outside of the Big End and rush or drop from there. He is the other guy (along with the LEO) that “looks like” a 34 OLB, with the MIKE and WILL ‘backers off the ball behind the DL, also like a 34. This will likely be Parsons but it could also be J Smith, with Parsons as the Mike. Micah is such a great, natural A-gap blitzer, that they do want him inside to shoot the gap and be on the QB in an instant.

The Cowboys have been practicing Parsons at the MIKE spot but also some as a SAM. When he’s a SAM, the two outside (Edge) rushers on Pass downs will be Parsons and Gregory sometimes, with the Big End, 1-tech and 3-tach rushing from inside.

There is Leo some talk of Parsons playing some LEO when Gregory needs a break. He played DE all through high school and was recruited by Penn State at that position. He’s a natural rushing the QB. Penn State just saw that he runs a sub 4.4 forty and decided that he should be a LB.

Sometimes Parsons might drop off the line of scrimmage in coverage as the SAM, so he wouldn’t be going after the QB every time he’s lined up on the line of scrimmage. Or they could drop the Big End back in a zone and send Micah… or send all 5 and really stress the blocking.

There’s a lot you can do with it.

Of course, most of the time on passing downs (in nickel), they’ll be in a more typical 43 like we are used to seeing around here. That will be DLaw coming from SDE, Gregory coming from the WDE, and two 3-tech’s inside at DT (probably Odighizuwa and Gallimore), although it could also be Hill replacing one of them or Even Golston replacing one.

The nickel LB’s are likely to be Parsons and Neal, although Cox or LVE might could do it.

That is a rough estimation of what they’ll be doing.

Here is a look at the 43 under with two DL 2-gapping and two playing 1-gap. Note the SAM and LEO up on the line of scrimmage with the ability to rush or drop, while the other two LB’s and the SS have some gap responsibility in the run game. If the LEO was standing here (like he often does), it would look very much like a 34 scheme, but it isn’t.

You can also have a variation of that for some situations called the “Bear Front” in Seattle.

Below, you can see two 3-tech DT’s both playing 1-gap and a large NT playing 2-gap. Again, your Edge defenders are the SAM and the LEO. Either can rush or drop. I like this alignment, particularly if Odighizuwa and Gallimore are playing well. The QB has to get the ball out immediately.

Anyway, that gives you some idea of what the defense is going to look like and some of their responsibilities.

What's up **?
Couple of comments:
First, want you to know how much this new member appreciates your very informed takes. I don't always agree 100% but I do appreciate your knowledge and professionalism. Too much name calling etc on this board at times, and statements with no proof offered (eg. "DLaw sucks", then no supporting evidence followed by responses with name calling. Just gets old). So thank you for taking the time to post actual analysis.
Second, I like our LB crew now, but still feel we lack a true SAM. I agree Parsons can play it, though I feel he is better utilized elsewhere, where he can really wreak havoc. I hope Jaylon can play the SAM adequately (in order to free up Parsons). I really loved Werner in the draft, and was hoping he'd fall into the 3rd round and we'd grab him (didn't happen obviously as Payton smartly grabbed him late in the 2nd). I also was hoping we'd sign KJ, who also is a true SAM, but obviously didn't happen.
Just feel of our 5 certain LB's (LVE, JS, Parsons, Neal, Cox) there is no true SAM. Still think we have the bodies and talent to make it work, but if I'm nitpicking.
Third, I wonder if sometimes, in the 4-3 under (or 3-4 front on run plays), if we may see Neal at SS (and Wilson at FS), at least a little. I'm still disappointed at the lack of addressing Safety this off season. I like Kazee, just have concern if he can play 1000 snaps, so maybe using Neal at times at SS, and moving Wilson to FS, just in the most obvious run situations, may make some sense. Chancellor was so instrumental in that Seatle Defense. He was like having an extra LB on the field in run plays (but was great in coverage too). Not trying to compare Neal to Chancellor, but we could use him just a little at SS given our new strength at WILL (with Cox and LVE very able to play there in addition to Neal).
Lastly, DLaw is interesting. Is he a SDE, or can he also play LEO? I agree with Gregory at LEO and Urban at SDE (also think Osa is good enough to play that SDE). I still believe that DLaw is our best player on defense, thpugh I do understand those who criticize his cap hit/lack of sack production. I just feel like they may move him around a little between LEO and SDE.
I've been plenty critical of the Cowboys (mostly Jerry as GM), but I think they did a nice job of transitioning personal to Quinn's D this offseason. I think they'll be a fast, fun to watch defense. Doubt they'll be a top 10 D, but I do see a huge step this year.

 

[AsthmaField]

What's up **?
Couple of comments:
First, want you to know how much this new member appreciates your very informed takes. I don't always agree 100% but I do appreciate your knowledge and professionalism. Too much name calling etc on this board at times, and statements with no proof offered (eg. "DLaw sucks", then no supporting evidence followed by responses with name calling. Just gets old). So thank you for taking the time to post actual analysis.
Second, I like our LB crew now, but still feel we lack a true SAM. I agree Parsons can play it, though I feel he is better utilized elsewhere, where he can really wreak havoc. I hope Jaylon can play the SAM adequately (in order to free up Parsons). I really loved Werner in the draft, and was hoping he'd fall into the 3rd round and we'd grab him (didn't happen obviously as Payton smartly grabbed him late in the 2nd). I also was hoping we'd sign KJ, who also is a true SAM, but obviously didn't happen.
Just feel of our 5 certain LB's (LVE, JS, Parsons, Neal, Cox) there is no true SAM. Still think we have the bodies and talent to make it work, but if I'm nitpicking.
Third, I wonder if sometimes, in the 4-3 under (or 3-4 front on run plays), if we may see Neal at SS (and Wilson at FS), at least a little. I'm still disappointed at the lack of addressing Safety this off season. I like Kazee, just have concern if he can play 1000 snaps, so maybe using Neal at times at SS, and moving Wilson to FS, just in the most obvious run situations, may make some sense. Chancellor was so instrumental in that Seatle Defense. He was like having an extra LB on the field in run plays (but was great in coverage too). Not trying to compare Neal to Chancellor, but we could use him just a little at SS given our new strength at WILL (with Cox and LVE very able to play there in addition to Neal).
Lastly, DLaw is interesting. Is he a SDE, or can he also play LEO? I agree with Gregory at LEO and Urban at SDE (also think Osa is good enough to play that SDE). I still believe that DLaw is our best player on defense, thpugh I do understand those who criticize his cap hit/lack of sack production. I just feel like they may move him around a little between LEO and SDE.
I've been plenty critical of the Cowboys (mostly Jerry as GM), but I think they did a nice job of transitioning personal to Quinn's D this offseason. I think they'll be a fast, fun to watch defense. Doubt they'll be a top 10 D, but I do see a huge step this year.

Yeah, how they use Lawrence is going to be one of the more interesting things to watch for in camp this year.

Quinn did say that they will be in nickel about “60-70%” of the time. In that 4-2-5 alignment, DLaw will play his normal SDE which is what he got that contract to do. I’m guessing that he’ll get some rest in short yardage situations when the team might be in the run stop 43 under. I do think he will play some in that look, but how much and how they’ll use him is anybody’s guess at this point.

Both Quinn and McCarthy have said that the defense will play a lot of “situational” defense… which may mean that Lawrence will play end in the nickel/dime and Urban will play the run stopping guy in the other 30% of the time.

As for Neal some at SS in run stop looks… that may be but I can also see him just focusing in LB this season, with Wilson or Kearse playing SS in the 43 under. Like many things, we’ll just need to wait and see. My guess is we just see Neal as a nickel LB, bit it’s just a guess.

There’s a lot we don’t know about how they’ll use the personnel.

 

[John813]

Imo the old school 3-4 is rare in the NFL these days The Pat's have been running hybrid defenses for years for the "base" formation changing it up to attack the offense weaknesses. The 3-4 and 4-3 is interchangeable depending on your DC and talent to a certain degree

The days of a sam adams NT and two 300lb DEs doesn't really exist. Sure we have the Ngatas and Vita here and there but they aren't the norm for guys that size.

 

[Rockport]

The LEO will rush the QB on passes and hold the edge on run downs to his side. He will trail run plays to the other side.

The LEO really is the 4th lineman (WDE) except he typically stands like a 34 OLB (but can put his hand in the dirt at times)and plays in a wide-9, which is wider than the typical WDE plays.

That’s why Quinn said “it will look like a 34”… because it isn’t strictly an odd front. You have a SDE ( called big end) in this scheme. It is called a big end because the SDE is somewhat bigger than a typical 43 SDE… but smaller than a typical 34 DE. The big End plays a 2-gap responsibility and can line up in the 5, 6, 4, or even 4i to close down the DE-DT bubble (4 and 4i alignment really helps stop inside runs). Should be Urban and maybe DLaw a little because he’s so strong in the run game. Odighizuwa could also do it if they need, but they drafted him to play 3T.

On the inside you have a heavier DT that will align in the 1 tech or 0 tech (NT). He also has 2-gap responsibility and usually draws a double team from the OG-C. This is critical for the success of the other DT. This will probably be Watkins or Bohanna.

The other DT is a 3-tech that has single-gap responsibility. He is usually one-on-one with the OG and is schemed to have success getting to the ball. Likely Odighizuwa, Gallimore, or Maybe Hill. Signing Atkins would have him in this rotation. He has always been very good as a 3T.

The final DL is the LEO standing in the 9.

Those 4 are really your DL although the LEO does appear as a 34 OLB.

As for the LB’s, you have the typical 3 that you have in a 43 scheme: SAM, MIKE, and WILL.

Sometimes, the SAM can walk up on the ball outside of the Big End and rush or drop from there. He is the other guy (along with the LEO) that “looks like” a 34 OLB, with the MIKE and WILL ‘backers off the ball behind the DL, also like a 34. This will likely be Parsons but it could also be J Smith, with Parsons as the Mike. Micah is such a great, natural A-gap blitzer, that they do want him inside to shoot the gap and be on the QB in an instant.

The Cowboys have been practicing Parsons at the MIKE spot but also some as a SAM. When he’s a SAM, the two outside (Edge) rushers on Pass downs will be Parsons and Gregory sometimes, with the Big End, 1-tech and 3-tach rushing from inside.

There is Leo some talk of Parsons playing some LEO when Gregory needs a break. He played DE all through high school and was recruited by Penn State at that position. He’s a natural rushing the QB. Penn State just saw that he runs a sub 4.4 forty and decided that he should be a LB.

Sometimes Parsons might drop off the line of scrimmage in coverage as the SAM, so he wouldn’t be going after the QB every time he’s lined up on the line of scrimmage. Or they could drop the Big End back in a zone and send Micah… or send all 5 and really stress the blocking.

There’s a lot you can do with it.

Of course, most of the time on passing downs (in nickel), they’ll be in a more typical 43 like we are used to seeing around here. That will be DLaw coming from SDE, Gregory coming from the WDE, and two 3-tech’s inside at DT (probably Odighizuwa and Gallimore), although it could also be Hill replacing one of them or Even Golston replacing one.

The nickel LB’s are likely to be Parsons and Neal, although Cox or LVE might could do it.

That is a rough estimation of what they’ll be doing.

Here is a look at the 43 under with two DL 2-gapping and two playing 1-gap. Note the SAM and LEO up on the line of scrimmage with the ability to rush or drop, while the other two LB’s and the SS have some gap responsibility in the run game. If the LEO was standing here (like he often does), it would look very much like a 34 scheme, but it isn’t.

You can also have a variation of that for some situations called the “Bear Front” in Seattle.

Below, you can see two 3-tech DT’s both playing 1-gap and a large NT playing 2-gap. Again, your Edge defenders are the SAM and the LEO. Either can rush or drop. I like this alignment, particularly if Odighizuwa and Gallimore are playing well. The QB has to get the ball out immediately.

Anyway, that gives you some idea of what the defense is going to look like and some of their responsibilities.

Thanks for a very informative and helpful post. Post of the year nomination.

 

[TequilaCowboy]

The LEO will rush the QB on passes and hold the edge on run downs to his side. He will trail run plays to the other side.

The LEO really is the 4th lineman (WDE) except he typically stands like a 34 OLB (but can put his hand in the dirt at times)and plays in a wide-9, which is wider than the typical WDE plays.

That’s why Quinn said “it will look like a 34”… because it isn’t strictly an odd front. You have a SDE ( called big end) in this scheme. It is called a big end because the SDE is somewhat bigger than a typical 43 SDE… but smaller than a typical 34 DE. The big End plays a 2-gap responsibility and can line up in the 5, 6, 4, or even 4i to close down the DE-DT bubble (4 and 4i alignment really helps stop inside runs). Should be Urban and maybe DLaw a little because he’s so strong in the run game. Odighizuwa could also do it if they need, but they drafted him to play 3T.

On the inside you have a heavier DT that will align in the 1 tech or 0 tech (NT). He also has 2-gap responsibility and usually draws a double team from the OG-C. This is critical for the success of the other DT. This will probably be Watkins or Bohanna.

The other DT is a 3-tech that has single-gap responsibility. He is usually one-on-one with the OG and is schemed to have success getting to the ball. Likely Odighizuwa, Gallimore, or Maybe Hill. Signing Atkins would have him in this rotation. He has always been very good as a 3T.




The final DL is the LEO standing in the 9.

Those 4 are really your DL although the LEO does appear as a 34 OLB.

As for the LB’s, you have the typical 3 that you have in a 43 scheme: SAM, MIKE, and WILL.

Sometimes, the SAM can walk up on the ball outside of the Big End and rush or drop from there. He is the other guy (along with the LEO) that “looks like” a 34 OLB, with the MIKE and WILL ‘backers off the ball behind the DL, also like a 34. This will likely be Parsons but it could also be J Smith, with Parsons as the Mike. Micah is such a great, natural A-gap blitzer, that they do want him inside to shoot the gap and be on the QB in an instant.

The Cowboys have been practicing Parsons at the MIKE spot but also some as a SAM. When he’s a SAM, the two outside (Edge) rushers on Pass downs will be Parsons and Gregory sometimes, with the Big End, 1-tech and 3-tach rushing from inside.

There is Leo some talk of Parsons playing some LEO when Gregory needs a break. He played DE all through high school and was recruited by Penn State at that position. He’s a natural rushing the QB. Penn State just saw that he runs a sub 4.4 forty and decided that he should be a LB.

Sometimes Parsons might drop off the line of scrimmage in coverage as the SAM, so he wouldn’t be going after the QB every time he’s lined up on the line of scrimmage. Or they could drop the Big End back in a zone and send Micah… or send all 5 and really stress the blocking.

There’s a lot you can do with it.

Of course, most of the time on passing downs (in nickel), they’ll be in a more typical 43 like we are used to seeing around here. That will be DLaw coming from SDE, Gregory coming from the WDE, and two 3-tech’s inside at DT (probably Odighizuwa and Gallimore), although it could also be Hill replacing one of them or Even Golston replacing one.

The nickel LB’s are likely to be Parsons and Neal, although Cox or LVE might could do it.

That is a rough estimation of what they’ll be doing.

Here is a look at the 43 under with two DL 2-gapping and two playing 1-gap. Note the SAM and LEO up on the line of scrimmage with the ability to rush or drop, while the other two LB’s and the SS have some gap responsibility in the run game. If the LEO was standing here (like he often does), it would look very much like a 34 scheme, but it isn’t.

You can also have a variation of that for some situations called the “Bear Front” in Seattle.

Below, you can see two 3-tech DT’s both playing 1-gap and a large NT playing 2-gap. Again, your Edge defenders are the SAM and the LEO. Either can rush or drop. I like this alignment, particularly if Odighizuwa and Gallimore are playing well. The QB has to get the ball out immediately.

Anyway, that gives you some idea of what the defense is going to look like and some of their responsibilities.

Awesome ...great analysis..

 

[xwalker]

I have not posted in a while.
I have been reading about some alinements of the LBs in a 3-4 but some of it seems difficult to do. How the Dline lines up and where the LBs are suppose to be. The LEO is the one that seems to be without an assignment. Any ideas?

The simple answer is a 4-3 except 1 DE stands up and is called the Leo.

They'll still be in Nickel about 70%.

Nickel is 4-2-5 but they'll remove a DT and add a LB for a 3-3-5 Nickel at times.

 

[Typhus]

The LEO will rush the QB on passes and hold the edge on run downs to his side. He will trail run plays to the other side.

The LEO really is the 4th lineman (WDE) except he typically stands like a 34 OLB (but can put his hand in the dirt at times)and plays in a wide-9, which is wider than the typical WDE plays.

That’s why Quinn said “it will look like a 34”… because it isn’t strictly an odd front. You have a SDE ( called big end) in this scheme. It is called a big end because the SDE is somewhat bigger than a typical 43 SDE… but smaller than a typical 34 DE. The big End plays a 2-gap responsibility and can line up in the 5, 6, 4, or even 4i to close down the DE-DT bubble (4 and 4i alignment really helps stop inside runs). Should be Urban and maybe DLaw a little because he’s so strong in the run game. Odighizuwa could also do it if they need, but they drafted him to play 3T.

On the inside you have a heavier DT that will align in the 1 tech or 0 tech (NT). He also has 2-gap responsibility and usually draws a double team from the OG-C. This is critical for the success of the other DT. This will probably be Watkins or Bohanna.

The other DT is a 3-tech that has single-gap responsibility. He is usually one-on-one with the OG and is schemed to have success getting to the ball. Likely Odighizuwa, Gallimore, or Maybe Hill. Signing Atkins would have him in this rotation. He has always been very good as a 3T.

The final DL is the LEO standing in the 9.

Those 4 are really your DL although the LEO does appear as a 34 OLB.

As for the LB’s, you have the typical 3 that you have in a 43 scheme: SAM, MIKE, and WILL.

Sometimes, the SAM can walk up on the ball outside of the Big End and rush or drop from there. He is the other guy (along with the LEO) that “looks like” a 34 OLB, with the MIKE and WILL ‘backers off the ball behind the DL, also like a 34. This will likely be Parsons but it could also be J Smith, with Parsons as the Mike. Micah is such a great, natural A-gap blitzer, that they do want him inside to shoot the gap and be on the QB in an instant.

The Cowboys have been practicing Parsons at the MIKE spot but also some as a SAM. When he’s a SAM, the two outside (Edge) rushers on Pass downs will be Parsons and Gregory sometimes, with the Big End, 1-tech and 3-tach rushing from inside.

There is Leo some talk of Parsons playing some LEO when Gregory needs a break. He played DE all through high school and was recruited by Penn State at that position. He’s a natural rushing the QB. Penn State just saw that he runs a sub 4.4 forty and decided that he should be a LB.

Sometimes Parsons might drop off the line of scrimmage in coverage as the SAM, so he wouldn’t be going after the QB every time he’s lined up on the line of scrimmage. Or they could drop the Big End back in a zone and send Micah… or send all 5 and really stress the blocking.

There’s a lot you can do with it.

Of course, most of the time on passing downs (in nickel), they’ll be in a more typical 43 like we are used to seeing around here. That will be DLaw coming from SDE, Gregory coming from the WDE, and two 3-tech’s inside at DT (probably Odighizuwa and Gallimore), although it could also be Hill replacing one of them or Even Golston replacing one.

The nickel LB’s are likely to be Parsons and Neal, although Cox or LVE might could do it.

That is a rough estimation of what they’ll be doing.

Here is a look at the 43 under with two DL 2-gapping and two playing 1-gap. Note the SAM and LEO up on the line of scrimmage with the ability to rush or drop, while the other two LB’s and the SS have some gap responsibility in the run game. If the LEO was standing here (like he often does), it would look very much like a 34 scheme, but it isn’t.

You can also have a variation of that for some situations called the “Bear Front” in Seattle.

Below, you can see two 3-tech DT’s both playing 1-gap and a large NT playing 2-gap. Again, your Edge defenders are the SAM and the LEO. Either can rush or drop. I like this alignment, particularly if Odighizuwa and Gallimore are playing well. The QB has to get the ball out immediately.

Anyway, that gives you some idea of what the defense is going to look like and some of their responsibilities.

This is why I log in

 

[Jarntt]

The LEO will rush the QB on passes and hold the edge on run downs to his side. He will trail run plays to the other side.

The LEO really is the 4th lineman (WDE) except he typically stands like a 34 OLB (but can put his hand in the dirt at times)and plays in a wide-9, which is wider than the typical WDE plays.

That’s why Quinn said “it will look like a 34”… because it isn’t strictly an odd front. You have a SDE ( called big end) in this scheme. It is called a big end because the SDE is somewhat bigger than a typical 43 SDE… but smaller than a typical 34 DE. The big End plays a 2-gap responsibility and can line up in the 5, 6, 4, or even 4i to close down the DE-DT bubble (4 and 4i alignment really helps stop inside runs). Should be Urban and maybe DLaw a little because he’s so strong in the run game. Odighizuwa could also do it if they need, but they drafted him to play 3T.

On the inside you have a heavier DT that will align in the 1 tech or 0 tech (NT). He also has 2-gap responsibility and usually draws a double team from the OG-C. This is critical for the success of the other DT. This will probably be Watkins or Bohanna.

The other DT is a 3-tech that has single-gap responsibility. He is usually one-on-one with the OG and is schemed to have success getting to the ball. Likely Odighizuwa, Gallimore, or Maybe Hill. Signing Atkins would have him in this rotation. He has always been very good as a 3T.

The final DL is the LEO standing in the 9.

Those 4 are really your DL although the LEO does appear as a 34 OLB.

As for the LB’s, you have the typical 3 that you have in a 43 scheme: SAM, MIKE, and WILL.

Sometimes, the SAM can walk up on the ball outside of the Big End and rush or drop from there. He is the other guy (along with the LEO) that “looks like” a 34 OLB, with the MIKE and WILL ‘backers off the ball behind the DL, also like a 34. This will likely be Parsons but it could also be J Smith, with Parsons as the Mike. Micah is such a great, natural A-gap blitzer, that they do want him inside to shoot the gap and be on the QB in an instant.

The Cowboys have been practicing Parsons at the MIKE spot but also some as a SAM. When he’s a SAM, the two outside (Edge) rushers on Pass downs will be Parsons and Gregory sometimes, with the Big End, 1-tech and 3-tach rushing from inside.

There is Leo some talk of Parsons playing some LEO when Gregory needs a break. He played DE all through high school and was recruited by Penn State at that position. He’s a natural rushing the QB. Penn State just saw that he runs a sub 4.4 forty and decided that he should be a LB.

Sometimes Parsons might drop off the line of scrimmage in coverage as the SAM, so he wouldn’t be going after the QB every time he’s lined up on the line of scrimmage. Or they could drop the Big End back in a zone and send Micah… or send all 5 and really stress the blocking.

There’s a lot you can do with it.

Of course, most of the time on passing downs (in nickel), they’ll be in a more typical 43 like we are used to seeing around here. That will be DLaw coming from SDE, Gregory coming from the WDE, and two 3-tech’s inside at DT (probably Odighizuwa and Gallimore), although it could also be Hill replacing one of them or Even Golston replacing one.

The nickel LB’s are likely to be Parsons and Neal, although Cox or LVE might could do it.

That is a rough estimation of what they’ll be doing.

Here is a look at the 43 under with two DL 2-gapping and two playing 1-gap. Note the SAM and LEO up on the line of scrimmage with the ability to rush or drop, while the other two LB’s and the SS have some gap responsibility in the run game. If the LEO was standing here (like he often does), it would look very much like a 34 scheme, but it isn’t.

You can also have a variation of that for some situations called the “Bear Front” in Seattle.

Below, you can see two 3-tech DT’s both playing 1-gap and a large NT playing 2-gap. Again, your Edge defenders are the SAM and the LEO. Either can rush or drop. I like this alignment, particularly if Odighizuwa and Gallimore are playing well. The QB has to get the ball out immediately.

Anyway, that gives you some idea of what the defense is going to look like and some of their responsibilities.

no chance parsons was drafted 12 overall to play the SAM in the base D. You don’t put an explosive player at the SAM in this D. He’s a Mike or possibly a Will in the base that can run without being caught up in the muck nonstop. But, I totally agree with you in some packages he will see some time rushing the passer and in what can be considered the SAM and taking it a step further I wouldn’t be shocked if he looks more a 4-3 DE in the nickel at times. But the SAM is not the spot you put an explosive player in the base D in today’s NFL.

 

[xwalker]

no chance parsons was drafted 12 overall to play the SAM in the base D. You don’t put an explosive player at the SAM in this D. He’s a Mike or possibly a Will in the base that can run without being caught up in the muck nonstop. But, I totally agree with you in some packages he will see some time rushing the passer and in what can be considered the SAM and taking it a step further I wouldn’t be shocked if he looks more a 4-3 DE in the nickel at times. But the SAM is not the spot you put an explosive player in the base D in today’s NFL.

LB position naming has different meanings depending on coaching staffs/schemes.

Sam in Marinelli's scheme was definitely to least important "starter"; however, Von Miller was originally a Sam LB in a 4-3. That definition of Sam was not Marrinelli' definition.

One difference in Quinn's 3-4 looks is that normal 3-4 OLBs play DE in the 4-2-5 Nickel. Quinn has often had 1 "3-4 look" OLB that was a LB in the 4-2-5 Nickel.

Parsons will likely play some snaps at Sam in base but will be Mike or Will in the 4-2-5 Nickel.

Based on reviewing game footage of Quinn's defenses I do expect some 3-3-5 Nickel. Having 3 LBs that are all 246 plus makes that a feasible alignment. Belichick has used it often in recent years. All but 1 of the Patriots LBs for several years were over 250. The Patriots in some recent years only had 2 DL over 300 pounds. The core of the defense were guys in the 250 to 300 pound range. It gives great flexibility.

 

[AsthmaField]

no chance parsons was drafted 12 overall to play the SAM in the base D. You don’t put an explosive player at the SAM in this D. He’s a Mike or possibly a Will in the base that can run without being caught up in the muck nonstop. But, I totally agree with you in some packages he will see some time rushing the passer and in what can be considered the SAM and taking it a step further I wouldn’t be shocked if he looks more a 4-3 DE in the nickel at times. But the SAM is not the spot you put an explosive player in the base D in today’s NFL.

You should tell the team that because he’s been getting some reps there in OTA’s.

Of course they didn’t draft him just to play SAM. He will play much of the time at the MIKE, where he has a real knack for getting home on A-gap blitzes. They do want him to play at the line of scrimmage some though… or as McCarthy and Quinn said, he can play “on the ball” sometimes. Which means either as the LEO or rushing as the SAM if you happen to be in the 34 look, which is the topic of this thread. He could also play at the LEO, but they just practiced him at SAM withGregory likely at the LEO, though they didn’t say that.

But they’ll just be in those 34 looks around 30-40% of the time, according to Quinn.

Since they drafted him, it has been painfully obvious that they’re going to use the guy all over the place. At MIKE, where they started practicing him. They also said he will play some WILL. They just practiced him at SAM, where he was on the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher. I also expect him to get some snaps at LEO eventually (which he did in the rookie minicamp) and I wouldn’t be surprised to even see him play a few snaps at the DE spot in the nickel, like you said.

He is a weapon and they plan on moving him around all over the formation. McCarthy said they want to have the protection meeting of opposing offenses to have to worry about finding where Parsons is lined up.

Since they’re already working him at SAM, I expect that to be one of the spots.

Did my post really sound like I was saying that he was going to be a SAM, and would stay there?

 

[Jarntt]

You should tell the team that because he’s been getting some reps there in OTA’s.

Of course they didn’t draft him just to play SAM. He will play much of the time at the MIKE, where he has a real knack for getting home on A-gap blitzes. They do want him to play at the line of scrimmage some though… or as McCarthy and Quinn said, he can play “on the ball” sometimes. Which means either as the LEO or rushing as the SAM if you happen to be in the 34 look, which is the topic of this thread. He could also play at the LEO, but they just practiced him at SAM withGregory likely at the LEO, though they didn’t say that.

But they’ll just be in those 34 looks around 30-40% of the time, according to Quinn.

Since they drafted him, it has been painfully obvious that they’re going to use the guy all over the place. At MIKE, where they started practicing him. They also said he will play some WILL. They just practiced him at SAM, where he was on the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher. I also expect him to get some snaps at LEO eventually (which he did in the rookie minicamp) and I wouldn’t be surprised to even see him play a few snaps at the DE spot in the nickel, like you said.

He is a weapon and they plan on moving him around all over the formation. McCarthy said they want to have the protection meeting of opposing offenses to have to worry about finding where Parsons is lined up.

Since they’re already working him at SAM, I expect that to be one of the spots.

Did my post really sound like I was saying that he was going to be a SAM, and would stay there?

I said in the base D. I'd be absolutely shocked if he played the SAM spot in the base D. It's just not going to happen in games. Are you reading about him playing there in the base D or as a pass rusher in the nickel? Totally different position in Quinn's nickel. We knew from day one he would rush the passer a lot. If you are talking about the nickel I agree with you.

 

[Jarntt]

LB position naming has different meanings depending on coaching staffs/schemes.

Sam in Marinelli's scheme was definitely to least important "starter"; however, Von Miller was originally a Sam LB in a 4-3. That definition of Sam was not Marrinelli' definition.

One difference in Quinn's 3-4 looks is that normal 3-4 OLBs play DE in the 4-2-5 Nickel. Quinn has often had 1 "3-4 look" OLB that was a LB in the 4-2-5 Nickel.

Parsons will likely play some snaps at Sam in base but will be Mike or Will in the 4-2-5 Nickel.

Based on reviewing game footage of Quinn's defenses I do expect some 3-3-5 Nickel. Having 3 LBs that are all 246 plus makes that a feasible alignment. Belichick has used it often in recent years. All but 1 of the Patriots LBs for several years were over 250. The Patriots in some recent years only had 2 DL over 300 pounds. The core of the defense were guys in the 250 to 300 pound range. It gives great flexibility.

Totally agree which has been one of the points I'm making when people call Quinn's base a 3-4 and assume it's what a common 3-4 is. Technically you can say it is but I think it's going to play a lot more like a 4-3 with maybe one guy standing up. When you have 4 LBs and one is a LEO it's even more different than a "normal" 3-4. Miller a totally different type of player (obviously). Elite talent but not a MIKE in any scheme. That D was kind of built around him to let him do his thing. Parsons isn't playing SAM in the base unless it is to rush/penetrate or two minute D. There's no chance it's his regular spot. If they want to move him from the MIKE for some reason it will be to go to the WILL. Will he line up as a SAM from time to time in the base D? Who knows but guys will line up all over "once in a while". Especially if you put guys like Cox and Neal on the field it will move other guys around but that's for specialty alignments.

as far as a 3-3-5 nickel if it's with one of your LBs rushing it's really a 4-2 any way, but I'm sure from time to time we will see all types of alignments (and I hope we do to). I don't get caught up in what we might do a handful of times a game to confuse the Offense or in a specialty type situation. I focus more on the most common base and nickel alignments we will use. With Cox and Neal in the mix it will really blur the lines on some sets. I think they will drop deep almost in a Tampa 2 from time to time, which really makes them more a DB, but they are LBs so it makes the "numbers" look different.

Just my 2 cents worth

 

[Jarntt]

You should tell the team that because he’s been getting some reps there in OTA’s.

Of course they didn’t draft him just to play SAM. He will play much of the time at the MIKE, where he has a real knack for getting home on A-gap blitzes. They do want him to play at the line of scrimmage some though… or as McCarthy and Quinn said, he can play “on the ball” sometimes. Which means either as the LEO or rushing as the SAM if you happen to be in the 34 look, which is the topic of this thread. He could also play at the LEO, but they just practiced him at SAM withGregory likely at the LEO, though they didn’t say that.

But they’ll just be in those 34 looks around 30-40% of the time, according to Quinn.

Since they drafted him, it has been painfully obvious that they’re going to use the guy all over the place. At MIKE, where they started practicing him. They also said he will play some WILL. They just practiced him at SAM, where he was on the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher. I also expect him to get some snaps at LEO eventually (which he did in the rookie minicamp) and I wouldn’t be surprised to even see him play a few snaps at the DE spot in the nickel, like you said.

He is a weapon and they plan on moving him around all over the formation. McCarthy said they want to have the protection meeting of opposing offenses to have to worry about finding where Parsons is lined up.

Since they’re already working him at SAM, I expect that to be one of the spots.

Did my post really sound like I was saying that he was going to be a SAM, and would stay there?

That's awesome about the LEO. One thing that has really intrigued me is him playing some LEO. I didn't see that they lined him up there in rookie camp but I loved seeing that in your post. He may get beaten up there if he played it too much but once in a while it would really show off his explosiveness. I think we will definitely be multiple in alignments from time to time. We really can put a ton of speed on the field if we wanted to. So much will depend on Bohanna over the ball I think (and whomever takes that other space eating, DE spot). If we can get two tough players to eat up blockers and clog things up it will really allow us to do some other things with our athletic ability. I'm just worried how we hold up to a power running game right now. Hopefully that won't be an issue.

 

[Jarntt]

I think we probably have the hungriest group of LBs in the NFL. Every single one of them has something to prove. The draft picks obviously want to prove they are NFL players. Jaylon and LVE are fighting for their careers to some extent and certainly for a spot on the Cowboys. Neal wants to show he can be a LB. And Bernard and Gifford, both of whom I really like and think can be spot players, are fighting for roster spots on this team or some other team.