The hybrid 4-3 we will be playing

[BAT]

There are a lot of folks, still, who think we will be running a 3-4. There are a lot of folks, still, who think we're rid of the Tampa 43 that Marinelli used.

Simply put, the front that Seattle began to use in 2010 is the same front that Monte Kiffin used on Tony Dungy's Tampa 2, just on steriods.

Compared to the old Tampa 2 front, rather than having a DE, 3T, 1T and DE, you have a Leo, a 3T, a 1T and a big end. Or maybe you have a big end, a 3T, a 1T and a big end. Or maybe you have a Leo, a 3T, a 1T, and a 1 gapping big end.

It's not uncommon for the DC to switch out player roles on a game to game basis.

So what's a big end and what's a Leo? Big end is the end on the strong side of the formation. Leo is on the weak side. According to SI, an ideal two gapping big end is 280-295 pounds, 20 pounds lighter than a 3-4 DE. Leos can be regular 43 DEs, but because they are weak side, successful Leos can be lighter. And they can be hands in the dirt or 2 point stance, according to what they prefer.

The base therefore is a 4-3 under where 1/2 of the defense is using 3-4 techniques and the other half (the weak side half) is using 4-3 techniques.

But on a game to game basis, it doesn't have to be that.

In 2010, when they came up with this, they had to deal with Seattle's then horrible run defense. And it worked out of the box. If you want specific links, I can DM you my wikipedia draft..

D-

The big End is a 5 tech or even 6 tech. Those are typical 3-4 DE not 4-3 DE.

The Leo is a 9 tech. Similar to 3-4 OLB. Like 9ers used to play Charles Haley, which they called "Elephant". The "Elephant" role was created by Seifert for a hybrid player who was athletic enough to play standing up or with hand in the dirt.

Pete Carroll was a DC under Seifert and the Leo position is an evolution of the Elephant.

McCarthy is another ex-49er coach who borrowed the concept of the Elephant and incorporated it with Packers.

Tim Harris, Chris Doleman, Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers all played the Elephant with 9ers or Packers.

In other words, Pete Carroll (and by extension Dan Quinn) may have started out as 4-3 under/Tampa 2 disciples but their philosophies have grown and evolved throughout their careers.

Carroll was just as influenced by Seifert's hybrid defense. The fact that DQ prefers the 4-3 Over with traditional 3-4 elements (3 huge 300+ DL) is proof that Cowboys will not play Marinelli 4-3 Under (with undersized DT).

The Legion of Boom defense under Caroll/DQ is very different from Marinelli's Tampa 2 that he ran with Bucs and Cowboys.

And this is a good thing IMO.

 

[AsthmaField]

The big End is a 5 tech or even 6 tech. Those are typical 3-4 DE not 4-3 DE.

The Leo is a 9 tech. Similar to 3-4 OLB. Like 9ers used to play Charles Haley, which they called "Elephant". The "Elephant" role was created by Seifert for a hybrid player who was athletic enough to play standing up or with hand in the dirt.

Pete Carroll was a DC under Seifert and the Leo position is an evolution of the Elephant.

McCarthy is another ex-49er coach who borrowed the concept of the Elephant and incorporated it with Packers.

Tim Harris, Chris Doleman, Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers all played the Elephant with 9ers or Packers.

In other words, Pete Carroll (and by extension Dan Quinn) may have started out as 4-3 under/Tampa 2 disciples but their philosophies have grown and evolved throughout their careers.

Carroll was just as influenced by Seifert's hybrid defense. The fact that DQ prefers the 4-3 Over with traditional 3-4 elements (3 huge 300+ DL) is proof that Cowboys will not play Marinelli 4-3 Under (with undersized DT).

The Legion of Boom defense under Caroll/DQ is very different from Marinelli's Tampa 2 that he ran with Bucs and Cowboys.

And this is a good thing IMO.

Yeah, sometimes the big end will align in the 4 or even the 4i to close the bubble between him and the 1T (or NT). It really is a defense that flexible and is good at shutting down run games.

I’m excited to see who plays where in this defense.

Carroll coached on those old ‘Niner teams that had the Elephant position, so yeah he has brought a lot from those days into his modern defenses.

 

[JoeKing]

actually no, it’s very simple once the assignments are understood

Unless you are a pothead.

 

[dwmyers]

In other words, Pete Carroll (and by extension Dan Quinn) may have started out as 4-3 under/Tampa 2 disciples but their philosophies have grown and evolved throughout their careers.

Entirely correct. Though I've seen folks credit Bill McPherson as the fellow on the 49ers who influenced Carroll the most.

D-