3-4 Defense? Won’t Happen….

The Panthers fan community is all abuzz this morning talking about how running a 3-4 defense is a real possibility now with the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac.

I really hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but switching to a 3-4 is about as likely as Kemo moving to Free Safety.

This team is still ultimately run by John Fox, who is an old school 4-3 guy through and through. The 3-4 is being heralded as the best thing in the NFL, just as it is everytime a Superbowl team runs it. I don’t remember anyone calling for the 3-4 after playing Oakland in recent seasons. As with any scheme, its only as good as those who are calling it, and those who are playing it.The 2-4 will not happen in Carolina as long as John Fox is the Head Coach. This topic is settled.

One thing is certain, John Fox will hire someone that buys into his defensive scheme completely. He is not interested in the grand ideas of up and coming defensive minded coaches. The overall schemes and philosophy will not change.

One thing that can change, however, is the intensity in practice and on the field. A new coordinator will have the opportunity to energize the defense. Trgovac had become settled in his ways, and predictible. Players, consciously or not, also settle into his personality and expectations. This works no differently than in the business world, with a new boss comes a honeymoon period of increased productivity. Employees no longer feel comfortable resting on their past accomplishments. Even the veterans on the defense of this team will feel the need to prove themselves again.