What needs to be done to fix the defense?

[TNPanther]

IMO the main issue with this year’s D is gap control.

I don’t think we have the personnel to run the 3-4. I feel like a change back to the 4-3 is in order.

I wonder if Burns can play 4-3 edge rusher. Not sure if he has the frame.

Either way, we can’t stop the run because we have nobody to plug the line of scrimmage. This allows blockers to get to the second level and block the LBs out of the play. It’s why we’ve seen Luke on his ass so much this year.

I hope that whichever coach comes in brings a good 4-3 oriented defensive coordinator and we get our poo together on that side of the ball. We have too much talent to be ranked 29th in run D.

[TheRumGone]

I actually prefer the 34 because this is a passing league and Outside linebackers like burns are easier to find than 4-3 defensive ends. 
 

we shouldn’t switch back to a 43 just because of Luke. He might not be here after the next two years. We need to beef up the front 3, with solid rotational pieces as well and find a 34 ilb to pair with shaq.

[Wanderlai]

PEDs 

[PleaseCutStewart]

If we are going to continue with this terrible 3-4 change we made, we better draft NT & DE with the 1st 2 picks. Otherwise, we will continue to get gashed for 7 yards a carry.

The smarter choice is to revert back to a 4-3, draft another OLB to play beside Luke and Shaq, find another DT to play beside KK, and maybe draft/find a run stopping DE if Burns can't be a 3 down DE. Then when we get into long down and distance situations, we can get creative with our pass rushers and get Miller and Haynes on the field.

Honestly, 3-4 isn't as useful as it used to be because a lot of teams are running 3 WR sets more often to spread out defenses, which is a giant mismatch to a 3-4 defense unless you have elite cover safeties or your 3-4 defense is great in zone coverage.

[LinvilleGorge]

It all starts in the trenches. We're utterly depleted on the DL and yet Short is a massive cap anchor around our neck.

[saX man]

We need big and athletic combos.  We also need a consistent run stopper to compliment Short.  We also need to start not using EDGE style guys in 3-4 DL spots. We have a clutter of EDGE talent in Addison, Irvin, Haynes, Miller, etc.  At least Burns has a bit more size but I think we all have realized what Star brought to this team value wise. 

[Sean Payton's Vicodin]

Fire Marty Hurney

[Mr. Scot]

We're running the vast majority of our snaps so far today out of the 3-4.

[Riverboat Ron]

What would help is actually getting good safties, Eric Reid blows and Tre is average at best. Pair that with coaching that doesn't get our guys out of position constantly and you'll see immediate improvement. 

[XIII]

Have anyone other than Washington as our DC. 

[BurnHurnBurn]

Burns or Luke?  Pick one.  

...or in other words 3-4 or 4-3?

Luke is marginalized in the 3-4.  He's above average there.  We all know who he is in the 4-3 (GOAT).

Burns is a hell of a stand up rusher.  Doubt he can frame up enough to put his hand in the dirt.   

Whatever your answer and rationale is behind it will be the way to fix this Defense.

[Palmetto]

Draft better players

[bigdog10]

If were committing to the 3-4, we need to trade Luke for a haul of picks  

 

[steven8989]

Is Burns even playing. Our number one draft pick and hardly not on the field. Yeah I guess Hurney has a talent for scouting these guys