Is it coincidental?

[Proudiddy]

That the two top defenses (Steelers and Ravens) in the league run a 3-4 defense? I've never been big on the 3-4, I've always liked the 4-3 a little better myself (maybe b/c I understood it better)... But, the more I think about it, it may be time for change. The Steelers, Ravens, and Patriots always have great defenses and they have ran the 3-4 for as long as I can remember.

[Guest Jake Delhomme]

That the two top defenses (Steelers and Ravens) in the league run a 3-4 defense? I've never been big on the 3-4, I've always liked the 4-3 a little better myself (maybe b/c I understood it better)... But, the more I think about it, it may be time for change. The Steelers, Ravens, and Patriots always have great defenses and they have ran the 3-4 for as long as I can remember.

Pittsburgh missed the playoffs 2 years ago.and baltimore not done poo since they won a superbowl back in 2000.

[Proudiddy]

Pittsburgh missed the playoffs 2 years ago.and baltimore not done sh*t since they won a superbowl back in 2000.

I'm talking specifically about their defenses.

[Jangler]

Don't you need 4 great linbackers to run the 3-4?

[Mr. Scot]

Yeah, it's coincidental, and it could just as easily change next year.

We don't have the right personnel, and I don't see us making that transition while John Fox is in charge.

[Proudiddy]

We've got three pretty good ones, plus Hilee Taylor and Peppers (if he returns) are perfect for the outside LB positions.

[dksmith17]

All 4 teams left have 3-4s (well Balt. is not exactly a 3-4 its just unique).

And I don't see how anyone can say its just a coincidence.

[Mr. Scot]

All 4 teams left have 3-4s (well Balt. is not exactly a 3-4 its just unique).

And I don't see how anyone can say its just a coincidence.

The Cardinals and Eagles don't run a 3-4. Neither did the Titans, the Chargers and, obviously, the Panthers.

The Giants didn't run a 3-4 last year. They beat a team that did. The Cowboys did and got knocked out of the playoffs giving up 44 points.

Both philosophies can work. It just depends on personnel and coaching.

[engine9]

I don't think we have the right talent to run a 3-4, nor do I think we have a dynamic enough defensive mindset with our staff to run a 3-4.

[Urrymonster]

As engine pointed out the 3-4 is only as good as the coaches mind allows it to be. For it to be successful there has to be a ton of misdirection and inventive schemes. Judging by our recent defensive gameplans we would be too simple for it too work.

[ShutDwn]

I love the 4-3 when it is working to it max potential. The ability to rush only four is so much more valuable, this is when it doesn't matter if the offense knows what the defense is doing, they are too good.

The 3-4 is liked by many because it can create more confusion which can hide weaknesses and create matchup problems.

If they were fighters, the 4-3 would be a brawler, it might throw in some flashy stuff, but for the most part it just wants to knock you out. The 3-4 is more exotic and you have to figure out which punches are actually coming.

There are many ways to have a great defense, there is no "better" way. There are easier ways because of personnel, but they are all good.

[Bruce Wayne]

That the two top defenses (Steelers and Ravens) in the league run a 3-4 defense? I've never been big on the 3-4, I've always liked the 4-3 a little better myself (maybe b/c I understood it better)... But, the more I think about it, it may be time for change. The Steelers, Ravens, and Patriots always have great defenses and they have ran the 3-4 for as long as I can remember.

There is so much more you can do with a 3-4 than with a 4-3. But you need to have 3 big quick guys on the line to hog the blockers to allow the LB's to blitz. Also in a 3-4 it is so much easier to disguise the blitz. A change to a 3-4 would take more than one off-season and would require a few seasons to perfect.

There's no doubt in my mind that we have the LB's to run it but not the D line.

[dksmith17]

The Cardinals and Eagles don't run a 3-4. Neither did the Titans, the Chargers and, obviously, the Panthers.

The Giants didn't run a 3-4 last year. They beat a team that did. The Cowboys did and got knocked out of the playoffs giving up 44 points.

Both philosophies can work. It just depends on personnel and coaching.

I guess you are right about the Eagles but Jim Johnson's scheme is so unique its hard to admit it is exactly a 4-3. He uses a 4-3-4 in short yardage situations and nickel and dime packages with complex blitz packages in deep situations. Cardinals are a 3-4 now. Dallas just converted to a 3-4 and GB is said to. And history speaks for itself for those two franchises.

Otherwise agreed, both can work but the trend is to go to a 3-4. Do the Panthers have the personnel to do it? not even close.

[bcsneed]

The d-linemen in a 3-4 are very easy to come by that is a major reason for the popularity. The league doesn't have enough big fast freaks so you get guys who can take up blockers and are not responsible for making big plays. Kemo is a much better fit in a 34 and Brayton is a very good fit for the scheme as well. We would have to address the other end spot with free agency or the draft(which is much easier in the 34)and Damione Lewis becomes a square peg. There would be a transition period but there needs to be change and I believe that this maybe the ideal time for dramatic change.