If Ron Rivera Stays...

[themikestrick]

Rivera "feels very confident in the 3-4 and what it brings to the table. He knows its strengths and weaknesses, and has shared them with me," McDermott said. "That's part of the reason, quite frankly, that I came down here - so we could get together and merge our systems together. I think in due time you'll see that and you'll see the effectiveness of both."

and four linebackers—including first-round pick Luke Kuechly—have the versatility to play in a 3-4 scheme, according to the Panthers website

[Mr. Scot]

Rivera "feels very confident in the 3-4 and what it brings to the table. He knows its strengths and weaknesses, and has shared them with me," McDermott said. "That's part of the reason, quite frankly, that I came down here - so we could get together and merge our systems together. I think in due time you'll see that and you'll see the effectiveness of both."

and four linebackers—including first-round pick Luke Kuechly—have the versatility to play in a 3-4 scheme, according to the Panthers website

Their skills aren't optimal for it as a base defense though. Especially on the outside.

3-4 OLBs are primarily pass rushers like DeMarcus Ware. That's not a role I could see a guy like James Anderson - or even Beason or Davis for that matter - filling effectively.

A switch like that would require some definite roster tweaks. And again, given their current system is working pretty well, why bother?

There's already enough work to be one this offseason without unnecessarily adding more.

[magnus]

One or both of the DEs could play outside, but then that leaves holes at 5-tech.

But, really in the end this is all about lining guys up in gaps. not some massive scheme change.

[Dex]

THEY ARE 4-3 fuging LINEBACKERS NOT 3-4!!!?!?RGMNKERGNOEGNOWERNOGERNGERNGERNGERNIEERNGRNGINARNVBEFRB