I know the Jets and Patriots play a "hybrid 3-4/4-3", but I'm still not completely sure what the means. I know there's a lot of switching from the base package, but is there anything more to it? I've thought it may be something with 3 down lineman 2-gaping with another down player, basically playing a dedicated pass rusher. Haven't been able to find anything that goes more in depth.
Good guess.
This article by Chris Brown on NTs explains it well. They switch technique and gap-responsibilities around the NT.
For instance, as the best NT in the game, Wilfork almost always two-gaps and puts the opposing C on roller-skates. But the guys to either side of him occasionally two-gap, one-gap, stunt, etc. The number of down linemen is ultimately less important than what sort of technique they're using.
To possibly shed some light on the great BvG Scheme Debate, the above is the only combo I'm aware of that can accurately be described as a "hybrid" defensive front. And I'm virtually certain that BvG will
not be implementing something like it, because it's very complex. People sometimes refer to a 3-4 as a hybrid scheme since the ROLB occasionally puts his hand in the dirt, but aside from that rather superficial aspect, there's nothing very hybrid about it (note the simplicity of Diaco's scheme), as the DL still two-gaps on all standard downs. I'd bet large sums that BvG will implement a 4-3 over/under, similar to what Mattison runs at Michigan. Still utilizes a NT, but it's a true 4-3 scheme that utilizes simple one-gap techniques.
