? about 3-4

[wheeler418]

How would we line up if the other team has 3, 4 or 5 WR and our base package is the 3-4? When they have 3 WR do we go to the nickel with 3 LB and 3 d-linemen? When they have 4 WR do we go to the dime with 2 LB and 3 d-linemen? Any thoughts? I really don't follow New England or other teams that line up in the 3-4?

 

[knute]

As the opposing offense adds WR, you'll typically bring in DBs for LBs. You'd never go below 3 DL in most cases.

 

[GoshenGipper]

You could take a LB out, put in a DB and line up in a 3-3-5. You could also take a LB out, put a DB in then shift one of the big DEs down to a DT, and then one of the OLBs would move down to DE, thus creating a 4-2-5 look.

 

[Freeman Ara]

Basically the defensive packages stay the same as a 4-3, really the only difference in the 4-3 and the 3-4 personnel we are running you are putting a smaller but more athletic guy at the OLB position allowing him to put his hand down or drop in coverage. So now one of the guys that might be an OLB is going to be like 250 and quick enough to drop in coverage over a true DE that weighs 275+ and puts his hand down every play and rushes the QB. As WR are added you would substitute a DB for one of the LB and probably go to a 4-3 line but with one of the OLB playing with his hand on the ground. This way you always have 3 DL and 3 LB on the field, even in your dime package. If anyone knows anything different feel free to correct me. The 3-4 is great because it gives the defense a whole lot more options and its more difficult to read for a QB, figuring out where the blitzer is coming from.

 

[wheeler418]

Thanks guys for your help.