3-4 Back On The Table

[THE PISTONS]

(02-12-2019, 11:58 AM)shanebo Wrote: I think Marvin's always been more of a hybrid guy -- even though he ran a 4-3 base in Baltimore, Washington, and Cincy, you always saw 3-4 looks (particularly on 3rd down) and he was always looking for that elusive rush linebacker/"joker" in the draft.  Could be from his time in Pittsburgh as a LB coach, when they ran a 3-4.

I like a 3-4, as I think it's generally more versatile and better-suited to defend the modern, pass-heavy NFL offenses.  But you gotta have the personnel to run it, and currently we don't have 3 quality LBs, much less 4 ... (or a proven NT, for that matter).

But it could happen.  Spitballing here, but if we were to draft, e.g., Dexter Lawrence in 1 and Mack Wilson in 2, you could theoretically go 3-4 with Atkins (DE), Lawrence (DT), Dunlap (DE) and Hubbard (OLB), Burfict (ILB), Wilson (ILB), Lawson (ILB).  Looks good on paper, and could work IF Hubbard/Lawson can cover, Burfict can stay healthy, etc.

It doesn't even look good on paper. Defensive lineman in a 3-4 don't produce many sacks. You'd waste Atkins and Dunlap.

Lawson is a 1 dimensional pass rusher. He's bad against the run and can't cover. He'd be a terrible fit at ILB.

Same with Hubbard. How many 265 lb Linebackers are good in coverage?