It seems like an awful lot of people seem to have a huge misunderstanding about the difference between a 3-4 end and a 4-3 end here. Just a question: How many people here admittedly are confused by what the 3-4 defense consistst of? We all know the basics (3 linemen, 4 LBs) I hope, but the way Bowens/Wadsworth keeps being discussed it seems like alot of people don't understand the difference between the two defenses requirements of the end position.
Nothing is written in stone here. It all comes down to how strong the player is, and whether he can take on double-teams and still make some plays. It doesn't necessarily always come down to size, but size helps at the position. It also helps to be taller (eg. Richard Seymour, Aaron Smith, Anthony Weaver, Ty Warren). One would assume a guy like Bowens (6'3 270ish pounds) is a little undersized for the 3-4 DE spot. Therefore there is speculation that he'll be moved to OLB, so his passrushing skills aren't underutilized. I guess it is unfair to jump to the conclusion that he will be playing OLB as Joe W. Namath pointed out in another thread that apparently Bowens has seen time at the 3-4 DE spot, although I'd like to see him at the OLB spot because his passrush skills need to be utilized.
Ok...For the sake of clarity......this site gives the official style of depth chart that the (Offense/Defense) Jets' play.....www.espn.com Go to........ NFL/Teams/ Jets depth chart. Looking at this alignment gives a clearer picture of Jets' team alignment on defense .......Remember (new personnel not yet updated). Enjoy :up: http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/depth?team=nyj
Bowens played DE in Miami's 4-3, and OLB in Miami's 3-4. I don't know where all this DE in the 3-4 stuff came from, but it's not true. He and Taylor were the OLBs in Miami's 3-4.
3-4 schemes are very different from the basic scheme people think of. we have a fuzion 3-4/4-3 because we have OLB's that can move to the line and become DE's. we can confuse coverages that way and disguise the formation. there are no set positions now in this mangini-sutton scheme
Here's a simple comparison between the 2 schemes: A 4-3 offers players in the front 7 alot more freedom; A 3-4 offers defensive coordinators/coaches alot more freedom. If we're comparings ends in a 4-3 and OLb's in a 3-4 it goes like this.. A 4-3 end generally has to be alot stronger and have alittle bit more of a burst to the inside to get blockers off balance. They also are responsible for the gap to their inside and also the gap to their immediate outside. A 3-4 OLB, usually has to have alittle more height than a 4-3 DE so that they can cover more ground in pass/run coverage. They don't need to be quite as strong, but need to have a better first step in order to pursue the LOS quickly. A 3-4 OLB has alittle more freedom since they are not always occupied by a blocker, and have a 3-4 end to help protect their gap responsibilities. However, they have to be equally effective as a pass rusher as well as in pass coverage.
Upon further review I can see a real problem for coordinators looking at our depth chart if Haynes comes on he'll have the ability to slide over the guard as will Ellis and line the OLB in the 9 technique, we can cause some serious confusion. O O X O O S.Ellis D.Robertson K.Coleman A.Wadsworth J.Vima V.Hobson B.Thomas O O X O O A.Wadsworth S.Ellis D.Robertson K.Coleman J.Vima V.Hobson B.Thomas O O X O O S.Ellis D.Robertson M.Haynes D.Bowens J.Vima V.Hobson B.Thomas O O X O O S.Ellis D.Robertson M.Haynes B.Thomas D.Bowens J.Vima V.Hobson One of the biggest factors in the 3-4 is you never know who is coming.
if we cant figure this out, imagine the headache opposing Offenses have. the thing is we have max flexibility. we can have the same players give so any different looks.
I have always heard to be succesful in workinga 3-4 you gotta have big fat ass DT's to stop the run, and fast athletic linebacker's that can cover and run blitz.
But remember, we will also be playing about 30-40% as a true 4-3, so Bownes will see time at DE as well as OLB. NE has a great 3-4 Defense, but remember our first game with them last year? They played the entire game in a 4-3.
A 3-4 end is supposed to hold his ground at the point of attack, first and foremost. For the most part, you want large guys that can occupy the offensive line and open up lanes for the linebackers. Athletic upside and pass rush ability is a big plus, but ultimately the main concern of the lineman in the 3-4 is allowing the linebackers to make plays. Linebackers have to be strong enough to shed blocks. Since there are four a lower priority is placed on speed. The scheme is meant to promote uncertainty. In a 4-3 set, it's easier for the quarterback to figure out where the rush is coming from. In the 3-4, the rush is far less predictable, as is the coverage. -X-
