We're working in the 3-4 scheme much more now, but that doesn't mean we have to play 3-4 solely obviously...so here's where I'm going with this Right now we have an undersized NT in the 3-4, but he's a fine DT for the 4-3. We have a solid DE in either the 3-4 or 4-3 in Ellis... If we solidify the DE position in the 3-4 with a big, versatile player, I think we have a lot of flexibility with our defense and here's why... In the 3-4, we have Ellis, Robertson, and whoever we get to replace Kimo. Then we have Vilma and Barton in the middle and Hobson and Thomas on the outsides. Personally, I'd like to upgrade Hobson and Barton in the draft, but ignore that for now. Now with this new large DE, on obvious running plays, we can move him inside to play DT, move Thomas down to DE, and run the 4-3 with Hobson and Barton on the outsides. I feel like there are plenty of options in the draft to get a DE/DT, and a ILB/OLB so that we could run this very effectively and replace Kimo and either Barton or Hobson. If I could draft two players to fit the bill, it'd have to be Carriker and Patrick Willis so we can have an immense amount of versatility. However, I doubt we get both unless we traded up a bit. Anyway, it was kind of a ramble, but hopefully you got what I was saying. I think its a pretty solid idea, but then again, I never played organized football so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. I just feel like we almost have the personnel to be able to do this very effectively.
I think we should ultimately commit to either the 3-4 or the 4-3 exculsively (maybe we change it up for a stunt play here or there). The problem with trying to run both schemes equally is that you need two of everything which will kill us on the cap and either hurt us for depth in the front seven or elsewhere if we overload on DL and LBs. I like the idea of shifitng players and mixing it up to keep the offense off balance but the focus should be on one scheme IMHO.
No, that's why I said we'd obviously have to look outside getting both of those 2. If I had a priority, I would go with DE because I think Barton and Hobson can work out but obviously Kimo can't. I said that ideally we would go for those two but that can't happen, so I would like to get two versatile players. One a DE/DT, the other a ILB/OLB. Does that make sense kind of? I know it's kind of a crazy idea but it can't hurt to be able to run two different defenses very effectively. I think it's something that almost every team can't do and I think we almost have the personnel to be able to pull it off.
I think you're looking back too much at how he did early in his career. He finally started playing well before the switch. I think he'd be a solid DT in the 4-3. Also, to respond to an earlier poster, I don't understand why you would want to be a defense that is exclusively 3-4 or 4-3. Versatility makes a team better. If you can do both well, you do both. The Ravens had been doing it for years, so this isn't exactly a novel idea. Forget emulating the Patriots. We should be emulating the Ravens when it comes to defense.
I think any plan Mangini uses shouldn't include DRob as an integral part of the equation. He managed to play most snaps this year on his arthritic knees, but his career could come to an end quickly. I think Mangini knows that based on personnel the roster may be better suited to a 4-3 right now, but he loves the versatility of the 3-4, and will stick with it as he gets players who fit the scheme better. This year was as much about finding out which players fit the 3-4 and which don't than anything else. Obviously, the most pleasent surprise was Bryan Thomas.... who knew he'd fit the 3-4 so well? Vilma on the other hand has struggled somewhat to make the adjustments. One thing Mangini said he would do and never did much, was mix in the 4-3 with the 3-4. He may not be as flexable as he says he is. If he brings in a 3-4 expert as the new D line coach, I doubt we'll see the 4-3 much, if at all next year.
Well have to disagree with U here I forget what year he was drafted but for the 1st years of his career he did not tingle anybody toes while playing Herms 4-3. All we heard were excuses for him as to why he was not suceeding from so such things as it takes new DTs "years" to adjust to the NFL to he would be the bomb if he only had DEs that can rush the passer. Now he had all of 1 year in the geniues system in which he was no better at then he was in the Herm system so that marks him down as average to a below average player sorry to say
champ, I follow how you havent been inspired by his play. You have to at least admit he made an impact this year in a new position. Was he great? No..but he was better then at anytime under Herm...but so were a lot players. I want to see him one more season before I label him a non impact player.
As far as the 3-4/4-3 debate...its a lost cause. One thing a great coach never does is fit the scheme for the players. He gets the players to fit his scheme. We can all yell and scream about it. Mangini will never be influenced by outside sources or his roster. Thats just the type of coach he is...and just the type of coach that wins.
Sorry JW but here we are clamoring we need a mammoth NT to protect JV & OTH here U are saying he made a impact this past season. One does not jive with the other. Also to me he was a non toe tingling player just like JV sorry to say.
I see your point champ. Then again, I was a big JV defender..but Im no longer on that bus. The way I saw this past year, DR made positive strides and JV didnt. Thats the part that doesnt jive to me. If DR was improved..you would figure JV would have had a better season. All this 3-4 4-3 stuff is pretty much an excuse as far as JV is concerned. I would glady get back on the bus if JV comes around next season with a year under his belt in a new defense.
I don't see where you are disagreeing with me here. I said that Robertson should not be part of Mangini's plan. I look at him as a "hold the fort" player. Very average. Bad knees. ??? Yes, he did show modest improvement as the season went on... going from a below average NT to a very average one. He does get too much blame for the poor run defense, but again, he's a warm body until we can upgrade at NT.
Can someone please tell me why so many people want Patrick Willis? He basically is Jonathan Vilma, a player who has already proven to be undersized in a 3-4 scheme. Why would we want another player who would compound our problems?
