That's actually not a unique trait. These days, most defenses use both, in varying degrees. The exceptions are the teams that stupidly chain themselves to the Cover 2 defense, because you need elite talent at each level to be successful.
It's nice to have a coach who adapts to the system for a change ... instead of having to dump star players because they don't fit the system ... my question was in regards to what player fits at which position ...
As noted earlier in the thread, our defensive line is plenty versatile (last season as well) to play a 4 man front. The big problem is the linebackers. There's no linebacker on the roster to man any of the spots needed to run a successful 4-3 front because there is no speed. As good as David Harris has been in tackling and stuffing the run he would be completely exposed if he was employed as a 4-3 backer with sideline to sideline responsibilities. He's just not fast enough and cannot move backwards in coverage to play the deep middle of the field (as most successful 4-3 defenses have a MLB that can play in that hole). Kuechly is the cream of the crop in this department but previously think abouts guys like Zach Thomas, Urlacher, Vilma, Lofa Tatupu, etc. These players are becoming harder and harder to find which is why the modern day NFL has moved to more 3-4 teams in general than 4-3 teams. We'll stay with the 3-4 principles in terms of gap responsibility with 4 man fronts mixed in depending on who we're playing, but I imagine they try to stick with the same gap principles to mask the lack of speed at the linebacker position. It sucks he won't be available but imagine what Myles Jack could do for this defense.
Jaylen Smith will end up falling out of the first round.No team is gonna risk a first round pick on a guy who may miss the entire 2016 season
Suppose so. Regrettably we're in no position to afford that luxury of nabbing him at 20. Prolly even the 2nd round too.....Unless Mac swings a trade and lands more draft picks. I'm not complaining if we draft Jaylen Smith. I hope we do.
Regardless of formation, you need at least ONE guy who can get to the QB in a hurry. Mark Gastineau was the last lineman we had who could seemingly kill the QB any time he wanted to. And any LBer we've had that was half way decent we traded away.
The Cover 2 gives you more room to play average corners. You do need very good safeties though. Dee Milliner would probably be a good Cover 2 CB. Marcus Williams might be a great Cover 2 CB. At his age Darrelle Revis might profit from Cover 2 also, although it would be a waste of his ability against most of the offenses the Jets face.
