It is unfortunate that some good players had to go, but the defense now has better player fits (and I expect there will be more as well) for the kind of defense that Mangini and Sutton will play. This is not a standard 3-4. This defense is also not a standard 4-3. It is a hybrid 3-4 / 4-3. This hybrid D requires big, intelligent, and versatile LBs. This D also needs a wide body that is stout in the middle to paralyze the OL's core on the line of scrimmage. Now that there are better player fits, there will be MORE MIS-DIRECTION and less conventional 3-4 / 4-3 play. The object of this hybrid D is to destroy the confidence of the opponent's offense that they know who is coming from where, and how the defense will play. Because the D knows and the OL doesn't know, a CRITICAL disruption of the normal act-react pattern of the offense to defense play can regularly occur. The traditional NFL Offense is not used to losing its advantage in this fashion, and many will not recover easily. I predict that this Mangini / Sutton hybrid 3-4 / 4-3 will get MORE radical as it gets MORE aggressive in its mis-directing disruption.
Harris was a 'BEAST', INCREDIBLE, that kids has LEADER written all over him and by the way can play a 43 middle LB or a 34 ILB, he's just that talented, he is all over the field and can hit JV could not succeed in the 34 because he is too small, sort of the way Ray Lewis got his backside handed to him the ONE season the Ravens played the 34, he HATED it. Too often in the 34 JV was making tackles 5 - 6 years down the field but had he had a ROAD GRADER of the Sam Adams type in front of him to take on 2 blockers I think JV would have been OK in the 34. Harris also was a ROOKIE last year and with a year under his belt all I can say is watch out! I do NOT believe this kids is a fluke, I think he is the REAL DEAL.
The more I think of it, the more I am drawn to the conclusion that Pace might start in the ILB. (which he can, by the way) Then, the D can swap between 3-4 and 4-3 at will. Gholston lines up at DE, and Pace becomes OLB in 4-3 - but then, Coleman lines up wide, leaving Jenkins 1-on-1 against the C, and Gholston backs off, while Pace moves inside in 3-4. It is but a simple alignment change, but the whole assignment and defensive task changes immensely. And that easily too. Now add complex coverages and blitz packages in 3-4 and 4-3 to it. It will be one heck of a defense to watch, almost always confusing the confronting offense.
We're going to show every possible formation. I think it'll be fun just to see the size we have on the field when Pouha and Jenkins are on the field together...remember the 1 D-linemen plays we ran? Imagine those two massive mofos in front of Gholston, Thomas, Pace, Harris, and Ellis (stood up on those plays). This D could be alot of fun. Theres like a million different fronts and each of our guys has had to handle multiple tasks...no one can be labeled as *just* a pass rusher or *just* a run stopper...we're breaking away from the lame labeling done by fans and media and getting guys who can do what the coaches ask when they ask.
yes you are right--the Giants felt the same way in their 3-4 about LT. You have Ray Lewis-itis. What about Tedy Bruschi in the Pats SB years? It has nothing to do with 3-4 or 4-3. It is personality. I am really tired of this Vilma worship. He just wasn't that good. He was okay. He had a really good rookie season. A decent second year for which he was overpraised. Then a year and a half of mediocrity.
I agree I also think you are going to see some sets of what NE used to do. 6 or 7 LB's on he field at the same time. If these players play to potential, this could be a very scary group for OC's
Don't be unfair to Vilma and pile on because we went in a different direction from his skillsets. You'll get surprised when you see how Payton uses him in NO this year. Vilma is a really good player who cares about excellence.
in the 3-4 yes, as a 4-3 MLB- thats what he is build for, and he did make a pro bowl and led the league in tackles... do not take away what he did when he was playing in the right system.
