What switching to a 4-3 could mean for the current Lions players

3-4 Base

In a 3-4, the front-three are generally bigger, stronger, and responsible for two-gaps. Their size and strength are needed when taking on double-teams while still being tasked to disrupt the run and/or their blockers, freeing the second-level defenders.

The nose tackle will typically play a zero-technique and be responsible for both A-gaps. The defensive tackles (or big DE’s) typically playing a four or five-technique responsible for the B & C gaps.

This creates the advantage of having your linebackers clean and free to either drop in coverage, attack any gap, or run to the football. Which can create confusion for offenses.

To pull off the 3-4 two-gap scheme, you need outside linebackers you can rush off the EDGE, strong enough to set the EDGE, and have the ability to drop back in coverage. You need 5-technique defensive ends strong enough to play two-gap but also athletic enough to one-gap. And you need a big anchoring nose tackle to eat up blockers and keep the inside linebackers free.

4-3 Base

In a 4-3, the front seven personnel are generally smaller and faster than their 3-4 counterparts. Typically responsible for their own gap to stop the run and/or rush the passer.

The tackles will typically play between the ‘zero-shade’ and ‘three-techniques’, with the ends playing between a ‘five’ and ‘wide’ nine-technique’ and a bigger focus on pass-rush.

The linebackers are also smaller with more sideline-to-sideline and coverage abilities, but also have their own gap a lot of the time as well.

While this is a bit more predictable for the offense, the advantage for the defense comes with being able to generate pressure with your front-four with less blitzing … allowing you to drop seven into coverage and still get pressure. Win-win.