4-3 or 3-4 defense?

[ScottyBuff]

Also, we talk a lot about the "5" technique for a 3-4 DE vs the "3" technique for a DT in a 4-3 defense. Then, there's the CU hybrid.

I thought people might like a quick primer on this.

Here's the basic numbering system. "0" technique means aligned over the center, "3" means aligned in the guard-tackle gap, etc.

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7	6	5	4	3	2	1		1	2	3	4	5	6	7
	TE		LT		LG		C		RG		RT		TE

In a traditional 3-4, there's a NT playing the "0" (or shaded to a "1") to command a double-team from the center and guard to keep the MLB somewhat clean. Likewise, the two DEs are on a "5" to crash the OTs down and give blitzing OLBs a clean edge for rushing the passer.

In a traditional 4-3, the DTs play a "2" technique in a read-and-react style defense and a "3" technique in a gap penetration defense, while the DEs play a "4" or 5" depending on the style.

CU runs kind of a hybrid.

We have a NT who plays a "0" or "1". That's the spot Solis was recruited for.

Then, we have a DT who plays a "3". That's where we'll see Tupou.

At DE, we need one bigger guy who can play a "4" on the opposite side of the DT and occupy 2 gaps for run support.

The other DE (on the DT side) is a full "go" outside rush and contain.

It really is a hybrid. There are some 4-3 principles and some 3-4 principles. It's also an unbalanced front that can be confusing for opposing OLs.

This is an Under/Over front, correct?

The analogy to the Giants defense would be spot on. Yes they have outstanding DE players, but their base interior is a Nose Tackle (Linval Joseph) playing the "0" (or "1" at times), with an Under Tackle (Chris Canty) playing the "3". The Giants rotate Tuck, Osi, and JPP around to stay fresh but one would play the "4" and the other would be the "5" or rush end. What everyone sees that is really aggressive is that (as was mentioned) they put 3 DE on the line in obvious passing downs with a penetrating DT like Canty or Bernard to get after the QB quickly.

This is a similar base front (not the pass-rush subpackage) to what Carolina did a few years back when they had Kris Jenkins as the NT, Brentson Buckner as the UT, with Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers at DE. No surprise that it was John Fox that brought that front to the Panthers from the Giants (and his DC with the Panthers was Jack Del Rio, so guess where the Broncos are headed with their scheme?).

Solis and Tupou should fit right in from day 1 competing at those interior spots. A healthy Bonsu would be a very good "3" technique DT as he can penetrate 1-on-1 with a guard very well, and this is where Poston could also factor in with Tupou, Henington, Rasmussen or even Kafovalu possibly in the mix. We'll need Solis and/or Tupou to step in and take the NT job, as I don't see Richter being anything more than a rotational guy there. Pericak makes for a good "4" DE, but we could see Henington, Rasmussen, or Kafovalu there depending upon our needs at DT and/or Pericak's eligibility, (Juda Parker most likely slides in here if Pericak is suspended). Of the DE's that we recruited this season, Samson Kafovalu and Johnny Stuart look like they could be the guys that develop at this spot as they seem more stout against the run than the others, but anything can happen once those kids start practicing and working out with the team. Juda Parker, Chidera Uzo-Diribe, Kisima Jagne, and De'Jon Williams would provide awesome depth at the rush "5" DE spot and also factor in as a rotation for obvious passing downs.

 

[bigbang2]

I prefer 34 but we don't have the personel to play 34. 43 defense would be the best option.

 

[Burrito]

Embree said 4-3, so I'll assume that's what the Colorado Buffaloes will play.