ZOD
Ruler of the Universe
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- Jun 22, 2003
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Too many times I have witnessed that the masses (us) fall into the "stat trap". I've seen some scoff at the notion that Richard Seymour is a dominant defensive end. I've also seen all of us wonder how in the hell New England's defense rank so high with seemingly no star quality to it. This has told me that there is not a clear understanding amongst "the fans" of what team defense actually is.
Statistics do not tell the story behind defensive philosophy nor execution of that philosophy. All to often that is just too sublime for the average fan. It's just our nature to want the execution of a sack, interception, or other offensive loss. That circumstance lends itself to the old adage in NASCAR that fans come to see the big wreck.
I am certainly no authority on anything football. But I have read books by what are football authorities, the latest being one by the late Fritz Shurmur . In the book Coach Shurmur discusses the various alignments and assignments that he has employed throughout his years in the NFL. I consider him to be an authority on the 34 defense among the various alignments. With that in mind I would like to detail and discuss the 34 defense so that many of us will have a better understanding of what is before us as we watch teams employing the use of this defense in the coming year.
I really don't feel as though the board (as a whole) has a firm grasp upon the defense. This original post will only be a concise outline for further discussion. I'm no educator on the matter and hopefully some that have learned the defense or some that have questions will make this a lasting thread. With teams such as the Raiders adding their team to a list that includes our division rival New England already employing the alignment I think it will further the enjoyment of conversations for the coming year.
Fritz Shurmur-
The 34 defense we have played for many years is the epitome of the bend-but-don't-break theory. It has as it's roots patience, balance, simplicity, and efficiency. It is a balanced seven-man front. Three-deep zone is the most frequent pass coverage used. There is very little use of man-for-man coverage or of stunts and blitzes. Due to it's design, there is a minimum of exposure to a big play by the offense. The theory is that the defense will limit the offense to minimum gains. We always say that if the offense is going to score, make them put together a 15 play drive to do it. This is in the belief that not too many offensive teams are capable of that kind of efficiency very many times during a ball game. Nor are there many coaches who are willing to develope a plan to attack a defense with the patience required to be successful against this type of defensive scheme.
With that in mind, the BASE alignments.
Sam Linebacker- Outside shoulder of tight end.
Will Linebacker- 1.5 yards outside offensive tackle on line of scrimmage
Ends- Head up on offensive tackles and may line up on outside shoulder of tackle
Nose-Head up on offensive center
Mac Linebacker- Linebacker on tight end side lines up 4.5 yards from the line head up on offensive guard
Mike Linebacker- Linebacker on the side opposite the tight end 4.5 yards from the line head up on the offensive guard.
Strong safety- 4 yards outside the tight end 7 yards from the line of scrimmage
Free Safety- 10-12 yards deep over the offensive center
Corners- one yard outside the wide receiver seven yeards from the line
The three lineman (Nose, Defensive Ends) are two gappers meaning they have responsibilities in two gaps. This is a result of availibility of talent. Coaches have attempted to develope quicker linemen to no avail. The Nose has both sides of the center. The ends have the guard-tackle and tackle-tight end gaps. This is a contrast to a 4 down linemen one gap assignment defense. For statistical purposes the sack totals will suffer as a result of the two gap assignments.
The inside linebackers are expected to fill their assigned gaps based upon the call. If the lineman in front loses his gap they are also expected to fill that one. They are expected to fill the gap downhill at the line of scrimmage.
The outside linebackers have dual rolls versus the pass. They are expected to have the ability to rush the pass and also be able to cover in the flat. All linebackers are expected to limit the pass to the short zones. This leaves the linebacker susceptable to the off tackle play which they are incumbent to fill.
The defense has an easier roll against change-of-strength motion. The free safety and strong safety have essentially the same rolls. This defense employs the safety as a run forcer on the strong side most of the time.
The corners are primarily zone pass defenders.
The weaknesses of this defense?
Fritz Shurmur-
The areas where (the defense) fell short were lack of creating big-play opportunities for our defense, turnovers, and pressure on the quarterback.
Statistics do not tell the story behind defensive philosophy nor execution of that philosophy. All to often that is just too sublime for the average fan. It's just our nature to want the execution of a sack, interception, or other offensive loss. That circumstance lends itself to the old adage in NASCAR that fans come to see the big wreck.
I am certainly no authority on anything football. But I have read books by what are football authorities, the latest being one by the late Fritz Shurmur . In the book Coach Shurmur discusses the various alignments and assignments that he has employed throughout his years in the NFL. I consider him to be an authority on the 34 defense among the various alignments. With that in mind I would like to detail and discuss the 34 defense so that many of us will have a better understanding of what is before us as we watch teams employing the use of this defense in the coming year.
I really don't feel as though the board (as a whole) has a firm grasp upon the defense. This original post will only be a concise outline for further discussion. I'm no educator on the matter and hopefully some that have learned the defense or some that have questions will make this a lasting thread. With teams such as the Raiders adding their team to a list that includes our division rival New England already employing the alignment I think it will further the enjoyment of conversations for the coming year.
Fritz Shurmur-
The 34 defense we have played for many years is the epitome of the bend-but-don't-break theory. It has as it's roots patience, balance, simplicity, and efficiency. It is a balanced seven-man front. Three-deep zone is the most frequent pass coverage used. There is very little use of man-for-man coverage or of stunts and blitzes. Due to it's design, there is a minimum of exposure to a big play by the offense. The theory is that the defense will limit the offense to minimum gains. We always say that if the offense is going to score, make them put together a 15 play drive to do it. This is in the belief that not too many offensive teams are capable of that kind of efficiency very many times during a ball game. Nor are there many coaches who are willing to develope a plan to attack a defense with the patience required to be successful against this type of defensive scheme.
With that in mind, the BASE alignments.
Sam Linebacker- Outside shoulder of tight end.
Will Linebacker- 1.5 yards outside offensive tackle on line of scrimmage
Ends- Head up on offensive tackles and may line up on outside shoulder of tackle
Nose-Head up on offensive center
Mac Linebacker- Linebacker on tight end side lines up 4.5 yards from the line head up on offensive guard
Mike Linebacker- Linebacker on the side opposite the tight end 4.5 yards from the line head up on the offensive guard.
Strong safety- 4 yards outside the tight end 7 yards from the line of scrimmage
Free Safety- 10-12 yards deep over the offensive center
Corners- one yard outside the wide receiver seven yeards from the line
The three lineman (Nose, Defensive Ends) are two gappers meaning they have responsibilities in two gaps. This is a result of availibility of talent. Coaches have attempted to develope quicker linemen to no avail. The Nose has both sides of the center. The ends have the guard-tackle and tackle-tight end gaps. This is a contrast to a 4 down linemen one gap assignment defense. For statistical purposes the sack totals will suffer as a result of the two gap assignments.
The inside linebackers are expected to fill their assigned gaps based upon the call. If the lineman in front loses his gap they are also expected to fill that one. They are expected to fill the gap downhill at the line of scrimmage.
The outside linebackers have dual rolls versus the pass. They are expected to have the ability to rush the pass and also be able to cover in the flat. All linebackers are expected to limit the pass to the short zones. This leaves the linebacker susceptable to the off tackle play which they are incumbent to fill.
The defense has an easier roll against change-of-strength motion. The free safety and strong safety have essentially the same rolls. This defense employs the safety as a run forcer on the strong side most of the time.
The corners are primarily zone pass defenders.
The weaknesses of this defense?
Fritz Shurmur-
The areas where (the defense) fell short were lack of creating big-play opportunities for our defense, turnovers, and pressure on the quarterback.