Miami Dolphins new 4-3 defense

[EireTiger]

I noticed in the draft recap from Jeff Ireland that, in discussing 5th round pick LB-Josh Kaddu, he refenced the Mike, Will and Sam positions. These are 4-3 slots so we must be officially moving to that defense. There had been some comments from Philbin leading up to the draft that they weren't sure but this leads me to believe it is happening.

Having said that, here's the way I see the depth chart of the front 7 shaping up:

RDE - Wake, Westerman
RDT - Starks, Randall
LDT - Soliai, Baker
LDE - Odrick, Vernon
WLB - Burnett, Guyton
MLB - Misi, Spitler
SLB - Dansby, Kaddu

When Arizona played a 4-3 defense Dansby was an OLB and in the discussions around Misi they said they were moving him inside this year, but that could also mean SLB as well. Odrick would seemingly shift inside on passing downs in place of Soliai and Vernon would come in.

This defense looks like it will be stout against the run but the personnel really hasn't changed much from last year, just a shift in where they are positioned.

When you look at it, we lost Langford and Bell on defense and are replacing them with their backups.

Overall, our defense this coming year, better or worse?

 

[Tunaphish429]

There are alot of these 43 threads on here...with alot of good insight in them. Its not about having a 4 more line vs a 3 man line..its about where exactly on that line they are allinged..and really the possibilities are endless..I think you can expect Paul at 0 or 1 tech.. and wake at like 6 or 7 tech..Oddrick may end up playing 3 or 5 tech. Starks can play 1, 3 or 5 tech..I think that Dansby ends up playing SAM. I actually think that Misi ends up playing the Will spot. He basically played like a Will in our 34 last year. I know they said he is moving inside but I only see that in 3 man fronts..I think Burnett plays as the Mike or maybe even Gary Guyton.

 

[BasqueAtlantean]

Misi? spitler? Sign rocky mcintosh and quentin groves ffs.

 

[footsteps_falco]

I think we still roll as a 3-4

LOLB Vernon/Kaduu
MLB Burnett/Misi

LE Odrick/Mcdaniel
NT Soliai/Aiutti/Baker
RE Starks/Randall

MLB Dansby/Guyton
ROLB Wake/Westermann

 

[tcdrover]

I think they will continue to use both alignments and some other ones. If anything I think the drafting of the big NT indicates that they will continue to use a 3-4 at times.

It is impossible to ignore the success that the Giants 4-3 has had against the Pats. These are the things that coaches focus on.

 

[Coach_Rob]

we will also use a 34 look too. and will mike and sam can also be names for 34 lbs just sayin

---------- Post added at 11:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:20 AM ----------

I think we still roll as a 3-4

LOLB Vernon/Kaduu
MLB Burnett/Misi

LE Odrick/Mcdaniel
NT Soliai/Aiutti/Baker
RE Starks/Randall

MLB Dansby/Guyton
ROLB Wake/Westermann

as of right now i would put kaddu over vernon just for the fact he has a lot of experince in coverage and is a beast rushing. vernon is just a rusher right now

 

[robisok]

What percentage of downs do teams play in base defense anyway? 30%? Think we'll see lots of multiple db looks. Still worry about the defensive backfield.

 

[greekfin]

Defense looks to be solid and with good depth! With a full camp can't wait to see what this staff can do.

 

[Fin_Frenzy_84]

I still say we play more 3-4 with a little 4-3 but I think that pass rush is nasty! Odrick can get to the quarterback from the middle. Burnett and Dansby I think will shine in a 4-3. Stsrks can get to the QB as well. But my only concern is could wake be effective with his fingers in the dirt?

 

[BenchFiedler]

Misi? spitler? Sign rocky mcintosh and quentin groves ffs.

Misi might surprise as a MLB, I even heard reports from the OTA that Misi was very impressive..... He is not a good pass rusher but he is great against the run and has great instinct.

 

[Tailgun]

Misi might surprise as a MLB, I even heard reports from the OTA that Misi was very impressive..... He is not a good pass rusher but he is great against the run and has great instinct.

This would be great news, if true. I for one would love to see a return of Jimmy Johnson's "57" defense. We have the man-to-man cover corners for it and are trying to get the DEs established; all we need is the pure, instinctive MLB to flow to the play right at the snap.

 

[eleven11]

I'm with TCDrover, you have to like the way the Giants seem to be one of the only teams able to handle the Pats offense.

 

[NorthernFin]

This would be great news, if true. I for one would love to see a return of Jimmy Johnson's "57" defense. We have the man-to-man cover corners for it and are trying to get the DEs established; all we need is the pure, instinctive MLB to flow to the play right at the snap.

Sean Smith needs to step it up to be that man-to-man corner. Vontae has progressed well, so no worries on that side.

 

[finfan54]

can someone do a thread on all the techniques? Techniques for dummies or something?