Our base defense is a 3-4 ?

[Dolphin Clan]

Very good posts.I only wish KB21 would make one since it was his theory that we have a 4-3 base defense.

 

[MrClean]

Here is an explanation of the front 4's individual responsibilities in an odd front such as we'll play. I changed the names to our guys though it came from a Cincy site. I recall Saban referring to JT's position in the 4-3 as an OE.
A guide to defensive line positions

ELEPHANT/OPEN-SIDE END: Jason Taylor or David Bowens

Lines up on outside shoulder of left tackle

Objective: Rush the passer


''3'' TECHNIQUE/UPFIELD TACKLE: Vonnie Holliday

Lines up on outside shoulder of left guard

Objective: Push upfield and disrupt the backfield

''1'' TECHNIQUE/NOSE TACKLE: Keith Traylor

Picks a gap left on the center

Objective: Takes up blockers to free up middle linebacker (54) and the '3'

''5'' TECHNIQUE/STRONG-SIDE END: Kevin Carter

Shoots outside gap to close up strong side

Objective: Shut down the outside run game

http://www.cincypost.com/bengals/2001/bengbt110901.html

 

[SabanScience]

Saban runs a 4-3 defense. That's what the Dolphins are running and that's what Saban calls it.

Go to "One on One with Coach Saban".

http://www.miamidolphins.com/pressbox/finstv/finstv2.asp

He addresses the 4-3 defense question at the 2:15 mark. He says that he tries to incorporate some odd/(3-4) ELEMENTS into his 4-3 defense. If people think that the Dolphins are a 3-4 team they are contradicting Nick Saban. You don't change from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 by taking your hand off the ground. The 3-4 is a completely different defensive scheme with different gap responsibilities.

If anyone has proof of Saban calling the Dolphins a 3-4 team, please post it.

 

[PhinstiGator]

Saban runs a 4-3 defense. That's what the Dolphins are running and that's what Saban calls it.

Go to "One on One with Coach Saban".

http://www.miamidolphins.com/pressbox/finstv/finstv2.asp

He addresses the 4-3 defense question at the 2:15 mark. He says that he tries to incorporate some odd/(3-4) ELEMENTS into his 4-3 defense. If people think that the Dolphins are a 3-4 team they are contradicting Nick Saban. You don't change from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 by taking your hand off the ground. The 3-4 is a completely different defensive scheme with different gap responsibilities.

If anyone has proof of Saban calling the Dolphins a 3-4 team, please post it.

Exactly! The most telling quote in that section from the designer of this defense is ..."We will be a 4-3 team..."

Facts concerning the 3-4 vs 4-3 debate.
1) Starting lineup and depth chart lists 4 down lineman and 3 LBs.
2) Saban calls it a 4-3, while using some aspects of a 3-4.
3) The base defense is defined as a starting point, the alignment that is used the most during the game, and the alignment that gives us the most flexibility to disguise the blitz. It is the bread and butter alignment from which everything develops.
4) During the preseason, the 3 hands on the ground alignment on the line of scrimmage was used only 36% of the time. (game by game breakdown of 3 hands on LOS: Bears game: 31%, Jags game: 49% --highly scewed in second half--, Steelers game: 35%, Bucs game: 38%, Atlanta game: 29%)
5) Most of the time the OE (outside end) lines up on the line of scrimmage with his hand down (JT uses both hands down). On very rare occassions, that player (JT or DBo) will step back about a yard from the line of scrimmage and play an hybrid LB role. Also on rare occassions, the hands down OE will drop back in coverage (zone blitz). On other occassions, the OE will overshift to the opposite side in a hands down or crouching position.

Summary:
In spite of the condescension of some well respected fans, the Miami Dolphins defense works from a base alignment of 4 down lineman and 3 LB's. This defense has the ability to mix it up with odd fronts, overshifts, and some old fashion disguises. The different fronts allow us to hide the blitz. It's an exciting and aggressive mix that's designed to confuse and pressure the QB, while keeping a vice on the run. It allows us the flexibility to utilize the best of both the 4-3 and 3-4 alignments. Getting players with the talent, size, and flexibility to to fill the specific roles has been the greatest challenge to make this Defense work.

 

[ckparrothead]

Thank you for the stats Phinstigator, I mean it. However, it would be interesting to find out among the 100% of plays, of which 36% were 3 down linemen plays, what percentage were nickel or dime packages. Nickel and dime packages, even on 3-4 teams, are usually much more likely to have 4 down linemen. My guess, based on what I have seen, is that the Dolphins use "special" fronts (nickel, dime, dropping 8 into coverage) about a third of the time, use the 4-3 base about a third of the time, and use the 3-4 base about a third of the time, which means if you disregard special fronts, they use 4 linebackers about as much as they use 3 linebackers.