Spray Mucus
Ray Lucas' mom didn't take vitamins
Lifted from another forum but very intersting.
The 34 defense has been used in the NFL for decades. Wikipedia reports that at least one team that played in every superbowl from 1980 to 1993 ran some version of a base 34 defense. Currently, 4 superbowls have been won this decade alone by teams using this defense as a base set with the New England Patriots winning 3 and the Pittsburgh Steelers winning 1. Its creation stems from Superbowl IV where KC Chiefs head coach Hank Stram had a man named Curly Culp playing on his defensive line. Culp was immensely strong and couldnt be blocked by just one man. Stram moved him over center to tie up all pro Vikings center Mick Tinglehoff and additional guard support not allowing those offensive lineman to get outside and lead the stellar Viking perimeter rush attack. Conversely, it freed up the likes of all pros Buck Buchanan, Willie Lanier, and Bobby Bell to attack the Viking rush offense. It further evolved when Culp moved onto the Houston Oilers and coach Bum Phillips employed the defense full time as a coordinator under coach Sid Gillman. To this day acquiring Culp is considered one of the best trades in Oiler history. [Enter JayTrajic-the man knows Oiler football]
A total of seven teams ran a traditional 34 base set as the primary defense in 2006. Some benefits of this base include include the fact that its cheaper to maintain as in todays NFL down defensive lineman are at much more of a premium with regards to getting paid and demand much higher salaries. A rush LB in a 34 set is whats commonly referred to as a "hybrid" player converting from DE to OLB and normally the switch takes time for player development. Linebacker salaries have not equaled those of traditional 43 pass rushers as a whole and alot more teams are competing for the services of these down lineman. Another added benefit is the versatility the set allows. Four athletic linebackers on the field as opposed to 3 allow a defense to become much more creative with its blitz and coverage packages. One unfortunate downfall is these "hybrid" LB's are not easily found and are an essential for the defense to work.
The formation consists of 3 down lineman, including one nose tackle and 2 defensive ends. Four LB's surrounding the line of scrimmage, 2 safeties, and 2 cornerbacks.
Defensive Line
There are 2 basic schemes surrounding DL in a 34 set. One gap, and 2 gap. A 1 gap player has responsibility of just that. His job is to man one gap in the run game whether it be "A" gap (between OC and OG), "B" gap (between OG and OT) or "C" gap (between OT and TE)c and not give any ground. The technique these 1 gap tackles use is to explosively burst upfield with at quick first step as trying get into the backfield to create problems for play development. This was the current technique Wade Phillips employed for the SD Chargers last year. With the way the current NFL is played, this style of play has become much more prevalent.
A 2 gap DL has much different responsibilities. His job is to explode into offenseive lineman occupying more than one blocker at a time allowing the linebackers to run free and make tackles. His responsibility is to man the gap on either side of him.
Nose Tackle (NT)
The nose tackle in a 34 base set has several different responsibilities than a tradition 43 DT. His ideal frame is short, compact, and stout with exceptional strength. As opposed to a 43 Tackle, he doesnt need to be taller with long arms to put an arm up in passing lanes on throwing downs because pass rush isnt his first responsibility In the run game his job first and foremost, is to occupy the Center with enough leverage that a guard must help block him. He can never allow the post snap line of scrimmage to be pushed back. Normally in pass rush, his main goal is to push the Center back into the pocket far enough as to not allow the QB to step up in the pocket avoiding the outside rush. A good Nose Tackle who does his job well is essential for this defense to be successful.
Defensive Ends (DE)
They are also first and foremost run stoppers. Their ideal frame is tall and athletic in the 290 lb range and good strength. Taller players are preferred for this position as they usually have long arms to disengage from blockers in the run game. Usually lined up in an elongated 3 point stance, they also must explode into the OT hard enough that he cant be blocked by a single tackle or guard. If this player occupies both blockers, he successfully completed his job allowing the linebackers to run free. He is also responsible for manning the gap on either side of him in the run game and collapse the pocket in the pass game not allowing the QB to step.
Inside Linbackers (ILB)
As illustrated above, they are usually lined up in what commonly referred to as a "bubble". Heads up over an uncovered offensive guard. These 2 players are commonly referred to as "dog" and "mack" as to separate with nomenclature to recognize responsibilities in the play call. The players need to be very athletic and sure tacklers as they are the playmakers in the run game and responsible for the majority of the tackles and pursuit. The strong side ILB, or "dog", must have an attacking style of play to come up and meet a ball carrier at the line of scrimmage and be fast enough to string him out to the sideline. Though his first priority would be to stand the blocking back up in the hole yet plugging another running lane.The weak side ILB, or "mack", is responsible for backside pursuit and must be disciplined enough not to overrun a play which could result in a big gain. Both players also must be able to blitz the QB and be able to drop into short zone depending on the defense called.
Outside Linebackers (OLB)
An OLB in this defense is the simply stated, the pass rusher. He is lined up outside of the DE as a 5/7 technique (outside shoulder of either OT or TE). He is the guy who chases down the QB. His ideal frame is tall in the 6'4" range and normally anwhere from 240-260 lbs. Long arms are needed to disengage from NFL offensive tackles in the run game and also used in pass rush. They must be very fast as to be able to beat a Tackle to the corner in pass rush but also strong and athletic enough to utilize bull rush moves when needed. This player is also responsible for outside contain in the run game. Again, these players are commonly referred to as "hybrid" players as they are normally converted to OLB from a college defensive end
Cornerbacks (CB)
A CB in this defense has many different responsibilities from a traditional Tampa 2 CB. This player needs to be very fast with good ball skills as he plays alot of man coverage due to the schemes employed, dependant on what the front 7 does. Certain packages will also ask this player to play a variety of zones. The CB also be must tough enough to help support the outside run game. Normally, due to defensive formations, these players will line up on the WR with a 5 to 7 yard cushion as to not get beat off the line scrimmage and surrender a deep pass play due to the extra safety playing in the box on run support.
Safety (S)
Like a S in any defense, they must be able to play centerfield to be successful. Due to the versatility of the defense, its common to only have one deep safety in the pass game, which is why referring back the CB's will line up with a cushion b/c there isnt alot of help there. These players make all the secondary calls and must be strong in second level run support.
Coverages
as defined by Wikipedia
Quote:Cover Zero - Strict man-to-man coverage with no help from safeties (usually a blitz play with at least five men crossing the line of scrimmage)
Cover One - Man-to-man coverage with at least one safety not assigned a player to cover who can help out on deep pass routes.
Cover Two - Zone coverage with the safeties playing deep and covering half the field each.
Cover Three - Zone coverage as above, but with extra help from a cornerback, so that each player covers one-third of a deep zone.
Cover Four - As above, with the corners and safeties dropping into deep coverage, with each taking one-fourth of the width of the field. Also referred to as Quarters.
The effectiveness of a defense against short passes and the run generally drops as it goes from Cover Zero to Cover Four, while their effectiveness against deep passes increases
These are basic secondary coverages that can be utilized by just about any defensive formation.
What makes the 3-4 defense so unique is that if the proper players man the defense, the extra LB allows more versatility in coverage. An extra athletic player in the lineup can be used to confuse QB's of where his coverage responsibilities will lie. For instance, in a 43 defense zone, its pretty common for the MLB to man the zone in the middle of the field. But in a 34 defense, either one of the ILB's could play middle zone, or for instance, a blitz could come off the edge and the extra LB could run to cover the blitzers area after the snap.
Its also common for this defense to utilize bracket coverage. There are two types:
1. short/deep...where one player will attempt to take away any underneath patterns without fear of getting beat deep because he will have help. EX. When you see a LB lined up on a WR, he isnt playing him man to man, he's merely attempting to take away slant and curl patterns with help over top
2. inside/out...this coverage is when one player attempts to take away out patterns and sideline patterns while another player attempts to take away underneath inside patterns. EX. A CB on a slot WR will line up with outsided technique (outside shoulder of WR) only allowing him to release inside where a LB is waiting to take away slant patterns
bracket coverages are prevalent in this defense due to an extra athlete on the field. Eight (4 LB's/4 secondary) versus losing the extra LB in a 4 man front.
Blitz Package
The 34 is similar to a 4-3 defense in that most often 4 players are rushing the QB. In the 43 its recognized where the pass rush is coming from by the 4 down lineman. In a 34, at least one of the LB's will blitz each play, not allowing the pass protection and Quarterback to know where its coming from until the ball is snapped. Some scenarios could be:
1. OLB's blitz as normal man on man with an offensive tackle
2. ILB will blitz in unison with a stunting DL/NT hoping a gap opens
or zone blitz packages
1. A LB or S could blitz the middle of the line while a DE could drop into the short zone once occupied by the blitzer.
2. A CB lined up on the slot WR could blitz while either an OLB or ILB would run after the snap to cover his vactaed zone or man
The versatility and possibilities are endless in play calling which commonly forces a tougher transition from college to pros when entering this defense. When used correctly, it is suffocating and creates a ton of confusion for opposing QB's.
The 34 defense has been used in the NFL for decades. Wikipedia reports that at least one team that played in every superbowl from 1980 to 1993 ran some version of a base 34 defense. Currently, 4 superbowls have been won this decade alone by teams using this defense as a base set with the New England Patriots winning 3 and the Pittsburgh Steelers winning 1. Its creation stems from Superbowl IV where KC Chiefs head coach Hank Stram had a man named Curly Culp playing on his defensive line. Culp was immensely strong and couldnt be blocked by just one man. Stram moved him over center to tie up all pro Vikings center Mick Tinglehoff and additional guard support not allowing those offensive lineman to get outside and lead the stellar Viking perimeter rush attack. Conversely, it freed up the likes of all pros Buck Buchanan, Willie Lanier, and Bobby Bell to attack the Viking rush offense. It further evolved when Culp moved onto the Houston Oilers and coach Bum Phillips employed the defense full time as a coordinator under coach Sid Gillman. To this day acquiring Culp is considered one of the best trades in Oiler history. [Enter JayTrajic-the man knows Oiler football]
A total of seven teams ran a traditional 34 base set as the primary defense in 2006. Some benefits of this base include include the fact that its cheaper to maintain as in todays NFL down defensive lineman are at much more of a premium with regards to getting paid and demand much higher salaries. A rush LB in a 34 set is whats commonly referred to as a "hybrid" player converting from DE to OLB and normally the switch takes time for player development. Linebacker salaries have not equaled those of traditional 43 pass rushers as a whole and alot more teams are competing for the services of these down lineman. Another added benefit is the versatility the set allows. Four athletic linebackers on the field as opposed to 3 allow a defense to become much more creative with its blitz and coverage packages. One unfortunate downfall is these "hybrid" LB's are not easily found and are an essential for the defense to work.
The formation consists of 3 down lineman, including one nose tackle and 2 defensive ends. Four LB's surrounding the line of scrimmage, 2 safeties, and 2 cornerbacks.
Defensive Line
There are 2 basic schemes surrounding DL in a 34 set. One gap, and 2 gap. A 1 gap player has responsibility of just that. His job is to man one gap in the run game whether it be "A" gap (between OC and OG), "B" gap (between OG and OT) or "C" gap (between OT and TE)c and not give any ground. The technique these 1 gap tackles use is to explosively burst upfield with at quick first step as trying get into the backfield to create problems for play development. This was the current technique Wade Phillips employed for the SD Chargers last year. With the way the current NFL is played, this style of play has become much more prevalent.
A 2 gap DL has much different responsibilities. His job is to explode into offenseive lineman occupying more than one blocker at a time allowing the linebackers to run free and make tackles. His responsibility is to man the gap on either side of him.
Nose Tackle (NT)
The nose tackle in a 34 base set has several different responsibilities than a tradition 43 DT. His ideal frame is short, compact, and stout with exceptional strength. As opposed to a 43 Tackle, he doesnt need to be taller with long arms to put an arm up in passing lanes on throwing downs because pass rush isnt his first responsibility In the run game his job first and foremost, is to occupy the Center with enough leverage that a guard must help block him. He can never allow the post snap line of scrimmage to be pushed back. Normally in pass rush, his main goal is to push the Center back into the pocket far enough as to not allow the QB to step up in the pocket avoiding the outside rush. A good Nose Tackle who does his job well is essential for this defense to be successful.
Defensive Ends (DE)
They are also first and foremost run stoppers. Their ideal frame is tall and athletic in the 290 lb range and good strength. Taller players are preferred for this position as they usually have long arms to disengage from blockers in the run game. Usually lined up in an elongated 3 point stance, they also must explode into the OT hard enough that he cant be blocked by a single tackle or guard. If this player occupies both blockers, he successfully completed his job allowing the linebackers to run free. He is also responsible for manning the gap on either side of him in the run game and collapse the pocket in the pass game not allowing the QB to step.
Inside Linbackers (ILB)
As illustrated above, they are usually lined up in what commonly referred to as a "bubble". Heads up over an uncovered offensive guard. These 2 players are commonly referred to as "dog" and "mack" as to separate with nomenclature to recognize responsibilities in the play call. The players need to be very athletic and sure tacklers as they are the playmakers in the run game and responsible for the majority of the tackles and pursuit. The strong side ILB, or "dog", must have an attacking style of play to come up and meet a ball carrier at the line of scrimmage and be fast enough to string him out to the sideline. Though his first priority would be to stand the blocking back up in the hole yet plugging another running lane.The weak side ILB, or "mack", is responsible for backside pursuit and must be disciplined enough not to overrun a play which could result in a big gain. Both players also must be able to blitz the QB and be able to drop into short zone depending on the defense called.
Outside Linebackers (OLB)
An OLB in this defense is the simply stated, the pass rusher. He is lined up outside of the DE as a 5/7 technique (outside shoulder of either OT or TE). He is the guy who chases down the QB. His ideal frame is tall in the 6'4" range and normally anwhere from 240-260 lbs. Long arms are needed to disengage from NFL offensive tackles in the run game and also used in pass rush. They must be very fast as to be able to beat a Tackle to the corner in pass rush but also strong and athletic enough to utilize bull rush moves when needed. This player is also responsible for outside contain in the run game. Again, these players are commonly referred to as "hybrid" players as they are normally converted to OLB from a college defensive end
Cornerbacks (CB)
A CB in this defense has many different responsibilities from a traditional Tampa 2 CB. This player needs to be very fast with good ball skills as he plays alot of man coverage due to the schemes employed, dependant on what the front 7 does. Certain packages will also ask this player to play a variety of zones. The CB also be must tough enough to help support the outside run game. Normally, due to defensive formations, these players will line up on the WR with a 5 to 7 yard cushion as to not get beat off the line scrimmage and surrender a deep pass play due to the extra safety playing in the box on run support.
Safety (S)
Like a S in any defense, they must be able to play centerfield to be successful. Due to the versatility of the defense, its common to only have one deep safety in the pass game, which is why referring back the CB's will line up with a cushion b/c there isnt alot of help there. These players make all the secondary calls and must be strong in second level run support.
Coverages
as defined by Wikipedia
Quote:Cover Zero - Strict man-to-man coverage with no help from safeties (usually a blitz play with at least five men crossing the line of scrimmage)
Cover One - Man-to-man coverage with at least one safety not assigned a player to cover who can help out on deep pass routes.
Cover Two - Zone coverage with the safeties playing deep and covering half the field each.
Cover Three - Zone coverage as above, but with extra help from a cornerback, so that each player covers one-third of a deep zone.
Cover Four - As above, with the corners and safeties dropping into deep coverage, with each taking one-fourth of the width of the field. Also referred to as Quarters.
The effectiveness of a defense against short passes and the run generally drops as it goes from Cover Zero to Cover Four, while their effectiveness against deep passes increases
These are basic secondary coverages that can be utilized by just about any defensive formation.
What makes the 3-4 defense so unique is that if the proper players man the defense, the extra LB allows more versatility in coverage. An extra athletic player in the lineup can be used to confuse QB's of where his coverage responsibilities will lie. For instance, in a 43 defense zone, its pretty common for the MLB to man the zone in the middle of the field. But in a 34 defense, either one of the ILB's could play middle zone, or for instance, a blitz could come off the edge and the extra LB could run to cover the blitzers area after the snap.
Its also common for this defense to utilize bracket coverage. There are two types:
1. short/deep...where one player will attempt to take away any underneath patterns without fear of getting beat deep because he will have help. EX. When you see a LB lined up on a WR, he isnt playing him man to man, he's merely attempting to take away slant and curl patterns with help over top
2. inside/out...this coverage is when one player attempts to take away out patterns and sideline patterns while another player attempts to take away underneath inside patterns. EX. A CB on a slot WR will line up with outsided technique (outside shoulder of WR) only allowing him to release inside where a LB is waiting to take away slant patterns
bracket coverages are prevalent in this defense due to an extra athlete on the field. Eight (4 LB's/4 secondary) versus losing the extra LB in a 4 man front.
Blitz Package
The 34 is similar to a 4-3 defense in that most often 4 players are rushing the QB. In the 43 its recognized where the pass rush is coming from by the 4 down lineman. In a 34, at least one of the LB's will blitz each play, not allowing the pass protection and Quarterback to know where its coming from until the ball is snapped. Some scenarios could be:
1. OLB's blitz as normal man on man with an offensive tackle
2. ILB will blitz in unison with a stunting DL/NT hoping a gap opens
or zone blitz packages
1. A LB or S could blitz the middle of the line while a DE could drop into the short zone once occupied by the blitzer.
2. A CB lined up on the slot WR could blitz while either an OLB or ILB would run after the snap to cover his vactaed zone or man
The versatility and possibilities are endless in play calling which commonly forces a tougher transition from college to pros when entering this defense. When used correctly, it is suffocating and creates a ton of confusion for opposing QB's.
