3-4 ...

[paytonisgod]

It's being talked about because it's a possibility. It's not like anyone here is going to make the decisions; so it's about talking about what could happen if the switch was made.

There are some posters on this board who are under the strange idea that switching to the 3-4 would be no big deal and would not ruin a great defense. I and others are trying to show them what a bad idea it would be and what a colossally bad move it would be if we hired some one who did. But by all means continue discussing it. It has about as much use as wondering if the Bears are going to change their uniform colors to hot pink and mauve.

 

[bearmick]

Peppers can play both DE and OLB in a 3-4. He almost went to some 3-4 teams in free agency with the intention of being an olb though. Lovies system is what liked him inside, most coaches would prefer to get bigger and have him stand up. Scary.

We have McClellin and Peppers at OLB already, and Melton if resigned plus Paea as 3-tech DT/ 3-4 DE tweeners who should be given a shot.

That means we basically need a nose tackle and a middle linebacker, although I think Briggs/Urlacher would be a good ILB duo next year, and worth trying. They would be allowed to blitz more.

So...essentially we need a nose tackle and linebacker depth because our secondary is old enough to adjust to anything. I don't think it would be hard to switch at all.

Peppers would play DE in a 3-4, not OLB.

 

[bearmick]

3-4 wouldn't work here. We have two maybe three players that would work in it

We have 9 starters that could play it no problem. We're short only one OLB and one NT, and I'm not so sure that Paea couldn't play nose.

 

[Run the ball]

We have 9 starters that could play it no problem. We're short only one OLB and one NT, and I'm not so sure that Paea couldn't play nose.

I agree, the players are somewhat there already for a transition. It's not such a crazy idea, IMO.

 

[Broc]

Peppers would play DE in a 3-4, not OLB.

Yeah and it would be completely wasting his skillset. Again, dumb move.

 

[Les Grossman]

Paying for Melton to be a 3-4 DE would be a huge waste of money too.

3-4 DEs are using bigger space eating type players.

 

[Run the ball]

Paying for Melton to be a 3-4 DE would be a huge waste of money too.

3-4 DEs are using bigger space eating type players.

Yep, and that's why they wouldn't re-sign him if they'd do such a change.

 

[bearmick]

Emery made his name as a scout. I simply refuse to believe that a top level talent evaluator would draft Shea McLellin to play as a down lineman.

He's either Urlacher's replacement (more likely since Urlacher hates the Bears and doesn't want to play here anymore), or Emery has ideas about switching to a 3-4.

 

[Broc]

Emery made his name as a scout. I simply refuse to believe that a top level talent evaluator would draft Shea McLellin to play as a down lineman.

He's either Urlacher's replacement (more likely since Urlacher hates the Bears and doesn't want to play here anymore), or Emery has ideas about switching to a 3-4.

And I simply refuse to believe Emery would be dumb enough to blow up a defense that was clearly the strength of the team and was playing at a higher level than the '85 Bears before the injuries started to pile up and make more work for himself when his #1 priority is completely rebuilding the OL up to NFL standards.

 

[Run the ball]

The defense never played at an 85 level Broc. It was a strength yes, but not even close to that good.

 

[bearmick]

And I simply refuse to believe Emery would be dumb enough to blow up a defense that was clearly the strength of the team and was playing at a higher level than the '85 Bears before the injuries started to pile up and make more work for himself when his #1 priority is completely rebuilding the OL up to NFL standards.

The OL wasn't bad in the last few weeks, and has not been nearly as bad as exaggerating Cutler fanboys would have us believe.

Emery's job is the whole team, not just putting a wall of invincibility around an average QB so he can have a little more time to miss receivers.

 

[Les Grossman]

If you don't think the OL deserves the most attention on this team, then you are high right now.

 

[Capt. Serious]

And I simply refuse to believe Emery would be dumb enough to blow up a defense that was clearly the strength of the team and was playing at a higher level than the '85 Bears before the injuries started to pile up and make more work for himself when his #1 priority is completely rebuilding the OL up to NFL standards.

They don't belong in the same breath as the 85 defense.

Stop being ridiculous.

 

[KittiesKorner]

If you don't think the OL deserves the most attention on this team, then you are high right now.

esp with such a strong OL draft class coming up. We need a Finks/Vainisi style draft

 

[bearmick]

If you don't think the OL deserves the most attention on this team, then you are high right now.

It needs attention. Many areas do. We need more talent at OL, a better TE, help at LB and safety, and eventually a better QB.

 

[Warrior Spirit]

You would need a different type of linemen and linebackers to run the 3-4 and it's a whole different strategy and scheme than what the Bears have been doing. It's not something you just switch over to on a whim. McClellin's presence alone is not indicative that the Bears are ready to make that switch. If you're going to do it right, you need all the right players to make it work, not just one.

 

[malcore]

It needs attention. Many areas do. We need more talent at OL, a better TE, help at LB and safety, and eventually a better QB.

I'll agree with that, but if we draft another safety with our 5 picks...

 

[Catch22]

if they did switch to a 3-4, I think Idonije could actually be a good fit at DE.

 

[malcore]

You would need a different type of linemen and linebackers to run the 3-4 and it's a whole different strategy and scheme than what the Bears have been doing. It's not something you just switch over to on a whim. McClellin's presence alone is not indicative that the Bears are ready to make that switch. If you're going to do it right, you need all the right players to make it work, not just one.

True, but what team had all the right players at the time of making the switch?

 

[bearmick]

You would need a different type of linemen and linebackers to run the 3-4 and it's a whole different strategy and scheme than what the Bears have been doing. It's not something you just switch over to on a whim. McClellin's presence alone is not indicative that the Bears are ready to make that switch. If you're going to do it right, you need all the right players to make it work, not just one.

The Ravens did it overnight without too much trouble. Indy too. These defensive rosters adapted; they weren't cleaning house.

Peppers, Izzy, Melton would make a fine DE rotation in a 3-4, and Paea could probably play nose if he bulked up just a little. He's strong enough.

The inside 'backers wouldn't be a problem, you'd just need another good OLB.