Switching to a 3-4: Is it the right move?

[EverybodyHatesCutler]

My latest piece, comparing and contrasting the similarities of both Fangio & Fox's defensive units.

As always, thanks for reading.

New Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has spent 26 years in the NFL as a coach, 14 as a defensive coordinator. During that time, Fangio has successfully run both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts.

His former head coach, Jim Harbaugh, said it best: “I think he’s one of the all-time best defensive coordinators in the history of the league. I think that’s who he is. I think that’s what his legacy will be someday.”

Read the rest here: http://chi.scout.com/story/1506580-switching-to-a-3-4-is-it-the-right-move?s=25

 

[Jack Lame]

I don't understand why so many people are so worried about "soiling the sanctity" of the Bears defense. It's been dog shit the past two years. Like ripping a bandaid off, why not just do it right away?

 

[Alterego]

as long as Fangio can use the players to their abilities i'm happy with either. we've been playing against their strengths for a few years now

 

[Ali-Frazier]

Whatever will force turnovers & stop the other team from scoring points.

 

[Jester]

as long as Fangio can use the players to their abilities i'm happy with either. we've been playing against their strengths for a few years now

Well that's the whole debate, there are no players here for a 3-4. But our players suck for a 4-3 or any other defense. So, now is as good a time as any to change it up.

 

[fatbeard]

Well that's the whole debate, there are no players here for a 3-4.

That is objectively false.

 

[Escobar's Army]

If the move is going to be made, this is the best time we have to make the change.

 

[Midway Fields]

That is objectively false.

Sheamus agrees.

 

[fatbeard]

Sheamus agrees.

More like Jeremiah Ratliff and his four Pro Bowls agrees.

 

[TezMaKai]

Pace and Fox have both been on record saying that they will put their defense in the best POSITION, regardless of scheme. I'm sure Vic Fangio would echo those same sentiments. That's what real coaches do; utilize the talent that they have in the best way possible. 34 or 43 has likely not been determined yet. It will ultimately come down to what players we have on our roster after free agency and the draft.

 

[BearFanJohn]

What are they going to do? Get worse? Is that even possible?

 

[Smokey Robinson]

Well that's the whole debate, there are no players here for a 3-4. But our players suck for a 4-3 or any other defense. So, now is as good a time as any to change it up.

Ratliff and Houston both have experience in the 3-4. Ferguson is an ideal fit at NT. Sutton would have no problem in a one-gap 3-4 and also has experience in a two-gap. Christian Jones projects well as an ILB in a 3-4 and Bostic would also be served best at that position. Willie Young could easily play one of the OLB spots. Fuller's skill set suits more of a press man coverage scheme that a 3-4 typically incorporates.

There are pieces in place to start the transition, and between FA and the draft the switch is not nearly as much of a challenge as you would think.

 

[WindyCity]

Right or wrong it is happening.

The Bears just hired a pass rush specialist to be their OLBs coach.

 

[Teddy KGB]

Right or wrong it is happening.

The Bears just hired a pass rush specialist to be their OLBs coach.

Agreed. You can't be worried about the past draft picks of an already fired GM when history shows when a new GM comes in, all bets are off.

This IS happening.

 

[Toast88]

I, for one, am worried this great Bears defense will be bad when switched to a 3-4.

 

[Thunderfoot]

My latest piece, comparing and contrasting the similarities of both Fangio & Fox's defensive units.

As always, thanks for reading.




Read the rest here: http://chi.scout.com/story/1506580-switching-to-a-3-4-is-it-the-right-move?s=25

I don't think our personnel fit a 3-4 defense, and I'd hate to see our draft wasted on making it one....imo. We need O-line and cornerbacks.

 

[Jack Lame]

Right or wrong it is happening.

The Bears just hired a pass rush specialist to be their OLBs coach.

It's the right move. You had the worst fucking defense in the NFL the past 2 seasons. Fangio could probably field a 3-4 defense of replacement players and manage to rank 23rd-25th in the league. Stalling the rebuilding of the defense stalls the rebuild of the entire team.

 

[Jack Lame]

I don't think our personnel fit a 3-4 defense, and I'd hate to see our draft wasted on making it one....imo. We need O-line and cornerbacks.

Funny, I don't think our personnel fit's a 4-3 defense either, not with that shit show we had to watch the past 2 years.

 

[Teddy KGB]

To be honest, based on the Twitter debate I had with EHC, a lot of what he had been saying seemed like either wishful thinking on remaining a 4-3, else overvaluing (in my opinion) mediocre players or players who have not had an impact, or as much of an impact as you would have liked.

He seemed particularly concerned over Sutton and Paea. I was not, and figured there isn't enough here that would be starter worthy on a contending playoff team that would warrant keeping a 4-3.

Everything is screaming a 3-4 base right now. To deny this or rail against it is to slam one's face into a brick wall, hoping the wall gives out before their head does.

 

[Rise]

You don't hire Fangio and then tell him he isn't running his system. We have to bring in new players regardless of 4-3 or 3-4. No brainer to me I want him to do what he does best as I would with any coordinator we bring in.