Quote:
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho
It's an interesting read, for sure.
It's one of those things I'm not sure would work at higher levels. Kind of like the triple option.
It sounds like you're playing with 4 LBs on the field all the time. Basically a modified 34 D.
The answers the highest levels have found against 34s would work here, too.
Power/Zone/Gap blocking schemes. Moving pockets. Etc.
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It's possible this scheme brings the innovation the 3-4 originally did under Lebeau and Cowher and Capers. You never knew who was in coverage and who was blitzing. Then, like you said, the league adjusted (other than Manning who always sucked vs. the 3-4) and it wasn't a magic pill.
As the 3-4 was starting to get figured out the Hoodie was bringing in the next big innovation of scheme flexibility. He seemed to prefer whatever scheme worked best in the moment above some 43, 34, Nickel based approach. He'd use all three and more in a month if that's what was best to stop an opponent. He cared more about whatever stopped you than some brand loyalty to scheme and then being locked in.
After that it became not how many rushers you had but how many guys you could have in coverage. How well could your LB's and safetys cover? How effective could you be with fewer pass rushers and more guys in coverage? The nickel became a thing you used more than your "base" defense.
We're at that time where something new is coming. How can you slow Mahomes? How do you prevent him from methodically marching down the field the way running games use to? Is it this? Might be. Either way something is coming...