3-4 vs 4-3: Differences and Explanations of Positions

3-4 vs 4-3: Differences and Explanations of Positions

ROCKnROLLA is back yet again to explain the different looks of the 3-4 and 4-3 defenses, as well as how each defense should be played.

The 4-3 Defense

The 4-3 has 4 defensive line men and 3 linebackers, 2 big boy defensive tackles and 2 defensive ends. Their job is to try and get as much pressure on the Quarter Back as possible, especially if the linebackers don’t
blitz.

Defensive Ends

DE’s play from a 3 point stance so must always have 1 hand on the ground. Apposing teams normally rush the TE’s side known as “The Strong side so the LDE [Left Defensive End] known as the “Base End”, needs to be Strong and solid against the rush.

The RDE [Right Defensive End] should be the faster of the 2 DE’s and normally the Better of the 2 players, He is referred to as the “Rush End” he can create enormous pressure from the “Weak side” using his speed.

Linebackers

ROLB is also known as the WLB “Weak side Linebacker.” This player must be versatile, he has freedom to follow the ball and has a lot of space to cover, so must have a good range of skills.

MLB is known as the MLB “Middle Linebacker.” This guy plays in the middle of the field, his job is to cover the run and also watch what the QB is doing, they are the most skilled players out of all linebackers.

LOLB is also known as the SLB “Strong side Linebacker.” He lines up against the TE, often covering the TE and providing the LE with support if the apposing team decides to run the ball.

LOLB-SLB, are normally the biggest out of all Linebackers.

The 3-4 Defense

The 3-4 will have 3 defensive lineman 2 DE’s and 1 DT, normally their main job is to protect their LB’s [Linebackers] from the run.
All 3 defensive linemen have 2 gaps to fill and watch for the run.

LE has to watch the gaps between TE and RT, RT and RG.

DT also know as the “Nose Tackle” will cover the gaps between RG and C, C and LG.

RE watches the gap between LG and LT and will also cover the “weak side.”

OLB’s [offensive linebackers] are the main pass rush threat for the defense, and on almost every play you will get at least 1 OLB rushing the QB.

OLB must be good in coverage and have very good pass rush skills. They need to apply pressure against the pass if they don’t then the defense will have no pressure against the pass.

DT/NT [defensive tackle/nose tackle] is probably the hardest position to play on defense. He needs to be durable have good stamina, physical and mental toughness, and probably most important, size. Not only is he going to be double and triple teamed, he needs to watch his gaps for the run, so he needs to hold his own in a lot of areas.

ILB’s [Inside Linebackers] need to be strong in run support and need to back up the DL who need to cover 5 guys in the offensive line. So they need to hold their own and shed their blockers if the Offense decide to run the ball.

Summary

There are huge differences in both defensive schemes and for me I don’t really have a favorite. I will play a certain D playbook depending out what personal my team has.

3-4 D will have to have bigger players at LB positions, bigger than 4-3 LB’s as, 3-4 LB’s need to deal with big boy offensive line players.

4-3 has the advantage of creating pressure from the line, freeing up the LB’s in other areas.

3-4 has the advantage of the fact that the apposing OL do not know who to block prior to the snap, as the pass rush can come from any area.

For me, it is harder to read a 3-4 than it is a 4-3, I am not saying 3-4 is better there is just more movement and more players to deal with behind the line if scrimmage, but I would normally expect to be blitzed a lot by people who use 3-4 so I will keep banging the ball through the middle with the run and then use play action to abuse the middle behind the line, there is almost always big holes in the middle, and then that would leave me to deal with their secondary. Do not be scared when dealing with 3-4 players, and never force the pass.

Cheers guys,

ROCKnROLLA