Packers Switching to the 3-4

According to Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers will definitely be switching to the 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense.  In fact, this defensive change is one of the things he was looking for a his new Defensive Coordinator.

Earlier today, the Packers announced that they had hired Dom Capers as the DC.

McCarthy is a fan of the 3-4 system because of the flexibility it offers in stopping the run and the myriad of ways in which the defense can get after the quarterback.  As an offensive minded coach, he says that there are definitely targeting problems with trying to prepare for a 3-4 defense.  McCarthy said, “I know from an offensive standpoint, when you look at it, when you play the 3-4, it creates targeting problems just from your initial game-plan meeting, and it really cuts the menu of the offense probably in half of what you would normally do on a four-man front.”

I have gone on record questioning the Packers personnel and how they will be utilized in the 3-4 defense.  McCarthy is of the belief that most of the personnel needed are already there.  He cited Ryan Pickett as the nose tackle.  McCarthy also said that there would be roles for Cullen Jenkins, Aaron Kampman, AJ Hawk, Nick Barnett, and Brady Poppinga.

It remains to be seen how well these players will adjust to the new scheme.  I look forward to some exciting defensive play.

JustlittleolemeJV Squad

343 days ago

Score 3

Glad to see a new face in the defense..GO PACK GO

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Steel TownDraft Pick

343 days ago

Score 2

I don't see a team just switching to the 3-4 with immediate success. You need to have the right personel. But I guess any major change will have it's growing pains. The Pack is in good hands with Capers.

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CheezerAll-Star

343 days ago

Score 1

That is my position. McCarthy is of the belief that most of the people are already there. You should have seen the presser, he must have said exactly that 3 or 4 times.

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RawbeezeitzMajor Leaguer

343 days ago

Score 2

You need a beat of a nose tackle to run the 3-4. You also need OLBs that are more like DEs than linebackers. You need smart ILBs, and DEs that can stay at home (think the opposite of Dwight Freeney).

The Patriots defense isn't what it used to be, but back in the day there were basically 3 defensive tackles on the line, a defensive end at OLB (Willie McGinest), two veteran ILBs, and another DE/LB on the outside.

Success of a 3-4 defense is predicated on the entire front 7 doing their individual jobs. One hole and the defense will regularly allow big plays, and won't be able to consistently shut down even below average offenses.

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RawbeezeitzMajor Leaguer

343 days ago

Score 0

beast of a nose tackle^

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CheezerAll-Star

342 days ago

Score 0

Thanks Rawb. What you've said jibes with what I've read elsewhere.

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TehLokiVarsity Captain

342 days ago

Score 0

I think it might work. With AJ Hawk now not only roaming in coverage he can rush the passer, he should see a rise in his stats and playing ability. Kampman I always thought was better suited as a 3-4 end than a 4-3 one. This also plays to their CBs strengths, which is jamming receivers. Maybe not success in the first year, but you'll see improved play all around

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