Linebacker in the 3-4 vs. 4-3

[bdiddy]

Which scheme has bigger linebackers? Does the 4-3 emphasis more speed at the linebacker position?

 

[travfrancis]

yes, there is a bigger emphasis on speed for sure in the 4-3

 

[Scott747]

It depends a bit on what route you go with the ends. If they were to trend with more of linebacker type on the ends, then you may be able to be a little less generous with respect to the speed. Of course if you go with a true four down lineman setup, then the backers need to be extremely fast.

 

[BradK10]

yes, there is a bigger emphasis on speed for sure in the 4-3

somewhat. in the 3-4, everyone thinks your OLBs have to be super quick. not necessarily true, because when pass rushing they will go up against bigger OTs

in the 3-4, the 3 DL are supposed to keep the G-C-G from getting to the 2nd level, allowing quicker MLBs to run side to side and make plays. in the 4-3 the DL have more importance (read: playmaking responsibilities) and thus will penetrate and shoot gaps more, meaning your LBs better be able to take on blocks, meaning they better be stronger.

 

[Apoch]

somewhat. in the 3-4, everyone thinks your OLBs have to be super quick. not necessarily true, because when pass rushing they will go up against bigger OTs

in the 3-4, the 3 DL are supposed to keep the G-C-G from getting to the 2nd level, allowing quicker MLBs to run side to side and make plays. in the 4-3 the DL have more importance (read: playmaking responsibilities) and thus will penetrate and shoot gaps more, meaning your LBs better be able to take on blocks, meaning they better be stronger.

That isn't always true. It really depends on the system you run. Teams like Denver have their 4 lineman play gap control and cover as many lanes as possible. The LBs are all extremely fast, and only the SLB really has to take on blockers.

 

[SnakeOilTanker]

Yeah you can't really make one blanket judgment on it.

But for example Kevin Greene was always and OLB in the 3-4 and a DE in the 4-3.

What in mainly comes down to is "can you play or not?"

 

[Apoch]

Yeah you can't really make one blanket judgment on it.

But for example Kevin Greene was always and OLB in the 3-4 and a DE in the 4-3.

What in mainly comes down to is "can you play or not?"

Well, no matter how you decide to run it, the one thing that is true is that you have to have a dominating presence at NT if you want to succeed in a 3-4. If we want to keep with the 3-4, a guy like Gabe Watson (2nd round) would be an great pickup. Seth Payne just doesn't cut it.