What about the 3-4? Lessons from Miami
While the offensive line was probably the biggest let down in Week 1, the defensive line should not be exempt from criticism.
They generated next to no pressure and in-fact, Chandler Jones (arguably the most talented pass rusher on the roster), was ranked dead last among 3-4 defensive ends according to Pro Football Focus. Jones is in-fact the ideal case in point for the 4-3 vs 3-4 debate, as he was a productive rusher in the 4-3 system used predominantly throughout his first two NFL seasons. However with the Patriots current personnel, the 3-4 (if the linebackers could pick up some of Jones’ run stopping shortfalls) could be dangerous.
As it happens, Knowshon Moreno and the Dolphins’ big day on the ground came largely at the hands of the 3-4 formation. This is largely due to the ease that the Miami offensive line had in manhandling the defensive line of the Patriots.
While Wilfork is a capable run stopper, it is the gaps around him that are most important. Siliga may have been hampered by his ability to wrestle with opponents as a result of his hand injury, and Jones simply does not have the size to fill run gaps in a 3-4, and as many had speculated prior to the game, he may be better suited to an outside linebacker role in this system. With his athleticism and speed, he may be able to perform a similar job to fellow 2012 draftee Dont’a Hightower. In this game however, Moreno in particular was able to skip into large B-gaps with ease simply because Jones did not have the size or strength to shift inside.
Although some of the challenges that the Patriots struggled to face against the Dolphins were likely borne out of inexperience with this system, some can be accredited to misuse of personnel. At this point it is clear that Chandler Jones is a pure edge-rusher who wants to get to the quarterback, and he may be uncomfortable in scenarios where he may have to drop back to defend the run. In addition, it is unclear whether the Patriots will be able to put together a front-line combination that can prevent a break to the second level in the first place, but also stop the linebackers from being tied up at the line of scrimmage when hunting down the quarterback against the better O-lines in the league.
The 4-3 system used in the last few seasons by Bill Belichick has been strong, even without key run-stoppers like Wilfork and Mayo last year. Although the depth at linebacker is questionable to say the least, the Patriots should continue to utilise personnel to their strengths. 4-3 would be the preferred system to do this, with Ninkovich and Hightower swapping at left-end and LOLB, Jones at right-end, and a combination of Wilfork & [enter here] inside. However, it is far from time to flick the panic switch, and I am sure that the 3-4 will be seen again this week against the Vikings in some capacity.
Photo by AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
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