Explaining the Jargon: NFL Defenses, 3-4 Versus 4-3

How did we all enjoy the NFL Draft? Pretty entertaining right? As per usual, hardly anyone got any first round picks right. I’m no exception, that’s for sure. It didn’t hit me until after the draft ended entirely when fans of different teams all attempted to say how good or bad their drafts were, that I realized one major issue: the average fan has no idea what their team needs.

And truly, it isn’t their fault! We hear analysts throw out terms like “scheme fit” and “defensive front”, but they never care to explain.

We are the best fans in the game! We deserve to know the basics, no matter what level fan we are…

What I call the “average, everyday fan” is someone who roots for a team, let’s say the Dolphins as an example. You watch them on Sundays during the regular season, and read about who you end up drafting once it’s done. In order to see your team needs, you look at ESPN and NFL Network at the bottom line where it scrolls through team by team filled with team needs.

But, how does that relate to YOU, the fan, if you don’t know how the basic defense works?

To help fill the void that major media outlets leave, I’m here to help you through this conundrum! Once I realized through talking to football fans that they didn’t actually understand what they were trying to explain, it hit me that I need to do something about this!

So, let’s explain the jargon!

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Okay, you might be asking yourself, “why read more?”.

Well, valid question.

That’s up to you at this point. Maybe as an advanced fan, you’ll learn something too. It’s the off-season! No better time to learn…

Today we start with a 4-3 defense vs. a 3-4 defense.

Throughout the draft process I know you’ve seen tons of mock drafts, and some of you may wonder why certain players belong on certain teams. Well, there are some players better suited for different styles of offense and defense. I’m going to start with basics and get more advanced as we go along. I would warn you that there will be jargon here, but the whole point is to explain it! So take it down a notch, my friends.

First off, in both defenses these numbers will add up to the number seven, which tells the defense how many men will be in the “box”. This box is basically made up of the defensive lineman and linebackers. In a 4-3, that means there are four defensive linemen and three linebackers. In a 3-4 there are three defensive lineman and four linebackers. That’s the basics right there.

Now when analysts determine who fits what position best, there are many things to look for. If we start in the middle, we have the defensive tackle.

In a 4-3, the defensive tackle is typically faster with pass rush potential. He is still rather large, roughly around 300 pounds and around 6’2″ or taller, but with slightly higher athleticism. An example of this prototype would be Ndamukong Suh of the Miami Dolphins.

In a 3-4 front, the defensive tackle is a mammoth. He is (hopefully) a wide human being in the range of 340+ pounds who will absolutely take up double teams on every snap, plugging up the line of scrimmage. Vince Wilfork is the best example of a true nose tackle in a 3-4.

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The biggest difference lies with the defensive ends.

In a 4-3, the DEs are in a three or four point stance, lined up on the defensive line as defensive ends. An example of a player in this position would be Jason Pierre-Paul of the Giants. They are truly fit to rush the passer, but must be viable run-stoppers, as well.

A 3-4 is a bit different. The defensive end is not really a pass rusher, or just a run stopper. They are a combination of the two. Think JJ Watt when you think of a 3-4 defensive end. Nearly the size of a 4-3 defensive tackle but more mobile.

Isn’t JJ Watt just a beast?! Seriously, I would have voted for him as MVP this past year if I could. Off topic, I know… Still, it’s J.J. Watt!

So, the “pass rush specialists“… Who are they?

In a 3-4 defense, the outside linebackers are the pass rushers. Think Justin Houston as an example. He is an outside linebacker for the Chiefs who just had 22 sacks last season. He still has linebacker responsibilities which include stopping the run as priority number one, but typically on any given play one of the outside linebackers will be called to blitz on the outside edge. That’s why in this last draft many players were being referred to as “edge rushers”.

Not too difficult, right? And you thought you’d get lost…

We’ve gotten through the hard part. Now comes the rather simple part that teams tend to over-think — linebackers.

In either system there are middle linebackers. In a 4-3 defense, the inside linebacker is typically a big thumper. That means a hard hitting, big muscular linebacker who will rip anyone that gets through the line of scrimmage apart. Because he is the only one in the middle, he has a lot more responsibility. In a 3-4, there are two inside linebackers and one typically fits that same description just mentioned. The other can be the athletic, rangy backer.

That brings us to the 4-3 outside linebackers. They are tasked with being able to drop into coverage regularly even though priority number one is still stopping the run. They are a little more athletic in terms of footwork and covering space in pass plays. This same type of outside linebacker fits the bill of the second inside linebacker in a 3-4. Versatile guys!

A Quick Review

So the Draft is done — where did these players fit in based on our descriptions here?

Let me first point one thing out at this time: there is much more detail I could go into about all these positions, so before you blast me in the comments below, just know this is a piece about the basics of a couple basic formations. This is meant to give a general idea for some who may not fully understand the workings of every position.

Now, let’s look at the top picks in the draft and which made sense. I’m not going to touch Jacksonville here because they run a complicated version of a 4-3 defense. Dante Fowler fit to a certain extent, but we’ll go into more detail another time.

• Let’s look at the Steelers first round pick Bud Dupree. He has the size to play either a 4-3 defensive end of a 3-4 outside linebacker, and it was the latter that he was picked for. He was one of the few who would have fit well in either system.
• Shane Ray was one of the top pass rushers in this class, and at only 245 pounds he wasn’t going to fit well lining up as a 4-3 defensive end. That’s why the Broncos took a shot on him — to be a standup outside edge rusher in the 3-4.
• Danny Shelton was seen as one of the best defensive tackles, but only as a nose tackle based on his massive size. He specifically could have gone in a 4-3 due to his great athleticism but normally someone his size would be limited to a 3-4 DT.
• Stephone Anthony from Clemson went first round as an inside linebacker because he can be both the thumper and the rangy outside linebacker. In the Saints 3-4 defense he will be playing the weakside inside linebacker, covering the side of the pass rusher.
• Arik Armstead brings the stereotypical size to the 3-4 defensive end position. Taller than average and just shy of 300 pounds, he is very athletic for the position in general.

The Wrap

While many people think the 3-4 is better for pass rushing, the record holder for sacks in a season is Michael Strahan who played in a 4-3 with the Giants. Every team is different, and every team will put their own spin on things.

Remember: this is simply the basics! With any luck, you’ll know what’s going on in the fall when you’re watching your favorite teams.

You can be the guy at the local bar who everyone goes to with their questions about football.

Some of you may already be that guy, and are simply trying to find flaws in my simplicity here. (You know who you are, Angry Commenter.)

Either way, you tell me which defense you prefer and why in the comments underneath!

The NFL Mocks crew and myself are going to be getting ready all summer long, so keep an eye out for all the exciting things on the way!