Quote:I'm not all that huge on Defensive schemes simply because I've been watching football long enough to know that they can all work and they can all be run with startling ineptitude. That being said, I do feel like there is a mindset out in the football defensive universe that simply fits into the current environment better than a lot of other options: the 4-2-5.

 

This topic kinda, sorta came up in the Ezekiel Elliot thread where I sketched out how the Bradley / Babich Defensive front aligns against a typical Offense with one Tight End. Thing is, while that alignment does occur it seems to me that the Defense is a bit inflexible when it comes to lining up and "playing football" so I started digging into some of the other things available out there and I discovered the 4-2-5. Believe it or not one of the best Defenses in the NCAA, TCU who plays teams where spread is the name of the game, runs this exact scheme.

 

Chris Brown of Smart Football did a really good write up on it that I thoroughly enjoyed. The thing that I think sets the 4-2-5 apart from other schemes is that instead of using two Safeties like the 4-3, the 3-4, and even the 5-2 use, it employs three. One guy covering the "deep third" of the field and two others really playing like hybrid LB / Safety types (Think: Telvin Smith for this spot). For those that don't want to click the links, I sketched out a typical alignment below (note that I'm not 100% certain on the depths being right, but I think you get the idea):

 

---------------------R

 

-----Z--------------Q----------F

------------Y-T-G-C-G-T----------X

-------------E-T----N-----E

-------------------S----W

<strong>--------SS-------------------WS</strong>

-------C--------------------------C

----------------------F

 

So the alignment is as follows: the Ends (E) align outside of the OT in order to occupy the blocker and to be available for pass rush. If you want to get frisky, have that End who is close to 'Y' give him a chuck if he seems him release down the field. The Defensive Tackle (T) is your typical 3-Technique like Sen'Derrick Marks who is used to blow up gaps and provide interior pressure. Nose Tackle (N) is exactly that. Sam and Will (S & W) are more like typical Middle Linebackers in the 3-4. Posluszny would do well here, but not Telvin. Maybe Skuta?

 

Now here's the fun part! The Strong and Weak Safeties (SS & WS) are what's known as force players. For plays outside, they run "inside out" to force plays to the sideline, or to funnel them back inside to the hit squad consisting of S, W, and the backside Safety. Also, with the Free Safety playing over the top, he can rotate over to cover for a blitzing Safety or even a Corner. Also, you can see how you can move into a "press" coverage look if you wanted to with any of the CBs on any Receiver that you wanted and just have the S to that side drop to zone to cover for him.

 

The advantage that I think this gives the Defense is that it allows you to put two "thumper" type guys at LB (S & W) in order to assist with run stopping, and they are also available to blitz either individually or the dreaded "X" blitx through the opposite 'A' gaps. Also, if you want them to drop into coverage, they only need to cover a quarter of the interior of the field instead of a third as you do with a 4-3. And with the inside leverage shown by the coverage players, you are forcing the QB to throw the fade or the out which, theoretically, should allow F time to cover ground and either break up or even intercept the pass.

 

Do you think it could work here? Do you care?

Basically a base nickel package only with an extra safety instead of a nickel back to facilitate better tackling than a nickel back and more speed than a base 4-3 LB?

 

Like anything else, it could work if you have the personnel to run it effectively, but it could pose problems.

 

If you conclude the Jaguars are kinda running it now if you view Telvin Smith as that extra safety, then to me a primary concern is physicality to stop the run.  On an inside run, can that guy stand up to a G/C coming to the next level? I know the alignment should preclude that to a large degree or, in a worst case scenario, have the LBs take on those guards/centers.   On an outside run, can he keep contain and be strong at the point of attack against a pulling lineman or a big TE?  I think that effect is exacerbated if, instead of the 3 WR set shown above, the offense is running 2 TE.

 

That is one of the many concerns I have had about the defense this year:  vulnerability against the run.  Granted we've played the whole year with Alualu at DT, so vulnerability against the inside run is a given no matter the scheme.  But there have been times offenses have run outside at Smith, and that corner has been soft. 

 

While an undersized LB can be effective in contain if schemed to protect him (The JJ era Cowboys exemplify this to me), I think it is fraught with risk without the DL to do it.

 

Right now, without any stud DEs or DTs for opposing offenses to concern themselves with I think a scheme can have its vulnerabilities against a team with a versatile, balanced offense.

 

I think the extra safety could also be exploited in pass coverage if his cover responsibility has him against a particularly fast/shifty WR, or possibly against a big/fast TE.

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