Quote:In order to be disruptive, I pose the following question: why does the combination have to be four and two?

 

To me, the four-and-two alignment is as easy as it is predictable. The calls for the OL are an easy one since the bulk of the "danger" is on the LOS in terms of DL. But with such a seeming abundance of LB type talent, why not skew the numbers in your own favor?

 

I submit the following:

 

------------------Q---R

-Z---X

---Y---T---G---C---G---T---------------F

 

This formation should give Defensive Coordinator fits because it overloads the formation to one side and allows for running with "power". To put it another way, you can pull linemen to lead the RB down the field. However, it also allows the Offense to flood one side of the field with Receivers and requires a NickelBack to be on the field in order to cover. So why not align like so:

 

------------------Q---R


-Z---X


---Y---T---G---C---G---T---------------Fl


 ---------3l-------------3r-----5

---$---S----------M-------W----------Cr

-Cl

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

 

Where:

3l = Jackson and/or Big End

3r = Marks and/or Jackson and/ or Jones

5 = Ngakoue / Pass Rusher

$ = Strong Safety (Cyprien?)

S = Sam/ OTTO Fowler or Pozluszny or Jack

M = Poz and/or Jack

W = Smith

Cr = Ramsey

Cl = Amukamura?

F = Gipson

 

Spend a little time with this and think about all of the really cool blitzes you can come up with when you have Jackson isolated against a G and can send any combo of Jack, Fowler, or even Cyprien and Ramsey.

 

Find a way to put your best players on the field.

I don't necessarily see the abundance of LB talent. 

 

Not knocking Jack, Smith, or Fowler for that matter, but my scenario envisions the abundance in the DL position, specifically DE, and NOT at LB.

 

Assuming Fowler is best rushing the passer and not dropping into coverage like a traditional LB, it is entirely possible to have Fowler with his hand on the ground in a 4 man line and still have the best people on the field.

 

You are essentially talking a shaded 3-3-5 without a guy on the nose with a SS in the box.  Essentially, you are saying Poz and Fowler are both better than the first round drafted DE in this hypo.

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