Quote:To be absolutely clear, this was not an absolute advocacy of switching to a full time 3-4.


First, even thinking about using the 3-4 was predicated upon signing Poe. Without a potentially dominant NT, the 3-4 is doomed to failure. We don't have a potentially dominant 3-4 without Poe. Whatever advocacy I had for utilizing a 3 man line disappeared with the possibility of signing him.


Secondly, even assuming we signed Poe, I still maintain the 4-3 should be our base defense. I believe the 4-3 gives the defense more flexibility personnel wise than the 3-4. I believe by a large margin, our personnel is currently suited to a 4-3, not only due to the lack of a dominant NT, but also due to the lack of 3-4 LBs, both in terms of body and play style type, but sheer numbers. In my mind, Telvin Smith does NOT fit the traditional mode of a 3-4 ILB, which is one reason I have been against the full time switch all these years. Furthermore, all of the relevant FO and coaching personnel are 4-3 guys. TC is a 4-3 guy. Marrone ran the 4-3 in Buffalo. Wash has run the 4-3 here. Caldwell has been scouting, drafting, and stocking a 4-3 defense pre-dating his time here. I would not want to impose a full time 3-4 scheme on the coaches or players under those circumstances..


My limited advocacy for the 3-4 was not a push for a full time switch. Just for use in various situations where a hybrid scheme or formational or personnel variety might be advantageous.