nfl base defenses

[PokerFink]

Corrections from the OP are in bold.

4-3 DEFENSES: Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals, Packers, Eagles, Giants, Redskins, Raiders, Broncos, Dolphins, Bengals, Texans, Jaguars, Titans

3-4 DEFENSES: Niners, Cowboys, Panthers, Falcons, Saints, Chargers, Patriots, Jets*, Ravens, Browns, Steelers

TAMPA 2 DEFENSES: Bucs, Vikings, Lions, Bears, Chiefs, Bills, Colts

*The Jets switched to a 3-4 a couple years ago, but their personnel is terrible for 3-4, so now they want to switch back, but they're sort of caught in between and play both. In other words, their defense sucks.

[prohornblower]

Someone explain to me the "46 defense"

[johnnylovescandy]

that's where safety #46 on defense is cut loose to roam the defensive line and hoot, holler, scream, growl, meow, or whatever to convince O-Line he's rushing QB like a madman from outside of the line. This frees the DE to rush the QB unimpeded. Think Buddy Ryan perfected this technique with Chicago Bears.

[CharlieDontSurf]

Cardinals play a 3-4

[PokerFink]

[ QUOTE ]
Cardinals play a 3-4

[/ QUOTE ]

Not according to this.

I thought they played a 3-4, and was surprised when I saw their depth chart. Maybe it's wrong?

[PokerFink]

[ QUOTE ]
Someone explain to me the "46 defense"

[/ QUOTE ]

4-3 defense where a safety lines up as a linebacker. Generally also includes press coverage from the cornerbacks. Buddy Ryan made it popular.

Called "46" since his safety wore #46.

[SL__72]

Don't the Steelers run a 3-4 Tampa-2 hybrid now?

The 46 is just a variation of the 4-3 where the SS plays up, the FS plays back and both OLBs play on the same side... I don't think anyone really uses it anymore but I could be wrong.

/edit oops, see noodle's post.

[TheNoodleMan]

[ QUOTE ]
Someone explain to me the "46 defense"

[/ QUOTE ]

First, no one runs the 46 defense anymore. They might jump into it for a play here and there, but as a standard defense its dead in the NFL because it gets wrecked by a West Coast Offense.

Take a standard 4-3 defense and shift the D-linemen so they are overloading the weak side. Bring both outside LBs to the strong side, leave the MLB in the middle, and bring the SS into the box. Have the Corners bump hard and send a ton of people to disrupt the QB as quickly as possible, but you better get there quick because there is only 1 safety deep to help the CBs.

[SL__72]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the Cards planned on playing the 3-4 this year but changed their minds when Chike Okeafor went down.

[CharlieDontSurf]

Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com | October 12, 2007

Pasquarelli: Switch to 3-4 could propel Cards to playoffs IN New Window
If the Arizona Cardinals claim their first playoff berth since 1998, the switch to the 3-4 defense may be a big reason why, Len Pasquarelli writes in Tip Sheet notes.