[pkopwqzsdcvbn]

Change from 3-4 appears imminent
by Horace Greeley

Every move the New England Patriots have made this offseason signal one thing and one thing alone: they're going to be switching from the 3-4 defensive system.

First it was a simple move that almost no one noticed. The Patriots pried Marcus Stroud away from the Buffalo Bills and signed him to a modest 2-year deal. A 10-year veteran, Stroud has demonstrated the versatility to play on both the 3-4 and 4-3 defensive line.

Then the Patriots cut what was seemingly their only pass rushing linebacker, Tully Banta-Cain. Any defensive strategist from Dick LeBeau to Juan Castillo could tell you that the 3-4 system needs effective pass rushers.

And finally, the Patriots have worked out a deal which will bring in Albert Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins. Haynesworth is an elite talent in the NFL but has been outspoken about not wanting to play in the 3-4 system.

Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick has use primarily the 3-4 system throughout his coaching career, but he also prides himself on being one step ahead of the league. As more and more teams switch to the 3-4 defense, it's time to incorporate a different scheme to stay ahead of the curve.

[PickEmUp]

It would make all their moves make sense but could it be the pats are messing up for once? Why would Belichick switch? I dont think the 3-4 is played out yet and without a coach who is well versed in the 4-3 why change?

[Andrew1978]

Nice add of JC in there.

[pkopwqzsdcvbn]

It would make all their moves make sense but could it be the pats are messing up for once? Why would Belichick switch? I dont think the 3-4 is played out yet and without a coach who is well versed in the 4-3 why change?

Maybe he's going to switch to something that is neither the 3-4 or the 4-3. 46? Hybrid system? I don't know.

[pkopwqzsdcvbn]

Nice add of JC in there.

One of the great defensive minds of this generation.

[kiosokkn]

Maybe he's going to switch to something that is neither the 3-4 or the 4-3. 46? Hybrid system? I don't know.

That wouldn't be a switch. He's always run a hybrid system, with multiple fronts depending on the matchup and situation.

Hell, they ran 4-3 pretty much half the time last year.

[pkopwqzsdcvbn]

That wouldn't be a switch. He's always run a hybrid system, with multiple fronts depending on the matchup and situation.

Hell, they ran 4-3 pretty much half the time last year.

Well, every team pretty much runs a hybrid system. Belichick could probably put a new twist on it.

[sniskelsowwef]

Letting Banta-Cain go may have more to do with his drop in production and off-season surgery.

Signing Haynesworth may be just to replace Gerard Warren.

Horace Greeley?

[Andrew1978]

Letting Banta-Cain go may have more to do with his drop in production and off-season surgery.

Signing Haynesworth may be just to replace Gerard Warren.

Horace Greeley?

Common sense is very uncommon.

[pkopwqzsdcvbn]

Letting Banta-Cain go may have more to do with his drop in production and off-season surgery.

Signing Haynesworth may be just to replace Gerard Warren.

Horace Greeley?

He comes from a long line of writers.

[sniskelsowwef]

He comes from a long line of writers.

Impressive that he has such a grasp of the NFL.

[sniskelsowwef]

First it was a simple move that almost no one noticed. The Patriots pried Marcus Stroud away from the Buffalo Bills and signed him to a modest 2-year deal. A 10-year veteran, Stroud has demonstrated the versatility to play on both the 3-4 and 4-3 defensive line. This point is now moot.

Marcus Stroud has been cut.

[pkopwqzsdcvbn]

Chalk another one up for Mr. Horace Greeley. Looks like the Patriots will primarily be running the 4-3 this year.