A few people are starting to discuss it and far more have often wanted the Dolphins to make that change. What do you think? And do the Dolphins have enough to make the switch right now or what do they lack?
To be honest, I don't think the 3-4 vs 4-3 matters. What matters is the talent. I like the 4-3 personally because I feel the personnel is easier to acquire. However, a 3-4 with the right talent is just as good or better.
I agree. Talent makes each. It doesn't really matter which we choose. If we go 3-4 we should draft DT Dexter Lawrence. He is an immovable NT. If we go 4-3 we should spend 3 out of four first picks on defensive line since having a defensive line that can get pressure without blitzing is key to it's success
If we stay put at 13 and decline to pursue a rookie QB at that spot, it's a good draft for DL and LB talent. We could definitely make the switch if we wanted. I'd be curious to see what our new coach wants to do in the secondary though. Could we convert TJ or Reshad to LB? How do we get both of them AND Minkah on the field at the same time in positions that maximize their talents? Do we even want to keep all 3?
As much as it hurts...I'd think Jones days may be numbered here soon. Whether it be by trade, release, ect I don't see him here beyond maybe this year. Though I'm not sure on the cap hit we will take. Even if we were to play Fitz mostly in the nickel, Jones and TJ is just such a redundant safety combo and Jones is getting up there in age. Alternatively we could dump TJ and let Jones play his contract out but I can see him becoming unhappy if we don't win right away.
Why not? I mean, it hasn't worked the last 4-5 times we've switched between the two, but I'm sure it will work this time.
Well we would definately need to grab a big Nose Tackle somewhere. we dont have that big run stuffer that you would need for it. I'm not sure that we have the best linebackers for it either although there is the possibility of moving Harris back to an outside linebacker spot. Seems to me Kiko struggled in a 3-4 as well.
Coach is a bigger concern for me. We have had talent but piss poorncoaching which has cost us games. Good coaches can get more out of less but bad coaching drains motivation and hunger from the players
I don't feel strongly either way. Just leave it up to whoever is the DC or the HC if he has a defensive background
FYI: Found an article on Fangio's defense while with the 49's. There are some interesting things, but one thing I didn't know is that the players for a 3-4 base can also play the 4-3 under. https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/5/2/4294242/football-university-49ers-defensive-fronts-vic-fangio-3-4-nickel-4-3-under.
In order for a 3-4 to be effective, you have to have a Paul Soliai at NT, a big strong and nimble take that commands double team and two great inside linebackers to fill the gaps.
The thinking that a defense should either be 4-3 or 3-4 really doesn't work anymore. Miami should get rid of the wide-9 scheme they used so often, however. The key in today's passing game is to have players that can switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 from game to game and even mid-game when the need arises. Most "base" NFL defenses are nickel because of the passing trends. 5 DB's and either a 3-3 or 4-2 front. Sure, certain goal line situations, for example, will dictate a classic 3-4 or 4-3 look, but for the most part a good defense needs to be able to play both on a whim. And most do so in a quasi fashion. I think the overall trend has seen NFL defenses stay in a nickel about 50-60% of the time. Around 25-30% in a true/quasi 3-4 or 4-3 and the rest in Dime, Big, goal line, etc...