http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/26/dolphins-making-change-to-4-3-defense/ Not sure if I like this move, I love what we're doing on offense but I was hoping the hybrid 3/4 scheme on D would stay with some changes in personnel. Id rather have Wake as a roaming LB rather than a pure 4/3 pass rushing end. I think the group we have now is better suited for the 3/4 anyway, Dansby and Burnett are not 4-3 LBs, Odrick is a better 3/4 end rather than a 4/3 DT, like some are suggesting. We don't even know who's our DC yet(Kevin Coyle?)
it was suggested by Volin that it may happen and now Volin is saying it is official. Must be based on latest comments http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/dolphins/miami-dolphins-switch-to-4-3-defense-could-2125789.html that's really it from Ireland, so...
If we really are doing a swap to the 4-3 Mario Williams would have to be a big target. Personally I'm not a big fan, but it would be an obvious move. Being able to get after a QB without relying on constant blitzing is extremely important.
I like the 34 front better... but I like how our personnel fits the 43 better. Wake is better with his hand on the ground just getting after QBs. Misi is a better 43 backer than a 34 OLB. Still have Odrick/Starks/Langford in the middle for a nice rotation... etc.
Langford is a FA though. And if Mario Williams becomes a FA, I'd take him over Langford any day. Mario Williams / Odrick, Starks / Wake
Do we want a GM to be dictating this? I don't know if the precedent is as such, so I'm really asking if most teams let the GM choose what defense the team runs.
IDK FN, when the Dolphins were great, we ran the 4-3, it is also easier to find players for, so I'm fully onboard. What the PFT article may not have mentioned is we ran the 4-3 52% of the time last yr But the thing that makes the 4-3 work, is a outstanding Middle Linebacker and an Elephant player, DE/OLB, I hope Misi can fill that role for us, or Disgustipate's guy, Wallace Gilberry (something like that) from KC, he is a FA.
Guys it's not the 4-3 that matters, it's the type of 4-3. All this 4-3 talk means is that Cameron Wake is going to be against LTs instead of RTs now, that's it. The LBs are set for the 4-3, it's not some huge change. The misinformation about Burnett/Dansby being 4-3 or 3-4 is just gibberish. These guys have played 4-3 fronts for manes years and were honestly better in 4-3 fronts. Wake sucks when he drops into coverage and would be better suited against the run on the left. Jared Odrick is an excellent prospect at the three technique and Randy Starks can play 1 or 3 technique. Soliai can play one technique. As for a MLB it depends how the front shifts. Some fronts demand a roamer like Zach Thomas, others a heavy fill-in the gaps type like Marvin Mitchell. The team could run a 4-3 just fine if the season started today. The only guy that is likely gone is Kendall Langford and that is a maybe too. Phillip Merling might even be solid finally at left end. The line will be better in the 4-3 and the LBs will be just fine.
I really think Volin is doing a whole lot of assuming right now based on Senior Bowl chatter... I don't think a decision has been made yet about whether we will run the 4-3 or 3-4 yet. I believe Philbin is more focused on finding a staff while Ireland is focused on scouting for both the 3-4 and 4-3 defense.
