The debate begins
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- September
- 26
Here’s a funny thing about this business. You can think something but if you don’t write it down and get it published it looks like you never had the thought before.
Which is my way of giving kudos to my buddy at Newsday, Tom Rock, who took a stand on something I agree with: the Jets’ defensive personnel is suited to the 4-3 much better than the 3-4.
Honestly, I wish I would have written that.
Anyway, at this point, I’m not going to rehash the solid analysis in Tom’s story, only point it out to everybody here.
Which leads me to the new poll on the right (by the way, Wayne Chrebet is officially a runaway winner in the now-closed favorite Jets receiver of all-time poll). What do you guys think, is Eric Mangini being stubborn in running the 3-4 or is he doing what’s best for the team.
Last year, I was saying that Mangini installed the 3-4 with an eye for bringing in guys who fit the system better but with the thought that even with non-3-4 players, it was better to get the system established. But the Jets really didn’t go out and get anybody better suited for the scheme.
So you be the coach. Let me know what you think.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 at 3:11 pm by Andrew Gross.
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Jane McManus 
While I agree that the personnel would be better utilized in a 4-3 defense, I worry about the consequences of switching mid-stream. With the Jets’ bye week so late this year, it may be too late to completely rework the defensive playbook and still field a competitive team. I suppose if Mangini were willing to abandon the 3-4 following another screen-pass fest against Buffalo, they could just put in a basic defense and then add to it as the season goes along. Having four down linemen would help against the screen because the Jets wouldn’t have to blitz two linebackers or a safety every down to get pressure on the QB. Anyway, I don’t know what it would take to change mid-season, or if Mangini is capable of switching.
I think the 3-4/4-3 debate is overblown, as we’re often in a 4-3 look.
The problem is the players themselves… and a bit of luck.
The key to the whole thing is NT.
People always mention that Vilma’s ill-suited for the 3-4, but we haven’t seen him play, with a real nose tackle in front of him.
DRob, to me, has looked very good, when he’s at End.
But he’s being played out of position, because we haven’t found a solid NT yet, which is the luck aspect.
The players are often in position, but aren’t making the plays. Tackling is tackling, whether it’s the 3-4 or 4-3.
So, to me, the real question is, does Mangini use the scheme he believes in, or does he scrap it because of one position
(NT)?
I think he’s doing it right. He’s instituted the scheme he believes in, and seen work, so the players learn it, and become accustomed to it, as new players are added, to fill any holes… like Revis, Harris, & Eric Smith.
Andrew et al:
In regards to the Jets defense, there have been seasons where after slow starts, our defense has improved to the point where we were almost dominant. I think even one year under Cotrell we improved and we certainly did last year. Am I the only person who believes this team can improve. Granted, some of our players aren’t great for the system, we don’t have a Wilfork or Ty Warren, but this team has playmakers. As for the debate, 4-3 or 3-4, this unit is versatile whereas they will play multiple fronts as they have shown in the past. It is sad that talented guys like DROB and Vilma almost get lost in the system, but I do believe these guys will improve.
Although, I don’t think it is solely an issue of 3-4, I think it is a contributing factor. One way or the other a finger has to point to the coaching staff, because it is their job to play to the strengths of their personnel and it is hard for me to believe that the collective talents of the individual players could add up to a defense as putrid (and I don’t use the term lightly) as this.
1. Perhaps… It might have to do with the Defensive Coordinator. I am not sold on Bob Sutton yet. If Jets had Crennel (present Brown’s HC, but possibly ex-HC after the season) as their coordinator, it might be a different story.
2. It is also true that 3-4 takes more discipline to learn and apply effectively (i.e., instinctively). But somehow in 2nd year, this defense seems to be lethargic.
3. Mangini always preached about using the players to succeed. Yet, he doesn’t seem to apply that to this defense. I do believe that Jets players NOW are more suited for 4-3. So I think, Mangini is being stubborn here.
4. Whether 4-3 or 3-4, I just want to see good and aggressive defense to win the game, but I guess I have to wait.
[...] Gross weighs in on the 3-4/4-3 debate. [...]
Not as down on the defense as everyone else. Pats are beating everyone, and most of Fins yards came late in the game when in prevent.
I never expected dominance this year, just improvement and the jury remains out.
They did bring in Coleman, Harris, and Revis, all of whom fit the defense to a tee. They brought in Bowens but so far not so good. Can not build Rome in a day.
There were no nose tackles on the market, and I guess they still feel Vilma can get the job done. If he does not shape up soon he will be gone. DRob has done a good job, I think.
They may make a splash in free agency next year when there are better choices on the market.