Which defensive scheme is better the 4-3, the 3-4, or the Cover 2?

Answer 1

I'd pick the 3-4, great agains the run and good blitz schemes.

It's always said 4-3 is good against the run because of 4 linemen and 3-4 against the pass because 4 LBs to drop back, but statistically it's usually the opposite

3-4s like the Ravens, Chargers, and Steelers usually are tops in Run-D (as 4-3 teams are getting smaller faster linemen who arn't as good against the run ----3-4's have giant linemen and 2 ILBs to rush in and stop the RB if the line can't)

4-3 teams generally get more sacks (or atleast have the top pass rushers in the league like Freeney and Peppers) even though 3-4 is "designed" to pressure the QB (this is probably because while it's easy to find linemen for 3-4 (just big guys, not rare "super atheltes" like Peppers), it's hard to find "super athelte" OLBs to pass rush like Shawne Merriman or Adailius Thomas --so most 3-4 teams have mediocre OLBs)

And although "scheme is always important" most famous Ds are good because they've got great personel (02 Bucs, 00 Ravens, 70's Steelers/Cowboys/Vikings -----85s Bears being the exception, not ALOT of huge names, just the revolutionary 46 D)

Answer 2

The Cover 2 is a defensive play you can run from more than one formation. The 4-3 and 3-4 debate is nothing new to football players and coaches. It really depends on your philosophy as a defensive coach. The 4-3 is a solid formation that allows a defense to "plug the gaps" rather well when attempting to stop a good running attack. You also, in general, keep pressure on the O-line even when you drop your linebackers into a zone coverage. The 4-3 is a d@mn good base defense.
The 3-4 is a tricky defense for a O-line to deal with. The advantage in having three down lineman and four linebackers is the fact that you can throw multiple looks and blitz packages at the O-line. You can throw different things at em with the 4-3, but not nearly as effective as you can with a 3-4. To run a good 3-4 you need a masterful D-line and versatile linebackers. Often times you will see traditional LBs in a 3-4 and sometimes you will see defensive ends playing the role of LB as well.
Honestly, I like a 4-3. If I had a great group of D-linemen and LBs I would run a 3-4 in a heartbeat.

Answer 3

It honestly depends on what players you have. If you have 2 dominating defensive tackles and a good middle linebacker, a 4-3 is an excellent defense for you. If you have 2 outside linebackers who are good at blitzing and 2 good pass rushers at defensive end, then a 3-4 is an excellent defense for you. A Cover 2 is probably the hardest to pull off, because it requires for everyone to do his job. If one person doesn't pick up someone in his zone, the offense has an excellent chance to get some big yards. It really just depends on the players that you have.

Answer 4

i would say 3-4 is the best. Many teams use 3-4 because it disguises the blitz or pass coverage that the defense will use on that play. cover 2 is mostly a pass coverage defense, which means you can run with decent success. 4-3 is just like 3-4 except 4-3 disguises less and is setuup right away, allowing more time for the qb of the offense to run an audible and get positive yards.

Answer 5

It depends on the personnel you have. 4-3 typically if you have bigger team that you are able to play a nose and a 3 technique. A 3-4 is better suited for a team that has 2 people capable of playing the nose. The cover 2 is just a coverage. it can be played with either the 4-3 or 3-4. just need 2 corners covering the flats, and 2 safeties covering deep halves

Answer 6

4-3 is well rounded
4 lineman can pressure the qb, not as good as the 3-4 in that area but close.
And the 4 linemen can stop runs through the middle while the linebackers can shut off outside lanes.
A good defensive line defines a 4-3, which is easy to develop.

A good linebacker, and defensive define a 3-4, which takes a lon g time.
My opinion
against the pass: 3-4 by a eyelash
Against the run: 4-3

Answer 7

There's a reason that both the Bears and the Colts were running the Cover 2 this year.....and was successful with it. The Buccaneers even won a Super Bowl in 2003 with it (credit Tony Dungy and Monte Kiffin with creating a popular version of the Cover 2 called the Tampa 2). Half of the league decided to try to adopt it this last year. It brings pressure up the middle and makes it difficult for big receivers to make big plays. It puts the safeties in a position where they can cover the deep pass and/or come up for the short pass/run.

A true Cover 2 can completely shut down a West Coast Offense (which is also widely adapted among the NFL).

Answer 8

Well, it all depends on the offense play. If they are running, 4-3 would be the best. If you have a really good linebacker core then 3-4 would be awesome. Cover 2 would be best for passes. Overall, I think 3-4 is the best, because it can defend most of the plays.

Answer 9

There is no such thing as the "best scheme"...

There is only the best scheme, using the personnel you have...

Not to mention that "cover 2" is a secondary coverage that works perfectly well with either a 4-3 or 3-4 up front...

I think you meant "tampa 2"....

Answer 10

I like 3-4 simply because alot of QB's have problems against it. Most of the time its hard to tell where the blitz is coming from in the 3-4. The cover 2 has its holes.