Which defense is best, the 4-3 or the 3-4?

Question

Assuming that you have the personnel to run either defense, which defense is superior and why? Is another type of defense superior? If so, why?

Answer 1

With offenses being as explosive as they are now, I would say the 3-4. I t is versatile enough to be able to allow the defense to set up for a blitz or drop LB's back into zone coverage. Also, it is harder to match up against because the LB's are more athletic than the DE's and DL's. Back in the 70's and 80's when everything was ball control and run-oriented, it was better to run the 4-3 to stop the run. The cover 2 is a popular 4-3 defense being run now, but without a versatile and talented MLB, it is a failure.

Answer 2

And the 85 Bears dominated the league with the 4-6 defense a few years ago. I think you have a hard time calling any of the 3 the best D. In matters so much on using the defense that best uses the talents of your personnel. The 3-4 is great if you've got the big front three to tie up the OL and let your LBs run free. The 4-3 is great if you have not the biggest DL but you have better than average overall D speed. The 4-6 is tough to beat if you have 2 great cover corners, good DL pass rushers, and smaller but quick LBs.

Answer 3

Neither is patently better. For anyone to say its proven is rediculous. In fact, just the opposite is proven. And the 46 is a 4-3, its just shifted more aggresively. It has a different name because Buddy Ryan named it after the number of the saftey who lined up in the middle of the field. that safety, by the way happened to be Jeff Fisher. Either D can be dominant. Tampa and the Ravens were both 4-3 when they won the Superbowl(The Ravens have flip flopped back and forth since). The Steelers and Patriots were 3-4. Its a matter of what personnel you need to run them. If you run a 3-4 you need bigger outside backers and a huge, space eating noseguard. If you run a 4-3 you need to have two good, fast D ends that can rush the passer and a top notch guy playing middle backer because the whole D is set up to free him up to run to the ball. There is no inherent superiority.

Answer 4

Both defenses have their pros and cons.... I don't think it's fair to make an assessment of which defense is better based on how many championships each one has won over time because the 3-4 is still relatively new to football, (in the NFL). All in all, different defenses work better with certain teams. As mentioned above, the 3-4 offers more flexibility and does a good job of confusing offenses, while the 4-3 is a solid run stopping defense that still remains heavily used by all teams. As far as an out and out all around better defense that is used in the NFL today, you are almost forced to choose the 4-3 because of how many teams rely on it still. The 3-4 is most often used by Dick Lebeau's defense in the Steelers, but even he will tell you not to use it every down because it leaves gaps in some running lanes.

Answer 5

I'm torn.. my team (Auburn) runs both alot.. primarily 4-3 being in the SEC and needing to stop backs like Darren McFadden.. but also drop Quentin Groves to Outside LB and run a 3-4.. both have their place.. I would say that the 3-4 would be the more exciting to watch but the 4-3 is probably a better overall defense if you have the secondary to cover pass plays so that you don't miss that 4th LB in short zone coverage

Answer 6

I prefer the 3-4. It gives more flexibility with the linebackers and prevents the offensive line from knowing who the fourth rusher will be. 4-3 is much more of a run-stopping defense, whereas 3-4 is more balanced, in my opinion.

Answer 7

3-4 definitely. With the 3-4 you can be more creative as far as blitzing the QB.

Answer 8

3-4 niggga

Answer 9

The 4-3 is better if you ask me but there kinda self-explanatory

Answer 10

4-3 you have more of a chance to pressure the QB or sack him its a great strategy.