ChiefsPlanet - View Single Post - Chiefs Building a defense in the modern NFL

kccrow · 11-23-2018, 01:21 AM

My take...

Run a 4-3 base.

Focus on your DTs being smaller, disruptive, pass rusher types. Carry a NT type on the roster just for short yardage. He's kind of like a FB, not really needed too often, but he's needed enough to have someone capable. Your DT's should be your best defensive lineman and you should focus resources there. They are the quickest means to getting to the QB now.

Get edge rushers that can move well enough to get a sack, but don't worry about them being superstars. They must be able to anchor on the outside, maintain gaps, and be rangy and aware enough to defend the outside runs and sweeps. These guys don't have to be your star pass rushers, they just need to be average.

Get two rangy linebackers that can cover and have just enough juice to take on blocks to come downhill. These guys are going to see alot of underneath passing action so they have to be cover first, run second types. Ideally, they are your outside linebackers. Get an ILB that is more of a run defender than pass, but has enough range to cover a TE in the middle zone. This is the guy that will be out there on 1st down and short yardage alot but is the guy coming off the field most often You need a SS/LB hybrid type as well that can replace your ILB on middle-distances downs between 4 and 6 yards or something. This guy isn't really a nickel player but he's got enough beef to play the run yet alot of speed to play the pass. Basically you're going for 2 solid all-around linebackers and using the third like relief pitchers... middle reliever and set up guy.. that gives way to your nickel corner that acts as the closer.

You need one longer CB and at least 2 with speed. You have to be able to match up with teams that employ a bigger wideout so having that bigger CB is important. He doesn't have to be your playmaker, but he should be one of the two starters. Most offenses now have a guy starting with some good speed so your other starter should have it. I think you move your CBs as much you can to keep matchups rather than just R/L like Sutton does. You should have a nickel guy with at least great quickness and hopefully speed as well. You gotta take these quick slots out of the game. I think it's so important now to just have guys that can mirror receivers and not worry about having corners that can press and be physical. There isn't much sense in trying to be physical anymore. One of your starting CBs needs to be a ball-hawking type that can turn the game.

Your safeties have to be able to cover and one needs to be a ballhawk type. I think the days of box safeties are done. Obviously, they have to be good tacklers, but they don't need to be "tone-setters" or "thumpers" back there. Coverage ability is priority one. One safety has to have the size to match up on TEs.

11-23-2018, 01:21 AM	#66
kccrow MVP kccrow's Avatar Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Michigan	My take... Run a 4-3 base. Focus on your DTs being smaller, disruptive, pass rusher types. Carry a NT type on the roster just for short yardage. He's kind of like a FB, not really needed too often, but he's needed enough to have someone capable. Your DT's should be your best defensive lineman and you should focus resources there. They are the quickest means to getting to the QB now. Get edge rushers that can move well enough to get a sack, but don't worry about them being superstars. They must be able to anchor on the outside, maintain gaps, and be rangy and aware enough to defend the outside runs and sweeps. These guys don't have to be your star pass rushers, they just need to be average. Get two rangy linebackers that can cover and have just enough juice to take on blocks to come downhill. These guys are going to see alot of underneath passing action so they have to be cover first, run second types. Ideally, they are your outside linebackers. Get an ILB that is more of a run defender than pass, but has enough range to cover a TE in the middle zone. This is the guy that will be out there on 1st down and short yardage alot but is the guy coming off the field most often You need a SS/LB hybrid type as well that can replace your ILB on middle-distances downs between 4 and 6 yards or something. This guy isn't really a nickel player but he's got enough beef to play the run yet alot of speed to play the pass. Basically you're going for 2 solid all-around linebackers and using the third like relief pitchers... middle reliever and set up guy.. that gives way to your nickel corner that acts as the closer. You need one longer CB and at least 2 with speed. You have to be able to match up with teams that employ a bigger wideout so having that bigger CB is important. He doesn't have to be your playmaker, but he should be one of the two starters. Most offenses now have a guy starting with some good speed so your other starter should have it. I think you move your CBs as much you can to keep matchups rather than just R/L like Sutton does. You should have a nickel guy with at least great quickness and hopefully speed as well. You gotta take these quick slots out of the game. I think it's so important now to just have guys that can mirror receivers and not worry about having corners that can press and be physical. There isn't much sense in trying to be physical anymore. One of your starting CBs needs to be a ball-hawking type that can turn the game. Your safeties have to be able to cover and one needs to be a ballhawk type. I think the days of box safeties are done. Obviously, they have to be good tacklers, but they don't need to be "tone-setters" or "thumpers" back there. Coverage ability is priority one. One safety has to have the size to match up on TEs.
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