Football
The New Orleans Saints defense may be switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 with the hiring of Brandon Staley as their defensive coordinator. For the job opening, the Saints interviewed Minnesota Vikings defensive passing game coordinator Daronte Jones and Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker before deciding on San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Staley. All candidates had extensive experience in a 3-4 defense making it clear the Saints are ready for a scheme change.
New Orleans has run a 4-3 defense since former defensive coordinator and head coach Dennis Allen took over in late 2015.
What is a 3-4?
A 3-4 defense consists of three defensive linemen and four linebackers. The biggest advantage of this scheme is the pass rush ability. With four linebackers, defenses can assign more speed to the edges. It’s more difficult for opposing quarterbacks to identify the complex blitz packages as any of the four linebackers can be blitzing along with providing a safety net for cornerbacks to rush the passer.
The Saints have struggled to sack the quarterback over the last three seasons having the sixth least sacks in the NFL over that span. While the team doesn’t have the right personnel now, getting players that fit a 3-4 through free agency and the draft is expected to improve their lack of a pass rush.
While a 3-4 helps rush the quarterback, it opens up the opposing run game. With just three linemen assigned to the line of scrimmage, opposing offenses can take advantage of a lack of size and pound the ball on the ground. New Orleans has already been struggling to stop the run in a 4-3 and a scheme switch is likely not going to be the answer to improve on containing rushers.
How the Saints will make the switch
NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah has mocked the Saints to select a defensive line in both of his mock drafts stating he expects Kellen Moore to try and replicate the success the Philadelphia Eagles saw by building upon the trenches. Names like Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, and Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams have all been associated with the Saints and would fit the scheme change.
Standout defensive tackle Bryan Bresee may be switched to the outside due to his size and pass-rush ability creating an opening for more size on the inside.
Through his links to the Eagles, Kellen Moore can target players like Zack Baun and Josh Sweat while working to resign Chase Young.
While it is not confirmed yet that Staley will implement a 3-4 defense in New Orleans, his extensive history with the scheme and the team approaching multiple coaches that have experience in a similar defense, it appears the Saints coaching shake-up will bring not just a new offensive with head coach Kellen Moore, but a new defense as well by hiring Brandon Staley.
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