Titans could use more “3-4″ this year

Discussion in 'Tennessee Titans and NFL Talk' started by Titans Insider, Apr 3, 2013.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Titans Insider

    Titans Insider Titans News

    1,561
    95
    0
    Thanks in large part to some of their recent free-agent signings, the Titans may increase their use of the “3-4” defensive system next season.

    The Titans will still use the “4-3” as a base defense, but adding some players who fit the “3-4” mold will allow for more flexibility, according to defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.

    “I think with the personnel that Ruston (Webster) and the guys upstairs have given us, it gives us a possibility to do more of that, to where we can go out there and maybe play 8-10 snaps of game (in the ‘3-4’)and not have to take our good football players off the field,” Gray said. “So I wouldn’t bet against us (using more ‘3-4’). Because now we can do it without taking guys off the field. That’s what is going to be really good for us this year.”

    One of the new players is 6-8, 315-pound Ropati Pitoitua, a massive defensive end who certainly has the larger frame required of defensive ends in the “3-4” scheme. Pitoitua played in the “3-4” system last year while in Kansas City.

    Another newcomer is 6-1, 236-pound linebacker Moise Fokou, who comes to the Titans after playing a “3-4” system in Indianapolis last season. Fokou has played both inside and outside linebacker, and if Colin McCarthy misses time with injury issues, Fokou could see a lot of action.

    Then there’s 6-4, 329-pound defensive tackle Sammie Hill, who should be a load to handle for offensive linemen next season. He comes from a “4-3” system in Detroit, but Hill certainly has the bulk and size – if not the experience — required of a nose tackle in a “3-4” scheme.

    “From watching him in Detroit, I thought he did a fantastic job,” Gray said of Hill. “The biggest thing we would have to figure out is, `Can you play (over the opposing center)?’ That may be the sign. Can we do that. Because now, you’ve really got a `3-4’ package.”

    Don’t forget also that Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley had played much more often in a “3-4” system before coming to Tennessee, where he converted to a more traditional “4-3” defensive end.

    So he wouldn’t be uncomfortable standing up occasionally as a linebacker in a “3-4” system.

    Share on Facebook

    Posted In: Team News

    Source: Titans Insider
     
    • High Five High Five x 1
  2. xpmar9x

    xpmar9x The Real Slim Shady

    14,862
    5,085
    809
    Woo-hoo! Can't wait to see Wimbley/Ayers coming off the edge.
     
    • High Five High Five x 1
  3. xhrr

    xhrr Starter

    3,775
    1,454
    369
    Jerry should stick to figuring out how to work one defensive alignment before he tries to handle two. Thankfully Gregg is not an incompetent coach and will hopefully mesh everything together.
     
    • High Five High Five x 3
  4. Fry

    Fry Welcome to the land of tomorrow!

    42,307
    15,453
    1,389
    So, what is this, the third offseason we've heard this?

    [​IMG]
     
    • High Five High Five x 4
  5. GoT

    GoT Strength and Honor

    69,297
    19,793
    1,659
    allright another excuse for being abused in run D
     
    • High Five High Five x 1
  6. The Hammer

    The Hammer Ace Degenerate

    51,525
    15,773
    1,439
    I expect we will see a lot of the 3-3-5 nickle.
     
  7. TitansWillWin2

    TitansWillWin2 Pro Bowler

    8,741
    1,374
    679
    I remember last year when they said Wimbley would be much more effective at getting to the qb in a 4-3 and how that was his original postion. lol funny how times change!
     
  8. xpmar9x

    xpmar9x The Real Slim Shady

    14,862
    5,085
    809
    You know this because of Madden, right?

    I do think we'll see alot of 3 safety sets. Will we see Griffin as a NB?
     
  9. TitansWillWin2

    TitansWillWin2 Pro Bowler

    8,741
    1,374
    679
    Maybe in zone coverage. But not in man. We saw him fail miserably his rookie season at CB.
     
  10. RockyTop Fox

    RockyTop Fox Offensive Coordinator

    3,277
    1,801
    719
    It seems like all the the leagues top defenses all run a 34.. ****tsburgh, San Fran, Green Bay (2010), Baltimore, ect. But it also seems like you have to have a great coach and system, or the 34 will be less effective than the 43. So the ceiling is higher with a 34, but I don't have enough confidence in our coaches to make that change. Maybe a few years from now under G Williams, but now isn't the time.

    Remember what happened to the Vols defense last year? Switch to a 34, gave up the most yards in school history.. dating back to like 1890 LOL. I know college is different but you get the idea.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  • Welcome to goTitans.com

    Established in 2000, goTitans.com is the place for Tennessee Titans fans to talk Titans. Our roots go back to the Tennessee Oilers Fan Page in 1997 and we currently have 4,000 diehard members with 1.5 million messages. To find out about advertising opportunities, contact TitanJeff.
  • The Tip Jar

    For those of you interested in helping the cause, we offer The Tip Jar. For $2 a month, you can become a subscriber and enjoy goTitans.com without ads.

    Hit the Tip Jar