Redskins Need A Return To The 4-3 Defense
By Chris West
Oct 19, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (12) is sacked by Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) and Redskins defensive end Jason Hatcher (97) in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
With Jim Haslett removed as the defensive coordinator, the Redskins need to look for a DC with leanings to the 4-3 defense. The 3-4 defense has been a huge failure in Washington. In the current passing era, the 3-4 can be at a major disadvantage without the proper personnel.
The 3-4 defense requires the OLBs to be great at rushing the passer and defending the run. They also must be able to defend the pass in coverage. That is something the Redskins OLBs do not excel at.
The 3-4 defense has been a huge failure in Washington
Ryan Kerrigan had an amazing season rushing the passer and defending the run. When asked to drop into coverage, he is adequate but not at his best. The same was true for Brian Orakpo on the other side and also for his replacement, Trent Murphy.
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In the 3-4 defense, there are essentially 5 players on the line of scrimmage. If you have a stout NT in the middle, it gives the defense a huge advantage against the run. Problems arise when offenses attack through the air, particularly with multiple players split out wide.
When facing the Redskins, many offenses know that they can force an OLB like Ryan Kerrigan to cover the slot and take him away from rushing the passer. This was done often during the second half of the 2014 season as Kerrigan was terrorizing QBs. It was entirely too easy to out scheme the Redskins defense.
Currently, the Redskins would be much better off switching back to the 4-3 defense they ran before Haslett arrived. Their personnel matches the 4-3 much better than the 3-4. They would need to draft additional LBs to fill out the roster but they have players capable of filling the positions now.
Kerrigan would excel even more as a 4-3 DE. He would be free to rush the passer on pass plays and still be as effective versus the run. If the Redskins choose to re-sign Orakpo, he would be as exceptional as a 4-3 DE.
Murphy looks thin for the role but he is expected to bulk up with a full off-season in the Redskins weight room. Jason Hatcher and Barry Cofield are more natural 4-3 DTs and would most likely flourish in that system. Chris Baker and Jarvis Jenkins (if he is re-signed) are more 3-4 type of DEs but would be adaptable to DTs in the 4-3.
I would love for the Redskins to draft a 4-3 DT such as Leonard Williams from USC. I would love for the Redskins to draft a 4-3 DT such as Leonard Williams from USC with their 5th pick in the draft. Williams could solidify the line as a major force in the middle of the line.
They may not get the chance though as Williams is projected to go in the top 3 by many experts. Keenan Robinson had a great season at ILB in 2014 for the Redskins. His superior LB speed would allow him to switch easily to MLB in their new 4-3 defense. Most top 4-3 defenses have a star at MLB.
Perry Riley has been a good run defender and tackler for the Redskins at ILB. In the 4-3, he would be at a disadvantage versus the pass but could play OLB on the strong-side effectively versus the run. The Redskins may choose to upgrade by finding a LB equally adept in coverage as he is against the run.
Will Compton, while not quite as stout versus the run as Riley, played well when given an opportunity. His pass defense was much better than Riley’s and he would translate well as a weakside OLB in the 4-3.
A 4-3 OLB is more athletic and quicker in coverage than a 3-4 OLB
Responsibilities of the defensive backfield will remain mostly the same in the 4-3 as they are in the 3-4. One advantage DBs do have in the 4-3 is more help from the LBs. A 4-3 OLB is more athletic and quicker in coverage than a 3-4 OLB.
Generally OLBs in the 3-4 are essentially DEs and not as effective in coverage. LBs in the NFL must be able to cover short zones and allow the DBs behind them to cover the deeper zones. OLBs in particular also must be able to stay with the more athletic receiving TEs that populate the NFL in man to man coverage.
Redskins HC, Jay Gruden, has an important decision to make as he chooses his new DC. Let’s hope he chooses wisely and goes with a DC who will make a positive impact on the organization.