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Take a look as Bill Cowher's 3-4 Steelers defense puts a clinic on for
the Seattle Seahawks.
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Steelers coach Bill Cowher compares the 4-3 and 3-4 defenses.
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[ West
Coast Offense ]
Here you can
compare and contrast the two basic sets — the 4-3 and the 3-4 — defenses
in the NFL utilize on most plays.
Here's a quick
overview of their two options:
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The 3-4 defense
uses three down linemen and four linebackers.
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The 4-3 defense
uses four down linemen and three linebackers.
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The 3-4 defense
is quicker because of the extra linebacker.
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The 4-3 defense
tries to occupy the offensive linemen with the four defensive linemen,
keeping the linebackers free to run and make plays.
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Most NFL teams
use the 4-3 defense.
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The 4-3 defense
is a gap-control defense designed to keep the offensive linemen off the
three linebackers. By lining up in the gaps, the defensive linemen are
better able to control the offensive line. This frees up the linebackers
to run to the football. |
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The
3-4 defense is quicker because it has four linebackers. This defense relies
on a dominant nose tackle that can command a double team on each play.
An effective nose tackle clogs the middle, enabling the linebackers to
run and make plays on the ball. |

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