Blueprints for the Steelers to shift to a 4-3 defense
Like every offseason, wild ideas and speculation are being tossed around constantly. One of the reoccurring ideas I see is fans clamoring for the Steelers to shift from their long-used 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 defense. Obviously, the odds of this move are very slim. Well, I thought it would be a fun exercise to speculate how this scheme changes would be executed.
And remember, this is just an exercise, so don’t lose your cool!
Background
For those unfamiliar with these the terminology and logistics of these different schemes, let me try and break things down at a simple level.
The Steelers current base scheme is known as the 3-4 defense. This means 3 defensive lineman and 4 linebackers in the front seven, which can be seen in the diagram below.
While this is the base formation of the Steelers defense, their most frequent formation used is the nickel formation. In this formation 1 defensive lineman is removed from the field in place of another defensive back. In nickel, the 2 lineman shift into the center of the line and 2 of the linebackers play on the edge of the line.
Where the 4-3 formation differs primarily is in this scheme there are 4 defensive lineman and 3 linebackers, which can be seen in the diagram below.
The types of players used in each scheme differ. For example, 4-3 defensive ends are normally also referred as edge rushers and have more pass rush ability than 3-4 defensive ends. 3-4 OLB’s are used more as pass rushers, where 4-3 OLB’s play off the ball and need to be rangier and don’t necessarily need to be pass rushers.
This is a high-level overview meant to keep things simple. Now let’s take a look at the Steelers current players and where they would fit in this new scheme.
Current personnel
The Steelers primary 3 defensive lineman could all shift to a 4-3 with relative ease. Javon Hargrave would be put in a more natural position as a 4-3 DT, allowing him to see the field significantly more. Regarding Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt, one would be slotted as a defensive tackle with the other moving to defensive end. The defensive end will go to whoever can prove to be a better pass rusher and athlete between the two. For this exercise, let’s go with Heyward as DE and Tuitt as DT.
That leaves T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree competing for the other DE position. Watt has the skillset to excel as both DE and OLB, but because he is the biggest and the best pass rusher of the two, I would make him the DE opposite of Heyward. However, it is mighty tempting putting Watt at OLB, primarily because Dupree would fit much more naturally at DE than OLB.
The linebackers are where things get tricky here. In a 4-3, the OLB’s need to be rangy and have the ability to cover tight ends and running backs. Ryan Shazier could transition seamlessly, but it’s hard for the Steelers to count on having him for the future. For this exercise, I am going to assume the Steelers won’t have Shazier in 2018.
Based on the current roster, the Steelers would have Bud Dupree, Vince Williams, and Tyler Matakevich as the starting OLB’s (and maybe Watt). Not a great group. Williams could be an adequate starter here, but Matakevich is certainly not athletic enough and Dupree will certainly struggle in this brand new position. The Steelers will need OLB help.
Needs
OLB. OLB. OLB.
Switching to a 4-3 scheme would make OLB top, number 1, dire priority. If Shazier was in the picture this would be a slightly different story, but without him, the Steelers will need to go out and acquire up to 2 new starters.
The Steelers would certainly want experience in this linebacker trio, so it would make sense signing a veteran 4-3 linebacker capable of starter. This player likely wouldn’t be a difference maker, but it would help ease the transition having a player with experience in this new scheme who can help mentor the other linebackers.
Next, they would need to target an OLB in the first round of the draft. Because of the depth of the draft class, this task shouldn’t be too difficult. It would maybe even be worth going with OLB back-to-back in the first 2 rounds. Doing this would assure the Steelers would have the necessary personnel to implement this scheme.
The Steelers would also want to acquire DT and DE depth. If any of their starters were to go down, there would be a gaping hole in the defensive line. Whether it’s through the draft or free agency, moves must be made to shore up the depth chart.
Along with these player changes, coaching changes would also likely need to be made. The Steelers would likely need to fire Kieth Butler and hire a defensive coordinator familiar and experienced with 4-3. The Steelers would also potentially part with their inside linebackers coach and outside linebackers coach.
Should they make the change?
Now that we have a basic idea, we can take a step back and ask ourselves “is this really a good idea?’
The answer is simply no.
Ryan Shazier is the X-factor here. He is the best linebacker on the Steelers and his presence would make the scheme transition much more plausible, but unfortunately, he cannot be counted on due to his severe injury. The defense would be in shambles because of players having to adapt to new positions. I believe our defensive line would have the potential to be elite, but our linebackers would potentially ruin the defense. In this exercise, we would end up having a linebacker corps made up of rookies, free agents, and ill-suited linebackers – not exactly a recipe for success.
It’s fun to theorize and dream of drastic changes, but in reality, it is in the Steelers best interest to stick with their 3-4 scheme.
