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Arizona playing a 4-3 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter bcr8f
- Start date
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
This is potential huge. Hayes and Dansby would really shoot up my rankings if they go back to the 4-3. Thanks for this info. I'm curious as to whether they play it the entire game.
Weiner Dog
Footballguy
Really?? IMO, Dansby would take a hit with being moved back to SLB. For all case and purposes, Hayes value would stay the same.
ninerfanatic492000
Footballguy
same opinion here on dansby, if they move moreso back to a 4-3 with the loss of Okeafor. dansby would move back to his old SLB role where he is incredibly effective, just not so much for fantasy purposes.
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
Are you sure he plays SLB? And did he play there today.
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gregjcross
Footballguy
I wouldnt overreact to any of this.I got slightly burned on this with the Jets last year, I dropped V. Hobson thinking he would split time in the Jets D or play SLB, as the Jets were also listed as a 4-3 during '06 preseasonThe Cards: i watched today and last week, and I noticed they are in a 3-4 a lot of th time and sometimes what i believe is also a 4-3. Dansby spends his time right next to Hayes, he doesnt look like an SLB. But based on his PPG when he is healthy, I dont care where they line him up.THe Cards may be experimenting with many alignments , so lets get the real word from someone that watched every snap. But the way they talk about Alan Branch and Gabe Watson and Dockett, i really think they want to run the 3-4
Anthony Borbely said:
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Game book had Dansby at WLB. If this can hold up - 
bcr8f
Footballguy
So they didn't move him after week 1.Game book had Dansby at WLB. If this can hold up -
Weiner Dog
Footballguy
Game book had Dansby at WLB. If this can hold up -
GridironMenace
Footballguy
Arizona wants to be a 3-4 team. With the loss of Okeafor, they will implement the 4-3 about 25-30% of the time. However,when they play the 4-3 DAnsby will be the SLB, not the WLB. Dansby is the teams best cover LB and also the faster one, so there is no reason for the Cards to line him up at WLB. Keep in mind that Arizona is considering moving Dansby back to OLB while in the 3-4 as well. I would warn people about reading into some things just because it would benfit their fantasy team.Game book had Dansby at WLB. If this can hold up -
JOBOOZOSO
Footballguy
I like Dockett, alot
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Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
How do you know Dansby will be at SLB? Even though he may be better in coverage, he also is a playmaker who could do serious damage in space. I'm convinced Dansby has the skills to play all LB positions. Regarding the 3-4, I think they planned to play a lot of it before, but question that now because with the loss of Okeafor, they lack the personnel to do it, and seem better suited to a 4-3. It doesn't matter what I think or others, I just want to know if you know for a fact he plays SLB, or if it just your personal opinion. If he played WLB last night, it seems telling to me. It is important to know what the coaches will do. The rankings of Hayes and Dansby are greatly affected by this. Dansby would rocket up my rankings if he plays WLB.Arizona wants to be a 3-4 team. With the loss of Okeafor, they will implement the 4-3 about 25-30% of the time. However,when they play the 4-3 DAnsby will be the SLB, not the WLB. Dansby is the teams best cover LB and also the faster one, so there is no reason for the Cards to line him up at WLB. Keep in mind that Arizona is considering moving Dansby back to OLB while in the 3-4 as well. I would warn people about reading into some things just because it would benfit their fantasy team.Game book had Dansby at WLB. If this can hold up -
Markus P Dub
Footballguy
I was targeting Dansby and I waited too long and he got snatched up. i however snagged Hayes; will he be an ok ever week IDP starter for me? Just curious. As of now he's on the bench but wanted your opinions. Thanks.
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gregjcross
Footballguy
Two observatoins for AZ's defense , beyond skimply what is listed in the NFL Gamebook and my earlier point about their wanting to feature the strong three-man DL front of G.Watson, A.Branch and Dockett
1) One sign is that Dansby is truly playing WLB and not SLB in their labeled 4-3 front is that AZ Republic reports from today say that C. Pace and D. Blackstock are competing for the slot where Okeafor went down, In my view, no way C. Pace has the speed or coachs' confidence to play Weak side LB, added to the fact that he played some SLB last year in preseason. Blackstock also played some SLB last year if my memory serves me after he had mediocre resuls elsewhere during his rookie season.
2): The clippings about Dansby's move: I dont see why the media would reinforce the fact that the AZ coaching staff has moved Dansby's position by following up the mini camp reports with training camp reports that Dansby is having a successful camp after his having switched positions.
This article tells a lot about the strategy: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...-sw-cover_N.htm
::::::::::
ASTED IN STORY::::::::::::
Pendergast's defense will flex between a 3-4 and 4-3 look, depending on the down and opportunities to exploit favorable matchups.
The intention is to overload protections by turning loose playmakers such as defensive end/linebacker Bertrand Berry, inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, Dockett, and Wilson.
Berry will line up in a three-point stance as a defensive end in the 4-3 or outside on the edge as a stand-up outside linebacker in the 3-4 look on early downs.
"It's a revolution," Woodson says. "Everybody wants to use the 3-4 now. … One thing you have with a 3-4, compared to a 4-3, is you get an extra athlete on the field. When the Steelers had Joey Porter, he was a rush-outside linebacker — a defensive end who stood up. You get one more athlete who can make plays in space. This game is about space, especially on defense, and it's hard for a defensive end to play in space. What the Cardinals are doing, they're starting to get more guys who can play well in space."
Whisenhunt retained Arizona native Pendergast from former head coach Dennis Green's staff with the caveat that he instill elements of Pittsburgh's defense. LeBeau created the zone-blitzing scheme in a bid to bring a free blitzer who overwhelms opposing blockers on stunts, yet is always backed by safe coverage in the deep middle.
"There's definitely things that Coach LeBeau does that made it difficult for us," Whisenhunt says of the attack he faced in numerous Pittsburgh practices. "It's about matching our personnel to what we do well.
"Clancy has a good plan for doing that. I'm excited about it. Hopefully, it'll allow us to be a solid fundamental defense that can put some pressure on people."
Pendergast's defense has forced 89 take-aways over the past three seasons, 10th-best in the league over that span. Last season, his charges tied for fifth in takeaways with 33. In 2005, Arizona ranked eighth in total defense before plummeting to 29th a year ago.
One play during the first day of full-contact drills in training camp showed the potential of the overhauled defense.
Defensive end/linebacker Chike Okeafor fired off the ball and blitzed quarterback Matt Leinart up the middle, beating two of his defensive teammates to successfully blow up the play. There was no contact allowed or made, but the swarming pressure enveloping Leinart meant everything.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they lost Okeafor, who had made great strides in the new system, to a torn left biceps in the preseason opener at Oakland, and The (Phoenix) Arizona Republic reports he is likely out for the year. Calvin Pace and Darryl Blackstock will get opportunities to reprise Okeafor's role.
On the other side, Berry, who had an NFC-best 141/2 sacks in 2004, has dropped 15 pounds and now weighs in at 256. He's also recovered from surgery to repair the torn right triceps that had cost him the final six games of 2006. The 10th-year pro and former Notre Dame linebacker appears leaner, quicker and thrilled to be playing more outside linebacker, where he can rely on his burst.
"I'm excited," says Berry, who has 511/2 sacks in 122 career games but has struggled with injuries since his 2004 Pro Bowl campaign. "This scheme allows me to use my talents in a way I can use them best. Coach Pendergast has allowed me the freedom to go after the quarterback and take advantage of favorable matchups."
Similarly, the 285-pound Dockett has dropped nearly 10 pounds, and his body fat is down to 7%. Defensive tackles Gabe Watson and rookie Alan Branch, two talented Michigan men who will rotate at nose tackle in the 3-4 scheme, also look trimmer and quicker.
"When you have Dockett and Gabe Watson and Alan Branch giving us a pocket-pushing presence inside and have the perimeter presence with Bert … it will give us the ability to put pressure on the quarterback, hopefully, from all angles," Pendergast says.
Dockett will slide from defensive tackle to either end spot on first and second downs when the defense figures to align in a 3-4 base. On third downs, linebacker Gerald Hayes comes out and nickel back Rod Hood replaces him. The Cardinals also have a big nickel package featuring three safeties — Wilson, Holt and Aaron Francisco.
There has been a huge buy-in to the accountability and every-down intensity Whisenhunt, assistant head coach/offensive line Russ Grimm, offensive coordinator Todd Haley, running backs coach Maurice Carthon and Pendergast and his staff are preaching.
"We've been playing good defense but not great," Dockett says. "We're just trying to play physical. Pittsburgh's defense has a thing of playing physical, and that's what we want."
Dansby was hurt early last season, nagged by finger and thumb surgeries. He's added 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-4, 243-pound frame. With his long wingspan, he's a bat-down or interception waiting to happen.
"Now I'm getting an opportunity to really show what I've got," he says. "The bottom line is we're going to be more aggressive, and I'm going to get in the passing lanes and, with my height, it's tough for the quarterback to make a direct pass."
1) One sign is that Dansby is truly playing WLB and not SLB in their labeled 4-3 front is that AZ Republic reports from today say that C. Pace and D. Blackstock are competing for the slot where Okeafor went down, In my view, no way C. Pace has the speed or coachs' confidence to play Weak side LB, added to the fact that he played some SLB last year in preseason. Blackstock also played some SLB last year if my memory serves me after he had mediocre resuls elsewhere during his rookie season.
2): The clippings about Dansby's move: I dont see why the media would reinforce the fact that the AZ coaching staff has moved Dansby's position by following up the mini camp reports with training camp reports that Dansby is having a successful camp after his having switched positions.
This article tells a lot about the strategy: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...-sw-cover_N.htm
::::::::::
ASTED IN STORY::::::::::::Pendergast's defense will flex between a 3-4 and 4-3 look, depending on the down and opportunities to exploit favorable matchups.
The intention is to overload protections by turning loose playmakers such as defensive end/linebacker Bertrand Berry, inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, Dockett, and Wilson.
Berry will line up in a three-point stance as a defensive end in the 4-3 or outside on the edge as a stand-up outside linebacker in the 3-4 look on early downs.
"It's a revolution," Woodson says. "Everybody wants to use the 3-4 now. … One thing you have with a 3-4, compared to a 4-3, is you get an extra athlete on the field. When the Steelers had Joey Porter, he was a rush-outside linebacker — a defensive end who stood up. You get one more athlete who can make plays in space. This game is about space, especially on defense, and it's hard for a defensive end to play in space. What the Cardinals are doing, they're starting to get more guys who can play well in space."
Whisenhunt retained Arizona native Pendergast from former head coach Dennis Green's staff with the caveat that he instill elements of Pittsburgh's defense. LeBeau created the zone-blitzing scheme in a bid to bring a free blitzer who overwhelms opposing blockers on stunts, yet is always backed by safe coverage in the deep middle.
"There's definitely things that Coach LeBeau does that made it difficult for us," Whisenhunt says of the attack he faced in numerous Pittsburgh practices. "It's about matching our personnel to what we do well.
"Clancy has a good plan for doing that. I'm excited about it. Hopefully, it'll allow us to be a solid fundamental defense that can put some pressure on people."
Pendergast's defense has forced 89 take-aways over the past three seasons, 10th-best in the league over that span. Last season, his charges tied for fifth in takeaways with 33. In 2005, Arizona ranked eighth in total defense before plummeting to 29th a year ago.
One play during the first day of full-contact drills in training camp showed the potential of the overhauled defense.
Defensive end/linebacker Chike Okeafor fired off the ball and blitzed quarterback Matt Leinart up the middle, beating two of his defensive teammates to successfully blow up the play. There was no contact allowed or made, but the swarming pressure enveloping Leinart meant everything.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they lost Okeafor, who had made great strides in the new system, to a torn left biceps in the preseason opener at Oakland, and The (Phoenix) Arizona Republic reports he is likely out for the year. Calvin Pace and Darryl Blackstock will get opportunities to reprise Okeafor's role.
On the other side, Berry, who had an NFC-best 141/2 sacks in 2004, has dropped 15 pounds and now weighs in at 256. He's also recovered from surgery to repair the torn right triceps that had cost him the final six games of 2006. The 10th-year pro and former Notre Dame linebacker appears leaner, quicker and thrilled to be playing more outside linebacker, where he can rely on his burst.
"I'm excited," says Berry, who has 511/2 sacks in 122 career games but has struggled with injuries since his 2004 Pro Bowl campaign. "This scheme allows me to use my talents in a way I can use them best. Coach Pendergast has allowed me the freedom to go after the quarterback and take advantage of favorable matchups."
Similarly, the 285-pound Dockett has dropped nearly 10 pounds, and his body fat is down to 7%. Defensive tackles Gabe Watson and rookie Alan Branch, two talented Michigan men who will rotate at nose tackle in the 3-4 scheme, also look trimmer and quicker.
"When you have Dockett and Gabe Watson and Alan Branch giving us a pocket-pushing presence inside and have the perimeter presence with Bert … it will give us the ability to put pressure on the quarterback, hopefully, from all angles," Pendergast says.
Dockett will slide from defensive tackle to either end spot on first and second downs when the defense figures to align in a 3-4 base. On third downs, linebacker Gerald Hayes comes out and nickel back Rod Hood replaces him. The Cardinals also have a big nickel package featuring three safeties — Wilson, Holt and Aaron Francisco.
There has been a huge buy-in to the accountability and every-down intensity Whisenhunt, assistant head coach/offensive line Russ Grimm, offensive coordinator Todd Haley, running backs coach Maurice Carthon and Pendergast and his staff are preaching.
"We've been playing good defense but not great," Dockett says. "We're just trying to play physical. Pittsburgh's defense has a thing of playing physical, and that's what we want."
Dansby was hurt early last season, nagged by finger and thumb surgeries. He's added 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-4, 243-pound frame. With his long wingspan, he's a bat-down or interception waiting to happen.
"Now I'm getting an opportunity to really show what I've got," he says. "The bottom line is we're going to be more aggressive, and I'm going to get in the passing lanes and, with my height, it's tough for the quarterback to make a direct pass."
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BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Just watched the first half of the Ari-Hou game.
1) They were playing plenty of 3-4 sets. I would guess about 40% were with just 3 down linemen. There was always 4 or 5 men on the line, but much of the time the outside linebackers were in a stand up position right on top of the line of scrimmage. The stand up WLB/DE was rushing alot in these formations, which included DE Joe Tafoya in the 2nd quarter. In the true 4-3 sets, the WLB stayed back in a traditional role with much frequency. At this point I expect to see a hybrid defense of the two as they look for whats best for their personell.
2) Karlos Dansby lined up as the WLB in the 4-3 and 3-4. He never left the field for any reason. Regardless of down and distance.
Calvin Pace then played both ways of the WLB after Dansby was done for the night.
I may watch it again, if I get the chance.
1) They were playing plenty of 3-4 sets. I would guess about 40% were with just 3 down linemen. There was always 4 or 5 men on the line, but much of the time the outside linebackers were in a stand up position right on top of the line of scrimmage. The stand up WLB/DE was rushing alot in these formations, which included DE Joe Tafoya in the 2nd quarter. In the true 4-3 sets, the WLB stayed back in a traditional role with much frequency. At this point I expect to see a hybrid defense of the two as they look for whats best for their personell.
2) Karlos Dansby lined up as the WLB in the 4-3 and 3-4. He never left the field for any reason. Regardless of down and distance.
Calvin Pace then played both ways of the WLB after Dansby was done for the night.
I may watch it again, if I get the chance.
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Biabreakable
Footballguy
Thanks for the info.In 3-4 looks who was lining up inside with Hayes? Was Hayes on the field on all downs?
McGarnicle
Footballguy
I'm wondering the same thing, he was a nice player last year.
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Hayes was the MLB and he was out there all the time that I can remember. Im not sure about the other ILB ... I wasnt looking at that so much as the DE/OLB Dansby, and part of it is because the Texan game crew is sh*tty about showing the formation presnap.
stevegamer
Footballguy
Thanks for this tidibit. I was worried about Berry as a LB, but if he's an ex-LB, there's a lot less to worry baout.Two observatoins for AZ's defense , beyond skimply what is listed in the NFL Gamebook and my earlier point about their wanting to feature the strong three-man DL front of G.Watson, A.Branch and Dockett
This article tells a lot about the strategy: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...-sw-cover_N.htm
::::::::::
Pendergast's defense will flex between a 3-4 and 4-3 look, depending on the down and opportunities to exploit favorable matchups.
The intention is to overload protections by turning loose playmakers such as defensive end/linebacker Bertrand Berry, inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, Dockett, and Wilson.
Berry will line up in a three-point stance as a defensive end in the 4-3 or outside on the edge as a stand-up outside linebacker in the 3-4 look on early downs.
"It's a revolution," Woodson says. "Everybody wants to use the 3-4 now. … One thing you have with a 3-4, compared to a 4-3, is you get an extra athlete on the field. When the Steelers had Joey Porter, he was a rush-outside linebacker — a defensive end who stood up. You get one more athlete who can make plays in space. This game is about space, especially on defense, and it's hard for a defensive end to play in space. What the Cardinals are doing, they're starting to get more guys who can play well in space."
Whisenhunt retained Arizona native Pendergast from former head coach Dennis Green's staff with the caveat that he instill elements of Pittsburgh's defense. LeBeau created the zone-blitzing scheme in a bid to bring a free blitzer who overwhelms opposing blockers on stunts, yet is always backed by safe coverage in the deep middle.
"There's definitely things that Coach LeBeau does that made it difficult for us," Whisenhunt says of the attack he faced in numerous Pittsburgh practices. "It's about matching our personnel to what we do well.
"Clancy has a good plan for doing that. I'm excited about it. Hopefully, it'll allow us to be a solid fundamental defense that can put some pressure on people."
Pendergast's defense has forced 89 take-aways over the past three seasons, 10th-best in the league over that span. Last season, his charges tied for fifth in takeaways with 33. In 2005, Arizona ranked eighth in total defense before plummeting to 29th a year ago.
One play during the first day of full-contact drills in training camp showed the potential of the overhauled defense.
Defensive end/linebacker Chike Okeafor fired off the ball and blitzed quarterback Matt Leinart up the middle, beating two of his defensive teammates to successfully blow up the play. There was no contact allowed or made, but the swarming pressure enveloping Leinart meant everything.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they lost Okeafor, who had made great strides in the new system, to a torn left biceps in the preseason opener at Oakland, and The (Phoenix) Arizona Republic reports he is likely out for the year. Calvin Pace and Darryl Blackstock will get opportunities to reprise Okeafor's role.
On the other side, Berry, who had an NFC-best 141/2 sacks in 2004, has dropped 15 pounds and now weighs in at 256. He's also recovered from surgery to repair the torn right triceps that had cost him the final six games of 2006. The 10th-year pro and former Notre Dame linebacker appears leaner, quicker and thrilled to be playing more outside linebacker, where he can rely on his burst.
"I'm excited," says Berry, who has 511/2 sacks in 122 career games but has struggled with injuries since his 2004 Pro Bowl campaign. "This scheme allows me to use my talents in a way I can use them best. Coach Pendergast has allowed me the freedom to go after the quarterback and take advantage of favorable matchups."
Jene Bramel
Footballguy
Just want to make sure I'm reading you correctly, BST.You're saying Dansby was the WOLB and Blackstock was aligning inside? Seems like that'd be the smarter way to go possibly, but that's not what was coming out of the Arizona media prior to last week's game.Thanks for these notes -- the Arizona media couldn't care less unfortunately, they had no idea what was happening and who was lining up where when I emailed them during minicamps
.BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Yes, #58 was always (when I was able to tell) towards the right side of the defense. 3-4 or 4-3.
It is possible that he had a couple plays as the RILB and was shifted much to the right. Considering how many different defenbsive looks they show.
But whenever I was able to see #58, he was towards the weak side within a couple steps of the DRE.
It is possible that he had a couple plays as the RILB and was shifted much to the right. Considering how many different defenbsive looks they show.
But whenever I was able to see #58, he was towards the weak side within a couple steps of the DRE.
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BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
I havent seen the latest game. Actually I did, but I was in the middle of a live draft so none us could pay much attention, lol. 
bcr8f
Footballguy
Calvin Pace will be Arizona's starting strong-side linebacker this season.
He beat out Darryl Blackstock for the gig. Pace shouldn't be a factor in IDP leagues this season unless the Cardinals use a lot of 3-4 fronts. It doesn't seem likely that they will with Chike Okeafor probably done for the year.
Source: Arizona Republic
He beat out Darryl Blackstock for the gig. Pace shouldn't be a factor in IDP leagues this season unless the Cardinals use a lot of 3-4 fronts. It doesn't seem likely that they will with Chike Okeafor probably done for the year.
Source: Arizona Republic
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
Below is the article that Rotoworld used. They seemed to indicate that Arizona would play more 4-3's...but the bolded part suggests otherwise. Link to article
The above tells me they are playing the 3-4, because it says Pace was behind WLB Bert Berry. Berry would only be the WLB in the 3-4.
Qtip Callahan
Footballguy
Am I the only one who sees lots of great value with Berry being listed as a DE but getting quite a few snaps at OLB as well?
NYCGangGreen
Footballguy
Any word on the progression of Togafau???
I know it's a risk, but does he hold any long term value, or is he just a camp body who has played well?
I know it's a risk, but does he hold any long term value, or is he just a camp body who has played well?
from 8/15 http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...-sw-cover_N.htm
"When you have Dockett and Gabe Watson and Alan Branch giving us a pocket-pushing presence inside and have the perimeter presence with Bert … it will give us the ability to put pressure on the quarterback, hopefully, from all angles," Pendergast says.
Dockett will slide from defensive tackle to either end spot on first and second downs when the defense figures to align in a 3-4 base. On third downs, linebacker Gerald Hayes comes out and nickel back Rod Hood replaces him. The Cardinals also have a big nickel package featuring three safeties — Wilson, Holt and Aaron Francisco.
considering HOOD is starting now I am sure that may changes things but i wonder if Rolle will do the same now?
"When you have Dockett and Gabe Watson and Alan Branch giving us a pocket-pushing presence inside and have the perimeter presence with Bert … it will give us the ability to put pressure on the quarterback, hopefully, from all angles," Pendergast says.
Dockett will slide from defensive tackle to either end spot on first and second downs when the defense figures to align in a 3-4 base. On third downs, linebacker Gerald Hayes comes out and nickel back Rod Hood replaces him. The Cardinals also have a big nickel package featuring three safeties — Wilson, Holt and Aaron Francisco.
considering HOOD is starting now I am sure that may changes things but i wonder if Rolle will do the same now?
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Jene Bramel
Footballguy
I haven't seen them play, but those that have are seeing them move back and forth about equally. It'll be interesting to see if there's a run-pass trend.
Tenacious
Footballguy
It's too bad we don't know for sure, Dansby is such an intriguing pick at WLB. I'm in a somewhat shallow league, so hopefully he stays on waivers for the first few weeks.
