3-4 in 1: Have the Packers Done the Unimaginable?

This off-season, Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers had the unenviable task of trying to build off of a 6-10 season in which the Packers not only failed to make the playoffs, but also showed a glaring weakness on defense, in the form of one of the league's worst in terms of defending the run. Despite a few bright spots, none the least of which was the play of 3rd year quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a potent Packer offense, the prospect of finding quick, effective solutions to the problems in the Packer's 4-3 defensive scheme seemed quite unrealistic. In the end, the decision was made to completely throw out the 4-3 concept, and adopt an entirely different scheme and mentality, the 3-4 defense. After firing incumbent defensive coordinator Bob Sanders, Ted Thompson and the Packers went out and brought in the best possible person to assist in the transition, Dom Capers. Having Dom Capers, a man with a history of turning mediocre defenses into top 10 contenders, gave the Packers an edge, to be sure, but it was still a lofty goal to teach, install, and effectively execute a 4-3 to 3-4 transition in just one off-season. However, three games into the preseason, Dom Capers and his defense are proving many doubters wrong, and putting the Pack back at the top, for now.

The 3-4 defense is a complex scheme, involving many different personnel groupings and some quite complex blitz schemes. The biggest difference between a 4-3 defense, and a 3-4 defense, is that instead of trying to create pressure using your defensive lineman (of which there are 4, with 3 linebackers), the defense creates pressure using their linebackers (of which there are 4, and 3 defensive lineman). The key to a good 3-4 defense is having athletic, intelligent linebackers who can quickly and correctly identify passing/running plays, blocking schemes, and open gaps, while the defensive line's job basically becomes soaking up the blockers, clearing the way for the blitzing linebackers. The defensive backs need to be able to hold their coverage long enough to allow the linebackers time to get penetration, while still keeping an eye on the backfield, in case of a run. While the Packers already had a young, talented group of linebackers in Nick Barnett, AJ Hawk, and Brady Poppinga, the Packers drafted Clay Matthews, a highly talented linebacker with a family history of turning out high-quality NFL players (including his uncle, hall of famer Bruce Matthews). The decision was also made to move defensive end Aaron Kampman to outside linebacker, allowing him to stand upright, versus having one hand on the ground at the snap. The move, while providing him more vision and flexibility, also required something he had not been accustomed to before, coverage. One of the big question marks for this defense was how he would respond to this change in responsibilities, largely due to his significant impact on their defense the last 3 years.

Although it IS only preseason, the Packer's are showing that the worries and questions surrounding their switch have been unfounded...so far. In three games, the Packers have caused 14 turnovers, and allowed only TEN points in the first half...of all three games! On top of that, their schemes and blitzes have drawn praise from nearly every commentator watching. The quickness of the Packer linebackers has been evident, as opposing offensive coordinators have had their hands full trying to decide where the pressure will be coming from, and designating the blocking assignments in that direction. Desmond Bishop, a 2nd string middle linebacker, led the league coming into the last game with 2 interceptions, from the MLB position! Furthermore in the same game, Charles Woodson proved his integration of the new scheme was right on track, as he forced 3 fumbles, one of which went back for a touchdown in the hands of...you guessed it, Aaron Kampman! Normally, this could be chalked up to being preseason, in which almost no starters stay the full game, however the Packers' starters left the game well ahead of the Cardinals', yet still held the defending NFC champions, an offensive powerhouse, to 10 points in a half of football!

The ruthless efficiency of the defense also extends beyond just defense, as Aaron Rodgers has made surgically efficient use, every time the defense gives them the ball back! After a year in which the Packers were miserable in scoring first-quarter touchdowns, they've outscored their opponent 38-0 in the first quarter so far, again the first quarter being when starters are usually playing! Furthermore, they've outscored them 76-10 in the first HALF in those games! While much of their success can be attributed to the spectacular play of Aaron Rodgers, now in his 4th year with the team and his 2nd starting, you can't help but consider the fact that the Packers have also had the ball an average of 10 minutes longer than their opponents, almost a full quarter! With that kind of clock control, losing becomes quite difficult!

In the end it's still only preseason, however, should the Packers' defense continue it's current trend of forcing, an average of, nearly five turnovers a game, and keeping the high-powered Packer offense in control of the ball, one can only imagine they'll be riding that wave of confidence well into the season. Who knows, perhaps all the way to the Super Bowl!?!

For more information on the Green Bay Packers, and their switch to a 3-4 defense, go to: www.packers.com