I’m not super new to football, but I didn’t grow up with it. So I’m not super familiar with schemes and playcalling. I have some questions about the defensive scheme run by Eberflus and co. As I understand it this is a 4-3 defensive scheme, where the most important positions are the three technique and the strongside, weakside, and middle linebackers. So that is what Poles tried to acquire in the off season, with Edmunds, Edwards, and Dexter Sr. for example.
However, I’ve sometimes seen this scheme be called outdated or old fashioned. What makes it outdated? I know we used to run this scheme before with some succes, for example in 06, but just because it’s been here a while doesn’t mean it’s outdated. Is a 4-3 not usable anymore in the modern NFL?
And what will happen when Eberflus is sacked, which looks more and more likely by the week. Is it easy to transition to a different scheme or will the defensive roster be stripped down due to scheme fit and will for example Edmunds be shown the door just like with Roquan Smith, because he’s a middle linebacker instead of an off ball inside linebacker?
Is there a defensive scheme that is able to counter current offenses? Maybe some kind of hybrid cover 3. But from my understanding it’s just getting pressure and disguising looks. There’s not one main defense that a DC can rely on to stop an offense all game.