Who is up to this?
 

I have been in a multiplayer league for a while now and still have very little grasp on how to run a defense. I switched to a 3-4 last year and got murdered, now I am thinking of switching back. Can anyone outline the main attributes you want from each position. For example, do you want to have run stopping DTs? Do you want one DT that is a run stopper and one that is a pass rusher? Do you want a SLB that is strong on the pass rush or run? etc.

Thanks in advance to anyone that takes this task on.

Search for my thread on defense. It gives some general pointers. If you have more specific questions, PM me.

will do, thanks

I found this one, which is nice, is there another?
http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/...ense+warhammer

I am not great at using the search function

That was the one. A few things to keep in mind when determining whether to go with a 4-3 or 3-4:

1) How good are your DTs?

2) How good are your ILBs?

3) Do you have good blitzing OLBs?

I have one all-around badass LDT. We are in FA, so I am looking to trade or get another serviceable DT. The one I have now is low in rush and pass tech., but high in pass rush strength. I then have 1 very good DE and 1 who is pretty good. Both have higher run rankings but the very good one took donw 11.5 sacks in a 3-4 last year and has been 2nd team all league twice.

As for linebackers:
1 MLB - all around a bit above average. Not much pass rushing strength, very good play diagnosis and a big hitter.
1 MLB - a little weaker in run defense than the other MLB, but better pass rusher
1 OLB is an all around stud and the other is developing, but has a really high pass rush strength and is filling out his pass high talent for play diagnosis. Then there is the veteran that is getting pushed out by the aforementioned young guy who is also a good pass rusher, avg. rush. So I guess you could say they are good blitzing OLBs.

Based on what you are telling me, go with a 3-4. Use the weaker MLB as the SILB, and the pass rushing OLB as a WLB (stud should be the SLB). Make sure your rush % is above 90.

ok, thanks for the info. why does the better mlb go to the wilb spot?

My answer would be because the SILB 's taken out of the game when you go to a dime defense...

I see. Something else I did not know - thx

could you give me a quick breakdown of why you turn the run rate up so much? is it because the 3-4 is much more vulnerable to the run than a 4-3?
also, a few more questions-
what is an approximate aggresive pass % to run?
do I choose the blitzing lbs by their blitzing ability or their position?
do I turn blitzing up high or low?

I wasn't turning the run rate up, I turn the RUSH rate up to 90%. This is to ensure that you are sending enough rushers to put pressure on the QB.

The pass/run aggressiveness is dependent upon the team you are playing, the more certain you are of them going with a certain style, increase the aggressiveness. I choose my blitzers first by ability, secondarily by position based upon the weakness of the opposing line. Blitzing should be high, but multiple blitzers is up to you.

I'm assuming by "rush rate" you mean blitzing? Never heard rush rate before.

Ah, gotcha. So when you say rush rate you are refering to blitzing rate.

Yes, sorry working and trying to help at the same time while fighting a cold...

you have been very helpful, thanks

You think that's hard, try walking and chewing gum at the same time

I don't really want to give this one away, but stopping the run is key to success in football. Dump the LBs for some pro-bowl DTs and work from there.

You can make a very good run stopping 3-4 defense. In the Imperial FL, I am in the top 4-5 in fewest yards per carry with 3.57 or something. That is with a 3-4 defense. I only have two studs on the front 7, my NT who is 82/82, and my rookie OLB who is 4?/78. Other than that, it is a matter of plugging pieces in.