Category: Defense
Type: Formation
3-4
The 3-4 is designed to stop the short passing, ball control type offense. Naturally less than ideal against the run due to only 3 down linemen, this defense offers an extra defensive back for pass coverage.
Consisting of a nose guard and two other down linemen, the coach has the task of deciding who the outside two linemen are--DEs or DTs. Often one of the LBs has zone pass coverage responsibilities in effect employing 5 defensive backs. This is why the 3-4 is often referred to as the "nickel" defense. Having 5 DBs allows for random blitzing by one or more of these backs in order to maintain a sufficient pass rush. The 3-4 is susceptible to the inside run and is used primarily is situations where an interior run is not expected.
Submitted by: Coach Hutchison
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