re: Falcons: NFL Draft Thread

The 43 under is not a typical 43 defense. It is pretty much a hybrid 34.

-The left end plays the 5 technique, just like a end in the 34 defense. This is where Tyson Jackson made all his money in Kansas City.

-You then have the 1 tech, which is basically a 34 NT, and hey, thats exactly what Soliai is, and hopefully Dan Quinn wont play him wrong, like Nolan did.

-Next is the 3 tech. Ive read that it is the most important position on the field, because this player must get pressure on the guard for the defense to work. This is the spot that Brandon Mebane has dominated for the past half decade.

-The right end is called the LEO. He is a hybrid. He will play with his hand in the dirt at the 9 tech, or he will stand up and rush, like a 34 OLB. Atlanta has none, and one is needed.

-We can get to the SAM backer next. This is a hybrid type of role as well. He is known as the left standing pass rusher, but he also needs to be able to drop in coverage. This is the reason that Bruce Irvin has not really succeeded in Seattle. He is awful in coverage.

-The WILL backer can honestly be the weakest link in this defense. Since the formation is mostly a 52, he needs to be able to be a sure tackler, but his wont have to be in coverage as much as a SAM.

-I believe that the MIKE is the second most important position of this defense. He is the last line of defense. He has to diagnose, and hit holes quickly, because if he doesnt, then big gains will be found in the running game. Also, the SAM will rusht the passer a lot, and the MIKE must be able to cover the tight end, or other backs coming out.

Bottom line, the 43 Under is basically a 52 defense with some variations. We must have LBs that can cover, because our corners will be on islands for the most part. There will be a safety over the top, but the middle of the field could potentially be open.