In the 4-3 under, the Sam or strong-side linebacker plays close to the line of scrimmage just outside the tight end. Frequently, the linebackers in a 4-3 are designated Mike for middle, Will for weak side, and Sam for strong side. Moving back to the the next level, the linebackers also play differently in a 4-3 under compared to a traditional 4-3. Similar to the 1-tech, this player has to be stout at the point of attack and strong against the run due to his two gap responsibility. Finally, the 5-tech position is responsible for the B and C gaps. Generally, the 1-tech is a large run stopping defensive tackle who is focused on occupying blockers and holding his ground. Next to the 3-tech is the 1-tech defensive tackle, who has two gap responsibility with the A gaps. Next to the LEO is the 3-tech defensive tackle, who is also more of an explosive pass rusher that is focused on getting up the field and providing pressure in the face of the quarterback. Generally, this makes the LEO end a pass rush specialist who is completely focused on getting to the quarterback in passing situations. Okay, so now that we have a little more clarity about the different gaps, let’s see exactly what gaps the defensive linemen are responsible for in the 4-3 under.Įssentially, the 4-3 under is focused on providing the “LEO” end with a one on one matchup against the left tackle. If you aren’t familiar with gaps in football, no worries, the picture below will show you the different gaps: Running the 4-3 under essentially gives the defensive linemen different gap responsibilities. Notice how Seattle’s defensive line is slightly shaded to the left in the picture, placing one defensive end on the outside shoulder of the left tackle #69. Greg Olsen, Carolina’s starting tight end, is lined up on the right side of the offensive line, thus making the right side the “strong” side. It gets complicated here, so lets look at a picture below before discussing anymore: The weak side of the offense is the side of the line with no tight end. In this case, the 4-3 under is shaded to the weak side of the offense. Essentially, the “under” concept is referring to the side of the field to which the defensive line is shaded. The current Seattle Seahawks defense plays a version of the 4-3 called the 4-3 under. A 3-4 is simply the opposite, with three defensive linemen and four linebackers. For those who don’t understand these frequently used concepts, a 4-3 is defined as having four defensive linemen and three linebackers on the field. Generally, the base is either a 4-3 or a 3-4 in modern football. There are so many different variations of defenses a team can play.
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