Philadelphia Eagles going 3-4 more often in 2014
By Brian Miller
The Philadelphia Eagles are boasting more talent at the linebacker and defensive back positions and as a result they are hoping to boast more 3-4 defensive schemes than 2013’s hybrid fronts that featured a mix of 3-4 with 4-3. This according to NFL Networks Albert Breer.
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Breer announced on Twitter that the team is working to become a full-time 3-4 defense this year.The Eagles were not a very good football team defensively in 2013 despite making the playoffs.
3) Buoyed with more depth at OLB and DB, the Eagles should be in a 3-4 on a more full-time basis in 2014. They ran a hybrid last year.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 29, 2014
Last season the Eagles finished 29th overall in team defense using the mix of 3-4/4-3 schemes so it’s no coincidence that the team is hoping the full time swing will increase their defensive production. The Eagles were involved in a hot rumor prior to this years draft in May. Needing an upgrade on the outside, Chip Kelly was rumored to be working out a trade for the Miami Dolphins Dion Jordan whom he had coached at Oregon. That trade never materialized so the Eagles selected outside linebacker Marcus Smith with their first round pick.
The Louisville product can play both defensive end and outside linebacker but is better suited to the 3-4 linebacker position. In 2013, Smith won the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year starting 13 games for Louisville.
With added depth at linebacker and additions to the secondary that include rookie 4th round selection Jaylen Watkins of Florida, the Eagles are expecting to improve on their poor stats of a year ago.