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Replies: 11
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Letterman [167]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Defense to a 4-3
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Sep 25, 2025, 9:57 AM
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Seems like a lot of the defensive problems started with the 4-2-5 defense became so popular. The extra linebacker playing close to the edge could help seal the ends. I know then they would pass more, but a little more of a change time to time during the game could help. Force teams to be one-dimensional. Right now they are killing us passing and running. Just a thought.
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TigerNet HOFer [124262]
TigerPulse: 100%
66
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Joined: 2006
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Re: Defense to a 4-3
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Sep 25, 2025, 10:19 AM
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A Quick Note on Personnel
Venables spends most of his time with three “linebackers” on the field. I put the term in quotations because both his Sam and Will linebackers (Apex players) are typically about the size of his strong safety. (About 6’1” and 220 pounds.) That description makes it sound like Venables base personnel is really a nickel or dime by other name. But Venables’ terminology does not reflect that. Even more confusing, Venables has a designated nickel player he can trot out in passing situations (often a starting defensive back). So … yes, the Sam and Will are called linebackers, but are closer in physical profile to that of a defensive back.
Why am I mentioning this? Two reasons.
First, Venables spends a lot of time switching whether a certain defensive back or linebacker will be stepping up to fill a certain gap. And that may initially seem like a bad trade on paper. But on the field – since the Sam, Will, and many of his safeties are about the same size – it’s a different story. So as you’re going through the article, keep that in mind, as many of his run fit assignments look quite different on the field than in the diagrams.
Second, I think Venables personnel approach is part of a larger trend for defenses to run what I call a quasi-dime. A quasi-dime ostensibly uses a 4-3 or 4-2-5 framework, but employs smaller, faster Apex players closer in profile to defensive backs, and larger safeties to help fill against the run. This allows the Apex players and safeties to become more interchangeable, and therefore better able to adjust to spread offense tactics. Just something to look out for. With that little note, let’s dive in.
https://throwdeeppublishing.com/blogs/news/clemson-s-brent-venables-base-defense?srsltid=AfmBOorYtwa1rSkjUkKhC205dveTHKgnmxpKaWsG7pCTiBqhzu6_CkXe
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All-In [11088]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Defense to a 4-3
Sep 25, 2025, 11:48 AM
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Really clear and insightful breakdown. I like how you explained the difference between what the positions are called and how they actually play on the field. The “quasi-dime” idea especially makes a lot of sense and adds a lot of clarity. This kind of detail makes it easy to follow along and see the bigger picture.
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Starter [257]
TigerPulse: 77%
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I agree, we need another LB type much more often, especially given that
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Sep 25, 2025, 11:01 AM
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Woodaz is really an outside LB being forced to play more inside where he is less effective.
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National Champion [7191]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I agree, we need another LB type much more often, especially given that
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Sep 25, 2025, 11:26 AM
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Woodaz was keying on the Syracuse left guard. When the guard pulled, Woodaz came inside to the A-gap for what looked like the way to stuff the dive play or the backside of the power play - but the RB bounced outside on what looked similar to a counter play and ran right into the backside gap that Woodaz had vacated.
I'm not sure, but I think that has maybe been an Achilles Heel for us all season so far. Inside LBs tend to get sucked inside and the play goes around the non-existent edge.
Maybe we need to slow down on the initial read and be more certain of where the point of attack will be before the LBs commit to a mirage.
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National Champion [7191]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I agree, we need another LB type much more often, especially given that
Sep 25, 2025, 11:29 AM
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Inside LBs tend to get sucked inside
Meant Outside LBs tend to get sucked inside......
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Game Changer [2040]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I agree, we need another LB type much more often, especially given that
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Sep 25, 2025, 12:24 PM
[ in reply to Re: I agree, we need another LB type much more often, especially given that ] |
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Problem is you hesitate your gap fits then you give the Oline time to get on you like Woodaz did on one of Syracuse long runs last week. Oline ate him up 1 1/2 yards up field and Woodaz just let him and acted like he was playing touch football. I hate to say it, but Woodaz is a big liability right now.
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National Champion [7191]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I agree, we need another LB type much more often, especially given that
Sep 25, 2025, 3:58 PM
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Well, I guess that's an argument for more 4-3 to have an extra LB to protect the backside on guard pulls, but then it requires an extremely good secondary or versatile LB to cover the slot.
MAybe what we really need is for the LBs to be much faster.
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Campus Hero [13778]
TigerPulse: 100%
48
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Joined: 2006
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Re: I agree, we need another LB type much more often, especially given that
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Sep 25, 2025, 3:45 PM
[ in reply to Re: I agree, we need another LB type much more often, especially given that ] |
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I really like Woodaz, but think he is now a case of not being developed to his potential. I thought he was pretty good last year, but does not seemed to have improved one iota from last year. I keep going back to what Andrew Mukuba said when he transferred ........ maybe was right on point about non-development.
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Campus Hero [13778]
TigerPulse: 100%
48
Posts: 10965
Joined: 2006
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Re: Defense to a 4-3
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Sep 25, 2025, 11:04 AM
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Agree totally. I think it would really help protecting out edges, which are now as bad as last year.
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Letterman [167]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Defense to a 4-3
Sep 25, 2025, 11:39 AM
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Yeah, they have had Misun Kelly playing the "Tiger" position, but he is only 5'-9" 190lbs. That Alexander seems a better fit, and plays hard when in the lineup.
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Head Coach [946]
TigerPulse: 98%
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Re: Defense to a 4-3
Sep 25, 2025, 6:24 PM
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Would probably work better but not with the current roster. Don't have a legitimate 3r linebacker at the moment. Maybe if the transfer portal could offer some but back to the same ol same ol. "If Dabo expands his use of the portal"
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