The Base Defense Look
If you’re a regular reader of ESNY, you understand this topic has been brought up time and time again.
Although Todd Bowles is a 3-4 defensive mind on paper, he prides himself as a versatile defensive front coordinator. We’ve seen it everywhere he’s gone, especially with the Arizona Cardinals.
Thus, it makes all the sense in the world that the Jets will be playing a ton of 4-3 this season. It makes sense from a Darron Lee perspective (as he’d fit a WILL spot much more efficiently at his size). It also makes sense to fit all three defensive line studs into the base at the same time (Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams).
Last year we saw it frequently in the sub package. Big Mo would slide to the edge and allow Sheldon and Leonard to work the interior. This same concept can be used in a base:
The New York Jets…more of a 4-3 defense now? #NYJ pic.twitter.com/E4983AKmNA
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) June 26, 2016
When a 3-4 is showcased, one of the three is forced to sit out (unless Wilkerson could find a way to play nose tackle).
The logical choice is that Bowles will explore both the 3-4 and 4-3 – as he usually does – but watch out for a standard 4-3 if things work seamlessly in camp.