You know, this reminds me of something I was wondering when I was watching the Bolts/Colts game. Rivera's a 4-3 guy, but isn't SD a 3-4 defense?

Maybe it's not that hard to master both formations? I don't know, I'm just spit-balling.

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You're response was attempting to contradict my opinion that he nor Crennel will come to GB uner McCarthy with stating that Nolan has went on record of saying he wants to HC or DC again. That is not relevant to my post is what I am telling you. :)

I'm sure Crennel wants to HC or DC again as well, that doesn't mean he nor Nolan want to be in GB under McCarthy though, which is what my comment was! :)


I think we have a decent core defensive roster for a 4 - 3 and the personnel changes that would entail a switch to 3 - 4 I don't feel could be done in one off season and I know we are young, but I don't see the Packers trying to essentially 'start over' on defense with two aging CB's.

I don't know wall that is required for a switch to a 3 - 4 nor do I know of any teams who have successfully done it in one off season. Who knows? Maybe our LB core is more suited for that scheme? The 4 - 3 didn't do us much good this year, except in the INT stat line.


The guy I'd like to see here is someone like Rod Marinelli. Yes, 0 - 16, but you can not deny that he had his team fighting to the last minute and in quite a few of those games. Also, I can't fault him for having a subpar defense with the players Matt Millen selected. I mean, you can't put WR's on defense every year.

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Didn't the Cowboys make a similar switch somewhat-recently?

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If I'm not mistaken, Rivera is from the Joe Johnson coaching tree, meaning he learned the 4-3 as the Eagles currently use it.

He's been with the Chargers for a couple of years now, meaning he probably got a crash course on 3-4 last year.

The interesting comparison is the LB play. River was coaching LBs prior to being promoted to DC for the Chargers, and in Johnson's system the LB play is hard, aggressive, and attacking the LOS.

I'm guessing those principles apply to the 3-4 LB play as well, so Rivera was well suited to make the transition from being a 4-3 guy to a 3-4 guy, as long as the assistants around him were well versed in 3-4, allowing Rivera support in development of scheme and players.

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Very interesting - good to know, thanks. Makes me wonder if fixating on the scheme a coach is currently running is a bit of a mistake. Perhaps, depending on the coach and their experience, 4-3 versus 3-4 isn't that big a deal?

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I believe two years ago they switched to it, I am not positive though.

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not that this report was highly contested, but the news is up on packers.com

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I think Mike Nolan is a class act guy and I don't think working under someone who he used to be the boss for would bother him. I think that's what you were getting at correct?

My concern is the same as yours. We just don't have the players to run a 3-4 and it would under utilize Aaron Kampman to great extent that he wouldn't be worth a long term deal any more. Not until one year in the scheme to see how he adjusts.

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Packnic's Favorite Coaching Candidates for the recently opened Defensive Coordinator spot. not necessarily in order.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/37094594.html 

My main thinking here is, CONSTANT PRODUCTION. You will be hard pressed to go back and find a game where the Steeler defense and especially the linebacker group didnt come to play.

2. Mike Nolan (HC/SF) - While he obviously wasnt the most productive coach in 49er history, I did enjoy his demeanor on the sideline and a good working relationship with Mike McCarthy is never a bad thing. His defense's were pretty good in San Fran despite a dreadfully bad amount of time spent on the field due to a terrible offense.

both of those are probable switches to 3-4, but i am honesltly not calling for that. I would be very ok with a 3-4 base, 4-3 hybrid style. In a solid run game division, I think a 4-3 is going to be the most effective, so i dont htink you can completely sell out the 4-3. Something adaptable is key for me though.

3. Sean McDermott (DB/Phily) - Productive, Young, Versatile, Jim Johnson. 4 great things to have associated with your name when your a DC candidate. Really i think this would be a significant move. We stay in the base 4-3 and gain a bright football mind who has spent the last 10 years watching Jim Johnson consistently get pressure on opponents. I think with our current personell, this would be the least shock, coupled with the most production.

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Sean McDermott I was reading up on this guy. He's learned from Jim Johnson for like 10 years. If you want our guys to blitz more he might be the guy to have.

Mike Nolan I think he could be a good DC. He ran both 3-4 and 4-3 in San Fran.

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