Advertisement
U.S. markets closed
  • S&P 500

    5,254.35
    +5.86 (+0.11%)
     
  • Dow 30

    39,807.37
    +47.29 (+0.12%)
     
  • Nasdaq

    16,379.46
    -20.06 (-0.12%)
     
  • Russell 2000

    2,124.55
    +10.20 (+0.48%)
     
  • Crude Oil

    83.11
    -0.06 (-0.07%)
     
  • Gold

    2,254.80
    +16.40 (+0.73%)
     
  • Silver

    25.10
    +0.18 (+0.74%)
     
  • EUR/USD

    1.0793
    -0.0036 (-0.33%)
     
  • 10-Yr Bond

    4.2060
    +0.0100 (+0.24%)
     
  • GBP/USD

    1.2627
    -0.0011 (-0.09%)
     
  • USD/JPY

    151.4300
    +0.1840 (+0.12%)
     
  • Bitcoin USD

    70,922.04
    +1,749.13 (+2.53%)
     
  • CMC Crypto 200

    885.54
    0.00 (0.00%)
     
  • FTSE 100

    7,952.62
    +20.64 (+0.26%)
     
  • Nikkei 225

    40,168.07
    -594.66 (-1.46%)
     

How the Raiders Could Use Pagano’s Variation of the 3-4

Could the Raiders defensive alignment actually use multiple fronts this season? If John Pagano, a 3-4 proponent and pupil of Wade Phillips has a vote, the answer is yes. We all remember how Jason Tarver’s attempt at a hybrid defense played out. This time, Pagano brings success to Oakland, not just theories and ” what-ifs”.

Oakland deployed a 4-3 “under” scheme as its primary base alignment though the first portion of the season. The “under” concept featured linebacker Bruce Irvin line up in a two-point stance next to a five-technique defensive end. Accordingly, the pair were the bulk of the Raiders’ pass rush. It’s an alignment both Irvin and DC Ken Norton Jr. are familiar with during their Seattle Seahawks days. But, a film study by Rotoworld.com’s Eric Breeze produced something fascinating: In Weeks 11-14, the Raiders base alignment was the 3-4. And Khalil Mack shifted from DE to outside linebacker. Breeze found Mack played 84 percent of snaps as an OLB in eight games post-bye.

“An eye-popping stat is that in Week 5, the 4-3 Oakland defense surrendered 423 yards at home to the Chargers, yet completely dominated Philip Rivers in a Week 15 matchup in San Diego while playing 3-4, allowing a season-low 262 yards,” Breeze noted.

Pagano will have input on scheme specifics. In turn, this could help HC Jack Del Rio and Norton Jr. with designing a productive defense. Additionally, Pagano most surely saw what the Raiders did to the Chargers offense in the 3-4 alignment. His presence helps Norton learn the Xs and Os of a new scheme.

Under this alignment, the Raiders could potentially disguise the front and set up mismatches. As a result, this unit will generate pressure. Mack transitions smoothly from defensive end to linebacker. Under those circumstances, Mack and Irvin will benefit from these wrinkles. People praise OL coach Mike Tice for his work with the line. Pagano is equally adept at getting the most out of linebackers. Anything is an upgrade from a unit that produced 25 sacks.

The post How the Raiders Could Use Pagano’s Variation of the 3-4 appeared first on Cover32.

Advertisement