Changing from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and vice versa

majesty95

Admin
Staff member
Just a heads up for anyone considering this change this offseason. We want to put some restrictions out there to make sure we are doing this realistically.

You must change your scheme and all associated player schemes (DL and LB) to match what you are switching to. Your playbook must match as well.

Your defensive linemen also must meet realistic minimum weights as to not exploit any mechanic in the game. The requirements are as follows:
  • 4-3 DE (250 pound or more)
  • 4-3 DT (275+)
  • 3-4 DE (285+)
  • 3-4 DT (300+)
These guidelines reflect real world examples. In real life, 4-3 DEs can be smaller and be speed rushers. However, in a 3-4, they must be lane cloggers and run stuffers. Smallish 4-3 DEs would get pummeled facing the constant double teams that 3-4 DE's face. The same with DTs. 4-3 defensive tackles can be balanced against both the run and rushing the passer. 3-4 DT's almost always face a double team and are purely run stuffing, gap cloggers. Size plays a big role in that.

Just wanted to put that out there before we get too deep into the offseason and allow guys to adjust if necessary.

Thanks!

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majesty95

Admin
Staff member
The weight approximations are legit helpful. Hey majesty95 , what do you consider as the weights for the linebackers?

Technically, 3-4 LBs are usually much heavier than 4-3 (250+ vs 230+). However, I didn't want to put restrictions on those yet as most teams won't be able to fill that when switching. I'm also not sure that's as much as an advantage of having a 250 lb DE in a 3-4 is in this game. Small DEs appear to work in the game where they don't in real life. However, at LB, its mostly about the ratings. If you have a 230 lb LB that's got beat ratings, he could probably succeed in either scheme. If not, he's probably not going to fit either way.
 

Glen Cieske

All-Star
Depends on what you want with the player. You can have players that range from 240 to 280.

Attachou is 240
Clay Matthews is 255
Mike Neal is 280

IMO the bigger stronger guys would be your run stoppers and the smaller guys would be the pass rushers
 
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