Could the Raiders Be Switching to the 3-4?

Could the Raiders Be Switching to the 3-4?

The Oakland Raiders' defense is full of massive defensive linemen and hybrid linebackers.  After years of assembling a mixed bag of talent, Oakland could actually be finally switching to a 3-4.  At least it looks that way.  It all started when the Raiders hired Reggie McKenzie as their General Manager.  He was brought over from Green Bay where he scouted purely 3-4 talent.  It seemed as if he would bring in a coach with knowledge of the 3-4 system.

McKenzie eventually tabbed Dennis Allen as the head coach.  Allen ran a 4-3 defensive as a coordinator for the Broncos and he has worked under coaches like John Fox and Gregg Williams who also have 4-3 backgrounds.   From that perspective it looks as if they will remain with a base 4-3 defense.  

Then we fast forward to Dennis Allen's press conference.  Allen was asked if he was a "4-3 guy."  His response?  I think too much is made out of whether you're a 4-3 or a 3-4... We're going to be multiple that we'll line up."


That was kind of a non-answer.  I give him a pass because he is partly right because good teams should be able to adjust defensive fronts.  Also, he has yet to hire a defensive coordinator.


The first possibility for DC was Kansas City's defensive backs coach Emmitt Thomas.  Allen has partially credited Thomas for his development as a coach.  They were both on the Falcons' staff from 02-05.  Thomas has experience in a 4-3 but currently coaches a team running a 3-4 front.  After being denied to talk to several current coaches, Greg Manusky, who was San Diego's DC last year, surfaced as the most likely candidate.  After interviewing with Oakland, he instead agreed to become coordinator of the Colts.  Allen has now dipped into the college pool of coaches.  He has seemingly targeted Stanford co-defensive coordinator/LB coach Jason Tarver.  Stanford is also primarily a 3-4 defense.


While many coaches have shown the flexibility to coach multiple fronts, some coaches are adamant about a certain defensively philosophy.  I do believe Allen is leaning towards a coordinator with 3-4 experience.  What looks clear is Dennis Allen is intent on being an extremely flexible defense.  He is going to attempt an attacking, aggressive brand of football.