3-4 Normal
Three defensive
linemen, four
linebackers, and four
defensive backs.
CB Swap, Safety
Swap, Coverage
Flip, OLB Flip, MLB
Flip, DE Flip, Dline
Sub
A balanced run and
pass defense.
Defends outside runs
and flat passes.
Softer pass rush, though
more blitz variation with
extra linebackers.
Vulnerable to multiple
receiver sets.
3-4 Over, Under
Three defensive
linemen, four
linebackers, and four
defensive backs. An
outside linebacker
tightens up the edge of
the line (Over and
Under refers to
different sides of the
line).
CB Swap, Safety
Swap, Coverage
Flip, OLB Flip, MLB
Flip, DE Flip, Dline
Sub
Increased pass rush
with linebacker at the
line.
Fewer linebackers defending
the short passes. Vulnerable
to multiple receiver sets.
3-4 Solid
Three defensive
linemen, four
linebackers, and four
defensive backs. Both
outside linebackers
crowd the line.
CB Swap, Safety
Swap, Coverage
Flip, OLB Flip, MLB
Flip, DE Flip, Dline
Sub
Increased pass rush
opportunities and
disguised blitzing.
Stuff the run with
increased penetration.
Vulnerable to quick passes if
outside linebackers blitz.
Avoid against multiple
receiver sets.
3-4 Even
Three defensive
linemen, four
linebackers, and four
defensive backs.
Outside linebackers
crowd the line and
middle linebackers
tighten up.
CB Swap, Safety
Swap, Coverage
Flip, OLB Flip, MLB
Flip, DE Flip, SS at
LB
Balanced run
stoppage for inside
and outside runs.
Tighter formation could be
vulnerable to the pass.
3-4 Stack
Three defensive
linemen, four
linebackers, and four
defensive backs.
Resembles a 4-3 in
alignment.
CB Swap, Safety
Swap, Coverage
Flip, OLB Flip, MLB
Flip, DE Flip, Dline
Sub
A 4-3 look for your
excellent linebackers.
Variation in pass
rushing for fast
outside linebackers.
Avoid using against heavy
passing situations.
46 Normal
Four defensive
linemen, three
linebackers, four
defensive backs but
shifts one safety up to
the linebacker position
leaving one safety
deep.
Speed, OLB Swap
Similar to 4-3 but
safety provides extra
run stopping support.
Pressuring defense.
Vulnerable to deep passes
with just one safety back.
Avoid using against heavy
passing situations and
multiple receiver sets.
46 Bear
Six defensive linemen
(some are linebackers
on the line), one
linebacker, three
defensive backs with
one safety playing in a
linebacker spot leaving
one deep safety.
46 Swap, LB/DE
Swap, LB Coverage
Combines the 46
Normal and 4-3 Over
defenses. Increased
pressure along the
line for stronger run
defense and pressure.
Weak pass defense. Avoid
using against multiple
receiver sets.
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