Switching To 4-3 Defense Would Do Wonders for Browns, Holmgren

Sorry Rob Ryan, your job is also in jeopardy.

The incoming Mike Holmgren may want a 4-3 defense, you run a 3-4, and the two of you have no connections.

I recently wrote an article about why the Browns should switch to the 3-4. After the way the season has gone, I believe it is now a necessity. Here's the link.

The Browns currently run the 3-4, which is versatile due to having more linebackers than defensive lineman. The only problem is, the Browns have the players that fit the 4-3.

The two players that would benefit the most from the switch are Kamerion Wimbley and Corey Williams.

Wimbley, the best pass-rusher on the team currently has 6.5 sacks in the season. Imagine if he rushed the passer every down. He is a defensive end at heart and should be lining up in a three-point stance.

Williams, who played a lot better as a DT for the Green Bay Packers than he has as a DE for the Browns, would also improve. He fell off the face of the earth when he entered the Browns 3-4.

So without question, two players improve obviously. Others would improve as well.

D'Qwell Jackson, for instance, is an undersized linebacker but he is a tackling machine. If the four lineman in front of him don't get the tackle, he will. He is quick enough to drop into coverage so his versatile play makes him perfect for the 4-3.

The same goes for Kaluka Miaiva. He can make a tackle and drop into coverage when needed. He would be the perfect backup for Jackson.

Eric Barton is also a tackling machine like Jackson. He is a veteran and would fall in wherever needed.

Now, if you don't know who Matt Roth is, check the stat sheet. In four games with the Browns, he has 2.5 sacks. The man can get a sack and would benefit from blitzing every down.

And don't forget Ahtyba Rubin. Since Roger's season-ending injury, the man has stepped in and proved he can stop the run. Lining him and Rogers in the middle of the line could be dangerous for opposing teams.

All in all, every player in the front seven improves. It's a no brainer in my eyes and Holmgren would be smart to make the transition.

If he made the move, I personally believe the Browns defense would at least rank in the top 12 in the league, if they improve at safety.

Which leads me to my next point. I recently wrote another article about why the Browns should consider trading down for picks so they can draft USC safety Taylor Mays. Here is the link.

If Cleveland transitioned to a 4-3, they might as well call it a 4-4 because Mays is as big as and hits like a linebacker, but has cornerback speed as well.

In my article about Mays, a very respectable member of B/R Daniel Wolf defended safety Abram Elam in a comment. Even Elam would fit better in the 4-3.

The man is more of a tackling and blitzing safety than a ball hawk. He has a sack on the season and he got that against Minnesota in Week One. When he blitzed, he got to Brett Favre quickly.

These players in a 4-3 would be a smashmouth defense, tackling anything in sight and constantly pressuring the quarterback. Get Eric Wright a corner who can keep up and the defense could run as smooth as the Browns want it to.

DE: Kamerion Wimbley, David Bowens
DT: Ahtyba Rubin, Cprey Williams, CJ Mosley
DT: Sean Rogers, Kenyon Coleman, Robaire Smith
DE: Matt Roth, David Veikune
OLB: D'Qwell Jackson
ILB: Eric Barton
OLB: Kaluka Miaiva, Blake Costanzo
CB: Eric Wright, Coye Francies
CB: Brandon McDonald, Hank Poteat
FS: Taylor Mays, Brodney Pool
SS: Abram Elam, Mike Adams

It looks like, with the right coaching, the Browns have a good defense ahead of them. A great mix of youth, experience, play makers, and sure tacklers. Stopping the run and rushing the QB are priorities and this defense I propose is very capable of doing that.