A base 3-4 defense in football is a defensive scheme that features three down linemen, and four linebackers. The three down linemen consist of two defensive ends and one nose tackle. It became popularized in the 1970s and 1980s and has carried over for years with success.Â
Personnel is key into which scheme is used throughout a given season. While it’s still used today, the direct distinction of the base 3-4 defense varies and is less important than it was back then. Bettors had a much clearer understanding of what to expect, unlike today where there are so many variances leaving many to look to crash slot real money games at the casino instead. Nevertheless, the base defense lives and there are quite a few teams still in use of it whether it’s direct or not.
Teams That Run a 3-4 Defense
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Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams won their division with a record of 10-7 and took the Philadelphia Eagles to the limit in the playoffs. Part of that reason was because of first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula. He’s a versatile coordinator, playing a 3-4 defense but also changes it up when called for. The defense showed improvement throughout the season and brought out two young talents of the future in Braden Fiske and Jared Verse. The Rams defense is expected to take another step in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jesse Minter’s defense for the Los Angeles Chargers is also known for the versatility of schemes but mixed in there is a 3-4 defense that has worked well for the Chargers. They ranked first in points allowed per game (17.7) and red zone defense while ranking in the top half in total defense. Minter runs an overall well-rounded defense in Los Angeles. FA veteran Khalil Mack re-signed with the team, but clearly that ship is about to sail on the former Chicago Bears all-time great.
Seattle Seahawks
There’s a lot of improvement to be had with the Seattle Seahawks defense and defensive coordinator Clint Hurrt is expected to transform it. He is known for running a 3-4 defense and has had a lot of knowledge of the scheme through past experiences.
Philadelphia Eagles
Vic Fangio has a long history of running the 3-4 base scheme and it’s no different in Philadelphia. Since he’s brought it to the Eagles, the defense has thrived and has become the identity of the team. This defense has talent all over the field in all positions whether it’s Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter up front, Zach Baun at linebacker, or Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell at the back end. They combined for the best total defense in the league in 2024. The versatility of this team sets up for the 3-4 defense to succeed.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals were at the bottom half of the league when it came to total defense but when sporting a 3-4 defense, they had one of the best run games in the league. According to Pro Football Focus, they were tied for second in the NFL with a 78.0 run-defense grade in 2024. With the moves that the Cardinals have made this off-season, the 3-4 scheme fits perfectly for what this defense could look like for 2025, especially up front.
New Orleans Saints
According to reports, the New Orleans Saints will switch to more of a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Brandon Staley. He studied it from Fangio in both their times in Chicago and Denver and will look to apply it with the Saints. The team is looking to change course and find out what works on defense and having a base of 3-4 will definitely look a little different to some players but there’s optimism surrounding the decision.
New England Patriots
Head coach Mike Vrable said that the New England Patriots would be running a 3-4 base defense in his first season at the helm. That scheme was run by former head coach Bill Belichick in his early years, even when Vrabel was a player. Now he carries it over as a coach in New England. While Vrabel said the variations of defense are different now, implementing the 3-4 defense will be interesting yet again for the Patriots.
Baltimore Ravens
Defense has been the name of the game for the Baltimore Ravens for years and with the talent heading into this year, it’ll be no different. The Ravens had the number one rush defense last season under defensive coordinator Zach Orr. At the same time, they also had one of the worst passing defenses in the league. With the talent they added on the backend, the pass defense is primed to get better and excel with the run defense in an all-around aggressive 3-4 scheme.
Minnesota Vikings
Scoring defense and rushing defense for the Minnesota Vikings was the strong suit in 2024. Brian Flores was the perfect hire on defense for Minnesota. The way he runs his 3-4 base scheme makes him one of the best minds on that side of the ball. Flores likes to run multiple looks throughout his 3-4 defense and it’s accompanied by a blitz-heavy style.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins operate out of a 3-4 defensive scheme, which has found them success with the front seven they have. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver utilizes his versatile players in multiple spots. The Dolphins have the speed and can create the pressure necessary to have success in this defensive scheme. Because of that, they finished top five in total defense in 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Head coach Todd Bowles loves a 3-4 base defense and as long as he’s the head coach, it’ll continue. It shows with the Buccaneers’ run defense and sacks, ranking towards the top of the league in both categories. Bowles uses his defensive scheme to send pressure and utilize the blitz effectively.
Tennessee Titans
Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson was high on a lot of teams’ list when he was available but the Tennessee Titans scooped him up and it proved to be the right choice. He implicated a base 3-4 defense that saw the Titans finish second in pass defense and total defense. Tennessee has some pieces up front but to get the scheme fully where it needs to be, they need some more help and they might’ve gotten it in free agency and the draft.
Carolina Panthers
With quarterback Bryce Young coming alive last season, the Carolina Panthers are hoping they can turn things around as a team. First things first, they have to fix the defense. They ranked last in rushing defense, scoring defense, and total defense. It’s been awful for Carolina but they’ve brought in some reinforcements that they hope can help. With the players they’ve picked up, playing a 3-4 base should make the Panthers a better unit as a whole, especially on the defensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to a 3-4 base defense for a long time and it hasn’t changed. It’s what has found them success for years. It all starts with none other than T.J. Watt, who’s as dominant as they come. He’s the disrupter that helps every level of the defense thrive. The Steelers know how to run a defense and until that changes, don’t expect their scheme to. Cam Heyward, who recently made a Quarter-Century Team, is the real anchor up the gut.
Denver Broncos
The personnel the Denver Broncos have is what makes a 3-4 base defense work. They have talent all around that made them a top-10 defense in 2024 and it could be even better this upcoming season. The Broncos led the lead in sacks with 63, nine more than the next-best team. Denver has a great tandem up front and that allows the linebackers to pounce. Then they have 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain in the secondary. All of that is what makes the 3-4 defense work for the Broncos, along with versatility.Â
New York Giants
Dexter Lawrence is one of the best if not the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. The New York Giants base 3-4 defense starts with him. The Giants finished 10th in sacks last season and have the ability to get better across the board up front. They also had a top-10 passing defense. The Giants have depth and the ability to put together a better overall defense in a 3-4 base.
