Five reasons New York Jets should go to a 4-3 base defense
By Nolan Rich
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Lacking a true nose tackle
Last season showed the impact that Damon “Snacks” Harrison brought at the nose tackle position. In 2015 the Jets defense was second in the NFL in rushing yards allowed, but in 2016 the unit fell to eleventh in this category. Damon Harrison has established himself as the best run-stopping defensive tackle in the NFL, and his absence has left a gaping hole in the Jets defense.
Steven McLendon only started ten games at nose tackle in 2016 and will be 31-years-old next season. Deon Simon, who played well down the stretch, hasn’t given the Jets enough results to be considered a 16 game starter at the position.
With the 4-3, not only will New York be able to alternate their big three between the defensive tackle positions, but it will allow McLendon and Simon two big advantages. First, fewer double teams that come with playing the nose and second, it will allow them to alternate more frequently in and out and get more rest.
With the nose tackle considered the anchor in a 3-4 defense, the fact that New York doesn’t have an anchor in their current defense makes it another compelling reason to move on from that scheme.