Kansas City Chiefs: How transition to 4-3 affects future of Chiefs defense
4-3 defensive scheme weaknesses
Good quarterbacks have an easier time dissecting a 4-3 because of its “conservative” approach. It’s easier for them to find defensive assignments and create the mismatches they want.
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It’s also a tad bit tougher for defensive coordinators to disguise where they’re blitzing and bringing the pressure from. This also means that that the defense is forced to play more sub-packages (nickle, dime) on passing situations in the 4-3 scheme, but the majority of teams are in those packages a high percentage of the time anyway in today’s NFL.
Just like the 3-4, this scheme needs its own particular players in order for it to be run at a high level. Arguably the most important position for this scheme is middle linebacker. The perfect example of this is Bobby Wagner in Seattle. He’s anchored the Seahawks defense for a long time now and is still doing so at a high level.
The Chiefs need to make it a priority this offseason to find a stud middle linebacker. Anthony Hitchens comes from a 4-3 scheme in Dallas, but he was asked to play more in space towards the outside. The Chiefs need to find their guy that can move and tackle and when or if they do, you will see a major change right away.