I’ve been mulling this post over since the original article was posted a few days ago. I’m just not sure what to think of the proposed defensive line formation changes :
"Stepping in behind Kris is a whole different deal. He's the best in the league at what he does, there's no doubt about it," Lewis said. "The one thing I bring is quickness and speed and I think we're moving in that direction with our defense. We'll have Maake playing more over the nose and I will be in ‘three technique' where I can get upfield and be more of a penetrator." Basically what that means is Kemoeatu, who weighs in at about 340 pounds, will be playing on the out-side edge of the center and taking up double teams.
Lewis will play on the outside edge of the guard, penetrate the B-gap and get upfield to disrupt plays. Lewis led the team in sacks last season with three.
If this is meant to be an occasional gimmick formation intended for certain situations (passing downs?) then I’m ok with it. If it’s an every down formation then I think it may pose problems. In a 4-3 both DE’s need to play to the outside shoulder of the tackle or you are just going to give up the corner via the stretch or counter run. If the DT’s are shifting half a step to the left side (to their right) as indicated in the post above it sure seems to leave a gap between the offensive right guard and tackle. I can see teams running right at that hole with a FB to hit the MLB. That’s just my initial impression but I would have to see it in play to give a complete opinion.