Speed up front and coverage in the middle, the 3-4 Storm defense is geared towards applying pressure to the quarterback as quickly as possible and having linebackers ready to capitalize on any passing errors.

Key archetypes

Speed Rusher, Run Stopper, Pass Coverage, Zone, Run Support

Example teams

Ravens, Seahawks, Vikings, Chargers, Dolphins, Giants

The 3-4 Under adds even more flexibility with linebackers that can line up on the defensive line. Using bigger linebackers, the defense looks to switch the roles play to play to keep the offense off balance.

Key archetypes

Run Stopper, Power Rusher, Field General, Pass Coverage, Man, Hybrid, Run Support

Example teams

Broncos, Lions

A 4-3 Cover 3 defense focuses on forcing methodical offensive drives. Pass rushing upfront, coverage in the middle, and safeties unafraid to play aggresively, this defense will force the offense to sustain their drives with small gains.

Key archetypes

Speed Rusher, Power Rusher, Pass Coverage, Run Stopper, Zone, Hybrid

Example teams

Texans, Commanders, 49ers, Jets, Packers

Quarters, also known as Cover 4, is a scheme that puts four defenders deep, but allows for opportunities to split the field in man and zone coverage. As such, 4-3 Quarters is a good match against versatile offenses like Spreads.

Key archetypes

Run Stopper, Speed Rusher, Power Rusher, Pass Coverage, Zone, Hybrid

Example teams

None

The 4-3 Under defensive scheme allows for more flexibility than the base 4-3, as it can change to a 3-4 or 5-2. It requires solid fill in players at both the DL and LB positions to be used at full potential.

Key archetypes

Speed Rusher, Power Rusher, Run Stopper, Field General, Man, Zone

Example teams

Jaguars

The 46 Defense features 8 players in the box, and a weak side defensive line shift. Designed to confuse blocking assignments and bring heavy blitzes to outman and overwhelm offenses.

Key archetypes

Run Stopper, Power Rusher, Man, Run Support, Hybrid

Example teams

None

The base 3-4 defense utilizes bigger DL to eat up blockers, allowing four LBs to attack from multiple angles. The 3-4 excels at generating pressure with clever blitzes and is a solid defense against running plays.

Key archetypes

Power Rusher, Run Stopper, Field General, Pass Coverage, Man, Zone, Run Support

Example teams

Rams, Saints, Steelers, Cardinals, Eagles, Falcons, Patriots

The 4-3 defensive scheme is a defensive formation with 4 defensive linemen and 3 linebackers, ideal for generating a pass rush with minimal blitzing, allowing for 7 defenders to drop into coverage.

Key archetypes

Power Rusher, Speed Rusher, Run Stopper, Field General, Pass Coverage, Man, Zone, Run Support

Example teams

Bears, Bengals, Bills, Browns, Chiefs, Colts, Cowboys, Panthers

As offensive production is at an all-time high, defenses need to be unpredictable to succeed. This defense draws strength from the flexibility of its symmetrical lineup, and it shines with disguise concepts and malleable fronts.

Key archetypes

Power Rusher, Run Stopper, Pass Coverage, Man, Hybrid

Example teams

Titans, Buccaneers, Raiders

The Tampa 2 formation is similar to the base 4-3, as the defensive line is expected to pressure the QB without help from blitzes. The Tampa 2 is a unique for often having the MLB responsible for covering the deep middle.

Key archetypes

Power Rusher, Speed Rusher, Pass Coverage, Zone

Example teams

None