KC Chiefs Sticking With The 3-4 Defense

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs will continue to run the 3-4 defense, according to new head coach Andy Reid.

This has been a big question from fans who are well aware that Reid’s Philadelphia Eagles ran the 4-3 defense. But Reid says the Chiefs are already invested in the 3-4.

“There’s been time invested in the 3-4 here,” Reid said. “The 3-4 gives you some flexibility. I’ve run both (defensive systems). I’ve been involved in both so I understand how they were. The 4-3 is good if you have the right coaches in place and the team is invested in it. But this team here is invested in the 3-4, so let’s continue to build it and get better at it.”

The Chiefs recently hired former New York Jets linebackers coach, Bob Sutton. Sutton also served as defensive coordinator for three years with the Jets. New York runs the 3-4.

Reid says Sutton’s experience with the defense was a big factor in his hire.

“(Sutton is) able to keep the keep the integrity of the defense as far as the 3-4 goes,” Reid said. “Bob knows the 3-4 and he knows it well.”

I am thrilled with this decision and I think it shows that the Chiefs have a smart coach on their hands. One thing that has always bothered me with new coaches/general managers is that they often try to cram their own system down the throat of the organization. While that is understandable, to a point, I think a wise coach also knows how to adapt and adjust his system to fit the personnel he already has.

The Chiefs defense, while not perfect, has a number of talented players. Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson, while they have both played in the 4-3, have had their best years as professionals in the 3-4. Justin Houston, who will be entering his third season in 2013, has played in the 3-4 defense since his last year of college. Houston is already a very good player and could be on the verge of developing into a superstar. Switching defenses on him now could really damage Houston’s progress.

Sutton’s defense figures to be different than Crennel’s system but the learning curve won’t be nearly as steep as if the Chiefs were changing their base set all together.

What do you think, Addicts? Is Reid making the right call by keeping the 3-4?