I'll give my take using a reference:
Pete Carrol is careful to identify elements of our version of the 3-4 Defense...often referring it to adaptions of modifying our familiar 4-3 formations with personnel usually associated with a 3-4 concept. What might he mean...and what is the concept of a "bear" defense that can blend an advantage in pass rush without sacrificing run defense?
Diving deep into the Bear Front
By Chris Pflum@RaptormkII Jun 17, 2020,
Identifying the Bear Front
When it comes to defensive fronts in football, the differences between two fronts can seem almost arbitrary. Sometimes it seems as though a player moves a couple feet to his left or right, the name of his position changes slightly, and all of a sudden it’s a different defense.
However, those little changes in alignment can have a big impact. Moving a lineman or linebacker, even a little, can drastically change the angles for offensive linemen.
When it comes to the Bear Front, there are two distinguishing characteristics which identify it. The first is defensive linemen lined up directly across (Heads Up) from the center and each guard. The second is a strong safety and a linebacker lined up on the line of scrimmage on the strong side of the offensive formation.
Why is it called the bear? ...and when Buddy Ryan featured it for the Chicago Bears it was known as the 46 Defense. Jersey #46 was worn by Doug Plank who played SS for the Bears and played up on the Line of Scrimmage Strong side (traditionally the right side of the Offense featuring the TE) The Edge played wide 9T next to Plank.
Plank was a favorite of Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan for his hard hitting and aggressive style, so that he named his defense the "46 defense" after Plank's jersey number and his central position in the defense.[1]
Plank was considered one of the hardest hitting safeties in the game. That effort took a physical toll, and he retired before the Bears reached their peak in 1985.
Do you get the feeling this is the type of role to utilize Jamal Adams?...the "33 Hawk" defense?
The article was an interesting read and I summarize some of its salient points as :
By lining up your DT/NT/DT directly across the G/C/G you frustrate an offenses ability to double team one of your D-line to gain a gap advantage and this then allows the defense to create 5 man pass rush opportunities with 1 on 1 blocking. Centers are at a disadvantage against a NT without double team help from either guard. By forcing double teaming from the O-line interior you also keep your off ball LB "clean" to gain attack angles on running plays since this alignment normally forces run plays outside away from the interior "A and B Gaps" (fast moving "rangy" off ball LB become a plus).
Utilizing this 8 in the Box requires "sticky" man coverage from your remaining 3 members of your secondary...perhaps this was what we have in mind with drafting Devon Whetherspoon?
