The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

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Interesting read.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/12/detroit_lions_wide_9_scheme_do.html

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Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

While the Lions have been successful at putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, running backs and being menaces, in general to offenses, word on the street has it that some fans would like Detroit to move away from the Wide 9.

The reason? Admittedly, it maximizes the pass rush, as evidenced by the 19 sacks between Lions starting defensive ends Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch. But critics say it's at the expense of the run defense, and point to the NFL-worst 5.2 yards per carry surrendered by the Lions.


So is it true you can't stop the run consistently with the Wide 9 defense?


"Anybody that says that doesn't know what they're talking about," head coach Jim Schwartz said, without elaborating. "I don't explain scheme, and I'm not making excuses for anything. We can play the run better than we have, but I'm not explaining scheme."

And the article is from December 2011. Jim Schwartz got more personally involved in the defense in 2013 and the run improved drastically.

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Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

It's all hybrid anyway these days. Nobody plays one scheme exclusively.

[pmoon6]

Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

It's all hybrid anyway these days. Nobody plays one scheme exclusively.

Yes, it's situational defense and the reason a lot of teams go up tempo offensively.

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Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

Yes, it's situational defense and the reason a lot of teams go up tempo offensively.

Who made this trendy way back when? K-Gun?

[X-Era]

Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

And the article is from December 2011. Jim Schwartz got more personally involved in the defense in 2013 and the run improved drastically.

I think it could force more teams to run up the middle. And if so, you need DE's and DT's that can quickly shed and move laterally to stop the runner at the line. Spreading them wider can give you bigger lanes to run in.

""Basically, you have to have some good rushing on the outside," Tulloch said. "Whenever you're in the Wide 9, you definitely have to have linebackers to fill those (running) lanes. I've been fortunate to have linebackers in Tennessee - in Keith Bulluck and David Thornton - and coming here, having (DeAndre) Levy and (Justin) Durant that understand the game and how to come downhill and fill their gaps."

[OLDSRIP]

Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

It's all hybrid anyway these days. Nobody plays one scheme exclusively.

Except Dave Wanstadt!

[better days]

Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

I think it could force more teams to run up the middle. And if so, you need DE's and DT's that can quickly shed and move laterally to stop the runner at the line. Spreading them wider can give you bigger lanes to run in.

""Basically, you have to have some good rushing on the outside," Tulloch said. "Whenever you're in the Wide 9, you definitely have to have linebackers to fill those (running) lanes. I've been fortunate to have linebackers in Tennessee - in Keith Bulluck and David Thornton - and coming here, having (DeAndre) Levy and (Justin) Durant that understand the game and how to come downhill and fill their gaps."

Well, I think the Bills have the DL to play the wide 9, but a LB like Spikes is needed.

Mario has the speed to get into the backfield & the strength to set the edge against the run.

[Night Train]

Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

The hybrid comment is correct. The OLB's need to play behind the DE's who are lining up wide. They need to diagnose quickly whether it's a run back inside and slide towards the middle.

It also means having stout ILB play with the ability to swim through traffic and make plays at the LOS. No drag down tackling (Fletcheresque) 7-8 yards down the field or the opposition will just wear out the D with the power game.

[mrbojanglezs]

Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

I don't think he ran the wide 9 in Tennessee

[coastal]

Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

Sounds like another loser scheme.

[OpIv37]

Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

Our DL would do well in this scheme. Our linebackers- that's a different story.

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Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

Except Dave Wanstadt!

That's why he's coaching special teams now!

[Don't Panic]

Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

Well, I think the Bills have the DL to play the wide 9, but a LB like Spikes is needed.

Mario has the speed to get into the backfield & the strength to set the edge against the run.

Our DL would do well in this scheme. Our linebackers- that's a different story.

Good points. We are going to need some block-shedding LBs if this is going to work. In fact, I'd say Alonso might struggle a bit in a scheme like this. Where's Patrick Willis when you need him?

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Re: The "Wide 9" defensive scheme that Schwartz runs

Good points. We are going to need some block-shedding LBs if this is going to work. In fact, I'd say Alonso might struggle a bit in a scheme like this. Where's Patrick Willis when you need him?

His name is Anthony Barr.