This, however, is not the first time that there have been rumors about the Raiders switching to a 3-4 defense. During the last off-season, these rumors began once the Raiders started collecting linebackers with the trades for Kamerion Wimbley and Quentin Groves.
The problem with most of this talk is that it's only talk, and talk that is not coming from the Raiders organization. Additionally, most of the talk is fueled by the fact that the Raiders still have major issues stopping the run.
Only time will tell if Al Davis decides to move away from his my best man beats your best man defensive philosophy and implement the 3-4 defense. But until time does tell us the answer, there is no harm in taking a look at whether it really is a good idea.
First, the good part. The Raiders really have struggled in run defense and with the improvements the offense made last season, a step up by the defense this season could easily result in a playoff birth. Additionally, some of the Raiders defensive front seven are good fits for the 3-4 defensive scheme.
Richard Seymour was one of the most dominant 3-4 DEs in the league when he was with the New England Patriots, and also played a little bit of nose tackle on occasion. Soon to be second year player Rolando McClain was a stud in college as a 3-4 middle linebacker and many believe that his size makes him a much better fit for that defense. People also believe that Lamaar Houston would be able to thrive in a 3-4 defense as a DE. Finally, Kamerion Wimbley played outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme i...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
