Shortly after the end of the 2010 season we saw the return of defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan, who was in charge of the defense from 2000-2003, followed shortly by the hirings of ex-Raiders Greg Biekert and Rod Woodson, both of whom played under Bresnahan, now in the roles of linebacker and defensive backs coaches, respectively.
Undeniably, those guys got very respectable results in Oakland from 2000-2003, including an AFC championship and three division titles,But their history together, not to mention the current roster itself, positively scream 4-3 defense in 2011.
On the coaching side, Bresnahan has almost exclusively run the 4-3 throughout his career, as has Biekert. Biekert played middle linebacker for both Oakland and the Minnesota Vikings, and has little-to-no experience with the 3-4. A quick look at the depth chart also shows the Raiders have more quality starters than they need on the defensive line—with Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, Lamarr Houston, Matt Shaugnassy and Big John Henderson—but only two standout linebackers, Rolando McClain and Kamerion Wimbley.
All of this points to the status quo for the front seven in 2011.
Looking to the future though, the 3-4 is a very real possibility in 2012, with all three of Oakland's best defensive tackles getting on toward retirement age, plus all the young talent at linebacker and defensive end.
To make the transition, they need to pick up a line-clogging nose tackle and another strong inside linebacker.
This year's draft has several very good nose tackle prospects in the later rounds, including Jerrell Powe, Kenrick Ellis and the intriguing Anthony Gray, so they should be able to fill...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
