DraftHistory.com

3-4 Defenses Top 4-3s in 2018 Regular Season

By Chris Malumphy

Teams that used a base 3-4 defense did better than those typically in a 4-3 alignment in 2018. The four teams allowing the fewest points during the regular season all used a 3-4 defense. Overall, 3-4 teams allowed 22.5 points per game and finished with a 104-86-2 (.547) record. Teams using a 4-3 allowed 23.9 points per game average, 1.4 points than 3-4 teams, and were 150-168-2 (.472) overall. Twelve teams used 3-4 schemes versus 20 using the 4-3 alignment as a base defense.

Of the twelve teams that made the playoffs, five used the 3-4 alignment. Thus, 5/12 or nearly 42% of the teams that used the 3-4 scheme made the playoffs. Conversely, 7/20 or 35% of the 4-3 teams made the playoffs. However, after losses by the Bears, Ravens and Texans, the only 3-4 teams still with a chance to go to Super Bowl LIII are the Chiefs and the Rams.

Points Allowed by Team with Type of Defense
TeamDefensePADefensive
Passing
Rating
Defensive
ANY/A
Defensive
Rushing
Avg
Record
Bears3-428372.94.123.7712-4-0 (0.750)
Ravens3-428780.65.223.7510-6-0 (0.625)
Titans3-430388.45.944.349-7-0 (0.563)
Texans3-431692.76.363.4411-5-0 (0.688)
Jaguars4-331684.45.524.315-11-0 (0.313)
Cowboys4-332495.76.523.7810-6-0 (0.625)
Patriots4-332585.45.874.9211-5-0 (0.688)
Chargers4-332989.16.014.2912-4-0 (0.750)
Vikings4-334183.35.244.138-7-1 (0.531)
Colts4-334493.56.123.9210-6-0 (0.625)
Seahawks4-334794.36.494.9510-6-0 (0.625)
Eagles4-334892.66.364.679-7-0 (0.563)
Broncos3-434990.66.204.466-10-0 (0.375)
Saints4-3353100.37.013.6013-3-0 (0.813)
Redskins3-435995.16.284.507-9-0 (0.438)
Lions4-3360102.77.174.376-10-0 (0.375)
Steelers3-436095.26.274.179-6-1 (0.594)
Bills4-337482.64.904.186-10-0 (0.375)
Panthers4-338299.66.924.707-9-0 (0.438)
Rams3-438493.86.255.0713-3-0 (0.813)
Browns4-339283.45.704.717-8-1 (0.469)
Packers3-4400100.97.074.296-9-1 (0.406)
Giants3-441289.86.454.275-11-0 (0.313)
Chiefs3-442192.76.275.0012-4-0 (0.750)
Falcons4-342398.36.654.897-9-0 (0.438)
Cardinals4-342596.16.074.863-13-0 (0.188)
Dolphins4-343394.16.694.797-9-0 (0.438)
49ers4-3435105.27.464.094-12-0 (0.250)
Jets3-444193.16.544.594-12-0 (0.250)
Bengals4-3455100.07.324.726-10-0 (0.375)
Buccaneers4-3464110.97.744.655-11-0 (0.313)
Raiders4-3467101.08.004.694-12-0 (0.250)