I'm sure there's discussion of this elsewhere, but is it time to jump out of the 3-4 and go back to a 4-3 next year? What advantage is left in running this system? Since so many teams are running it the draft day advantage is dwindling and constantly drafting "tweeners" and hoping they turn out has not done well for us. Our pass rush has never been that great with the 3-4 and the team is yet to really hit on a a 3-4 pass rusher.
Many talk about how a 4-3 would better utilize Willis. I remember Marshall Faulk talking about it on NFL-N not so long ago. And our NT Franklin has been mediocre at best and will be a FA. Spikes only has a year or two left inside. Bowman may be better suited on the outside.
Haralson is probably a better play as DE, same with Brooks. Lawson, if he stays would have no problem converting to a 4-3 OLB.
I look at teams that consistently get great pass rush, Phi, NYG, Ten and they run with a smaller 4-3 line. To me, if you don't have stud pass rusher I don't see any big advantage running the 3-4.
[ Edited by RKab on Dec 5, 2010 at 2:48 PM ]