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Message: <blockquote data-quote="mradtke66" data-source="post: 432758" data-attributes="member: 4199">Again though, in the 3-4, "Ends" are inside guys.  The widest they line up is head up on the offensive tackle and I don't think they every have outside containment responsibilities.  3-4 ends need to be run pluggers and not much more.  Of course, getting a pass rush out of them is nice, but finding the right body type for a 3-4 end (300 pounds, long and strong) that can also rush is pretty tough. When we line up in nickel, the look and responsibilities change.  Sure, we call it a 2-4, but squint your eyes and turn your head.  It's not that different than a traditional 4-2 nickel. Raji and the other lineman (Pickett, Neal, or Wynn) are lined up more like a 4-3 defensive tackle, usually a 3-technique.  The outside linebackers are in the correct spot to be 4-2 pass-rush-specialists-ends, they just happen to be standing up instead of putting their hands in the dirt. Finding a compliment to Matthews on the outside is probably the single most important thing this off season.  Outside linebacker is the playmaker position in the front 7 (6 in nickel).</blockquote>

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