Oct. 9, 2006 Home > The Way We Hear It Jets? 3-4 defensive scheme not helping LB Vilma make plays NY Jets We hear that Jets LB Jonathan Vilma?s frustration is growing as he struggles to adapt to the team?s new defensive scheme. There were concerns prior to the season that the undersized Vilma was an ill fit as a 3-4 inside ?backer. While he is tied for the team lead in tackles with OLB Eric Barton, he is not making the difference-making plays that he did in the 4-3 alignment the Jets previously used. He had no sacks, interceptions or forced fumbles through four weeks as the Jets ranked 29th in overall defense and 25th against the run. An NFL scout told PFW that Vilma ?is not wrapping up or playing as confidently, with blockers getting to him on nearly every run. When he saw it quickly and got downhill vs. Indy, he did not wrap up and missed three tackles. Linebackers need to be able to stack and shed in a 3-4 front, and that?s never been Vilma?s strength. His strengths are his speed, instincts and flow, and he?s not as effective when he is being asked to shed so much. He is going to start wearing down like Ray Lewis did in the 3-4 if the Jets continue to use him the way they are. They need more size down the middle of their defense, or good teams will continue running up the gut.? > http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/default.htm?mode=afceast
