Philadelphia Eagles

Jim Schwartz pumps brakes on Eagles' expected shift back to 4-3

Published Feb. 11, 2016 3:20 p.m. ET

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Under previous head coach Chip Kelly, the Philadelphia Eagles ran an ill-fitting 3-4 defensive scheme. New head coach Doug Pederson has brought in former Detroit Lions head coach and Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to help fix Philly's defense, specifically the front seven.

Most expect Schwartz to implement the 4-3 scheme he ran in both Detroit and Buffalo, but he hasn't committed to that plan of attack just yet. During a radio interview on 97.5 The Fanatic, he told host Anthony Gargano that the defensive scheme won't be determined until he sees the players in practice.

Via ESPN's Phil Sheridan:

Just about everything that we’re going to do defensively hasn’t been determined yet. Other than a philosophy -- attack and try to be around the quarterback. Exactly how we use each guy is going to be determined on what they do in OTAs, what they do in training camp.

I think you make a mistake if you predetermine, go in with a scheme and say this is what we’re going to do scheme-wise. I think the best system is to find out what the players do the best.

Based on some of Philadelphia's defensive personnel, it would make sense for Schwartz to implement a 4-3 scheme. One player in particular, Vinny Curry -- who signed a five-year, $47.25 million contract extension earlier this month -- could flourish in a revamped system. Schwartz said he'd like to "take the handcuffs off" Curry during his radio spot, per ESPN.

Like Curry, Bennie Logan could also benefit from a transition to a 4-3, since that is the configuration he learned in college. Other players might not be as successful in a new system. Fletcher Cox became a Pro Bowler after Philly switched to a 3-4, and veteran outside linebacker Connor Barwin would have to play defensive end if the team switched back.

Schwartz must weigh the individual impacts -- both positive and negative -- a shift from a 3-4 to a 4-3 would have on the Eagles and then make his final decision.