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I've been wrong on stuff before and don't at all mind being corrected but let me explain how I come to my conclusions on these defensive coaches and their preferences.
First thing I look at is the team roster. 3-4 guys always have a lot more linebackers on the roster than they do defensive linemen. There's fewer linebackers in a 4-3 guy's roster. That's true of Oakland right now and for the last several years. It's a 3-4 but they use 4 guys with their hands on the turf, for first down and other obvious running downs. But it is 3-4 type personnel and it's 3 down linemen most of the time, you'll see it during games.
Would we all agree Wade Phillips is a 3-4 guy? Sure we would, but what's this shit of the Rams running a 4-3? In the starter intros on TV, sure enough they show 4 linemen starting, and only 3 linebackers. But that's because they always START that way, on 1st down! Wade is the consummate, confirmed, dedicated 3-4 guy and his Rams defense is a 3-4 and it is also personnelled that way too. He's got 10 linebackers and only 6 defensive linemen. Versus our 9 d-linemen and only 5 linebackers.
Next I look at the TYPE of players he has. Does he have traditional linebackers or does he have more of the hybrid, "stand-up defensive end" type?
I also look at the philosophy they've displayed and also through what they have said in the past.
I'm pretty sure Del Rio and Norton are 3-4 guys. Just like Wade is. But they all pretty much have 4 guys with their hands on the turf on presumed run downs, and they all have a lot more linebackers than d-linemen on the roster when they have their say in the matter.
Could be wrong though, wouldn't be the first time.
They're not 3-4 guys Dooms. Move on.