Which is better 3-4 or 4-3?

Answer 1

In a 3-4 defense, you have 3 defensive lineman and 4 linebackers. While in a 4-3, you have 4 defensive lineman and only 3 linebackers. The better defensive scheme really depends on your personnel.

However, if you want to know which is "better", there is no right answer. Each has it's pros and cons. A 34 defense is harder for quarterbacks to read. So theres a plus; however, it is easier to run against because each lineman is responsible for two gaps (RE has in between the LT and LG, and the whole left edge. NT has the left and right sides of the center. And LE has in between the RT and RG, and the whole right edge.) A 43 defense is easier to blitz with. You don't need to pull any linebackers out of coverage to blitz. It is also easier to stop the run and will usually make a team lean towards the pass game (you better have some talented defensive backs). The con of a 43 plan is that it makes it obvious that you'll blitz or rush. Another is that you'll more than likely need to pull one of your big lineman into coverage to change things up. While they both have pros and cons, both can be better- it depends on your personnel and philosophy.