DeMarvin Leal And The 3-3-5 Defense - What Are The Pros & Cons?

Breaking down the Pittsburgh Steelers 3-3-5 defense and how DeMarvin Leal can help and hurt this team.

[@koailitykolas7710]

Leal is an extremely talented ball of clay. Straight up. Always flashes on live TV.

[@Alex_Kozora]

Definitely has upside. He'll figure it out.

[@JM-pg8qv]

A rookie playing out of position and not getting exposed for it. I feel his ceiling is pretty high and I hope to see him in the black and gold a long time.

[@jasonbodine6033]

I liked the Leal pick from jump, so I’m glad his play has backed up my enthusiasms. Also, btw, the word is pronounced “ah•kinn”, not “ā•keen” like you’ve been saying. 👍🏾

[@Alex_Kozora]

Ah, thanks.

[@KrisK565]

I don't care what defense they use. As long as they get off the field. They have talent. Just has to mesh on all levels. Communication, physicality and mental focus. 🤘

[@markbrophy554]

Outstanding as always Alex.

[@Alex_Kozora]

Thanks, Mark!

[@chrisc1168]

3-3-5 defense has one major flaw... no penetration from the D-line. Offenses will run on you all day

[@b2wavy510]

That’s what happened in the national championship game

[@tonic-bill588]

3-5-3 is the way

[@ez5324]

This isn’t true at all. I’ve seen some amazing 3-3 stack defenses put the pedal to the medal on the run! It’s a very versatile defense, teams just don’t know how to use it properly because it’s uncommon

[@reddvest]

@@ez5324that’s if your d lineman are really good and your DB’s can defend the run well.

[@malakic7876]

Can happen but if ran correctly a 3-3-5 defense should look like a 4-2-5/3-3-4 as well disguise is a huge factor of this formation. Which I don't think many teams do well enough or have the talent for overall. It's a very versatile defense that takes every piece and position to do what is asked or the little flaws cause big plays. A lot that goes into this defense to work.

[@jenais65]

Again another awesome analysis Alex. Keep it up 👏🖤💛🖤💛

[@bspradley]

Another great breakdown. Thanks!

[@HALEIWA7]

I like that the Steelers seem to be trying new things however to me playing Heyward, Ogunjobi, and Leal together kind of defeats the point of playing a 3-3-5. The reason to play a 3-3-5 is so You can keep a big, run stopping, Casey Hampton/Haloti Ngata type player in the game. The Steelers just don't have that since they released Big Dan McCullers. So, why bother at this point?

[@misterwirez7731]

the eye in the sky never lies

[@itsureishotout-itshotterin3985]

Another great breakdown Alex.

[@Alex_Kozora]

Thank you!

[@46GanG]

Bruh I subscribed I love defensive fronts and the disguises and blitz schemes and zone blitzes confusing your opponent! Thanks got your work love this stuff

[@Alex_Kozora]

Appreciate that man!

[@46GanG]

@@Alex_Kozora of course no problem

[@steelersdynasty]

Alex, what’s your fascination with the word “overall?” Feels like I hear it about 38 times an episode.

[@Alex_Kozora]

It's probably just a filler word. I'll work on it!

[@steelersdynasty]

@@Alex_Kozora I could have asked it a less douchey way. You’re the best there is (mainstream or underground) when it comes to anything Steelers. The Depot would be dead without you. That was my one gripe lol

[@Alex_Kozora]

@@steelersdynasty all good man. I appreciate the honest feedback! In terms of Internet criticism, it was very non-douchey.

[@sonsofliberty3081]

I would like to see loudermilk on that front to make it a 4 man front some. He can stop the run. To go a step further, I'd put the hit stick in at ilb beside Jack and run a 4-4. I know it let's the corners man up with Minka in the back but I'm sure they could use that now and again vs say the browns.

[@michaelmay3712]

Mark Robinson needs reps!

[@nathantewkesbury8175]

*As soon as the 44 Stack Defense is used in the NFL, the QB will check it, audible, and kill it. This is not Boise St or Syracuse Mr. Son of Liberty*

[@nathantewkesbury8175]

*I like to see Edmonds come down into the Box, next to LB Jack as a Hybrid SS/LB, and play near the LOS which is his strength. Also allows Kazee to play SS and he is better in coverage, and takes #55 Bush off the field. Essentially a Dollar 3-2-6 with Edmonds at LB*

[@jimblack2491]

Awesome vid again Alex. Rock on dude.

[@Alex_Kozora]

Thanks, Jim!

[@dillwidit]

@alex in your first downside play do you think Leal shouldve went to outside to keep contain?, and if you think that mighta worked? I think once he learns to take better angles he may improve there.

[@Alex_Kozora]

On the pass play? It looks like a stunt so I don't know if Heyward got caught up or what. But someone lost contain.

[@darshawnlee7571]

I think cam should have got outside contain. He was rush towards the inside giving Zach to much room outside! I think cam messed that play up

[@nolaanderson8770]

The "issue" with the hybrid / big nickel / et. al. defense is that it requires skilled "tweeners" - and we are fortunate to have some! If we ever can re-create Mike Hilton, it will be a bitch to play against our defense!!

[@Alex_Kozora]

Ha, that'd be nice.

[@cheezedogg23]

I disagree with your reasoning on the last play you described. I dont think it was Leals speed was the issue. He hesitates to prevent the back cut back, but it exposed the outside edge instead. If he continued to contain he wins in the back field, but it slows to go inside and the back to back outside. If he instead trusts Cam to be there first and continues his outside leverage he wins. Other than that I agree with everything else you described.

[@coachdrewtate]

Agreed! I see a lack of discipline in securing the perimeter as well. Had he stayed true to his angle it would have been a different outcome.

[@pathutchison7688]

I feel like the 3-3-5 is very susceptible to zone running teams. The D just doesn’t have the speed and flexibility to stop those kinds of plays.

[@blucheer8743]

i agree

[@ez5324]

@@blucheer8743that’s why the 3-3 defense is one of those where it requires a lot of speed.

[@marlonnicholson8410]

The lack of a nose tackle is killing the run defense

[@austinsauble]

I think Leal getting beat around the edge is fixable, more so him not the formation. He tries to make a play and gets faked out. I'm sure Tomlin yelled at him to seal the edge. Lots of upside for this young talent

[@Alex_Kozora]

Right, it's stuff that can be worked on. Probably just need to spend extra time with some of those unintended consequences.

[@CZECHMATE650]

In a pass situation it's the way to go in a run it's iffy

[@zacward8806]

Hey why not use a 3 3 5 defense we already have a college offense

[@trenellharris59]

98 screwed his assignment up, his job is to run down the line (not necessarily make the tackle) and redirect the Rb, instead he tried a make a play or be a hero, I run the same concept with my little league. If you dnt do it as i teach it i bench you

[@BigWiggles32]

I hate this defense overall. Can't stop the run with this defense.

[@koskey06]

I use MY 2-3-2 defence

[@johngordon2929]

I dont know where he is at but maybe send a bat signal for Skipper time. If not James Robinson and lowdemilk. And trade time for claypool and bush.

[@JW0143]

Wow really Skipper? LMAO

[@Topguy209]

3-3-5 defense has to be the worst defense ever created. Like all systems and schemes you need right personal. However, it is particularly important with the 3-3-5. You need 3 absolute hogs on the d line to allow the line backers to run free. I’m talking case Hampton , Vince wilfork etc… space eaters. If not, you are going to get ran over all day . May be decent for passing downs, but never as a base defense.

[@GarnetGlassesProduction]

Hey friend, that's not the 335, that's the 2-4-5

[@user-nt6fp1ul6k]

This is the 2-4-5

[@noland7827]

shame we won't be able to run 3-3-5 rn with our secondary so banged up :/

[@travisfryar6385]

Lee Al? Lmao I've been watching this dude since his days at A&M. Never heard his name pronounced like that

[@Alex_Kozora]

That is how it's pronounced. Here's his draft announcement. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5S7hWBphL2Geck&ab_channel=PittsburghSteelers

[@travisfryar6385]

I'm not doubting it. Just saying its the first time I heard it.

[@joshselkovits466]

Is Cam Sutton getting fined for not wearing socks?

[@Alex_Kozora]

Ha, maybe. I hadn't even noticed.

[@Boseman7]

Nickel 2-4-5 cheating by using a de has a lb making it a 3-3-5?? I’ve never been a fan of either defense

[@Alex_Kozora]

I am going by personnel grouping. Three linemen, three linebackers, and give DBs

[@nathantewkesbury8175]

*You a fan of the 34/43 or ?? How about the Nickel 1-5-5 ?? I run a 35 Rover in highschool but in the NFL I think the 2-4-5 and the Dollar 2-3-6 with a SS at LB is the best way to go about stopping the QBs of todays NFL*

[@Alex_Kozora]

@@nathantewkesbury8175 I'm not philosophically for or against any system. I am partial to the 3-4 seeing it over the years and the flexibility it provides. But it really depends on personnel. Goal is to play to strengths.

[@nathantewkesbury8175]

@@Alex_Kozora *When Watt & Kazee get back I like to see them use a Dollar 2-3-6 with SS Edmonds in the Box, next to LB Jack, an Kazee at SS. This allows Edmonds near the LOS and the better player in coverage, Kazee to play SS in Secondary. Also gets Bush off the field and I trust Edmonds more than Bush in all facets of Defense*

[@nathantewkesbury8175]

@@Alex_Kozora *Alex I want to see the Dollar 2-3-6 in the key situational money downs and as the base defense vs the heavy pass teams. SS Edmonds aligns in the Box, next to LB Jack with Kazee in the Secondary at SS. Also takes #55 Bush off the field and I trust Edmonds with all facets of playing defense more than Bush. And it lets a better coverage DB play in the Secondary with Minka. Also think the confusion, disguising, and versatility would be hard on opposing offenses*

[@jameslee8519]

I don't know why I call him rocky boy 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Alex_Kozora]

lol

[@melvinjones8453]

Play more 5 WR sets & switch recievers positions throughout the game to get best matchips and use #44 as a blocker in run game!!!!!!! #HereWeGo

[@michaelmay3712]

Or use a split back system with Warren and Najee. Warren blocks like a fullback.

[@wvsteelhillz8846]

As a WVU fan stay away from the 3-3-5 Defense

[@landanwoodard7569]

I don't like it.Your big uglies are outnumbered 5-3. It's why we can't stop the run. I guess finding true 3-4 Nose Tackle and asking them to take on all those double teams is a thing of the past. Seems like our troubles on defense began when Casey Hampton retired and that position was eliminated.

[@steelcitychamps12]

What? That is still a 4 - 3. 4 front men, 3 lbs, and 4 dbs. Nice try

[@Alex_Kozora]

No, there are 5 DBs on the field. As I outlined in the first clip

[@nathantewkesbury8175]

*Lmao are people funny. I could show you a 44 Bear Front and you would still think this and that. Far from a 43 buddy*