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This is an old article, but I posted it because it provided the best explanation to me of the 3-4 defense. For all you football fans out there, I'd like to know which teams have employed the 3-4 defense in the past five seasons. I'm trying to mine out how Mike Shanahan has done against the 3-4 over the years. My recollection is that his record hasn't been impressive, but I'm just guessing.

The Steelers defense looked unstoppable against the Colt's offensive line.

What's the matchup between the front line look like?

I think a good running team, who is committed to the run can shred a 3-4. Denver is a good running team who is committed to running the ball and I predict they will beat the Steelers. The high altitude will take its toll on the game Steelers who will be playing their third playoff game on the road and the Denver running game will be big. Shanahan is also a very good coach and will make adjustments to the Steelers attack D, unlike the Colts who just looked confused. Denver also is a very good team who played in a tough division and still went 13-3. No respect but they have it all.

For the record I also see Seattle beating Carolina who was many analysts pick for the Superbowl but really are inconsistent. Steve Smith had about 100 of his yards and two touchdowns on plays where the corner fell down. Chicago scored 21 points and had an opportunity for 28 on this D with Grossman as their QB. Look for Alexander and Hasslebeck to have big games as well as Darryl Jackson. If Holmgren puts Bobby Engram back on punt return that will eliminate the sorry Special Teams play of their current returner. Holmgren also is a great adjuster against defensive game plans and I also assume he will watch the Cowboys-Carolina game to figure out how to frustrate Smith.I also find it hard to see Carolina flying home from Chicago then a few days later flying back across country to Seattle to play in those soggy conditions. Its one thing to fly up the coast to NY or even to Chicago but that Seattle trip and time zone change is tough, thats why Seattle is 8-0 at home this season and gets mouthed for losing on the east coast so often.

Denver-Seattle in the Superbowl where Seattle exorcises its final demons.. the AFC and the AFC West and an old AFC West rival. Play the old Elway-Bozworth thing, the Kingdome crowd causing Elway all kinds of problems, the Largent knocking that corner out after being knocked out earlier in the season by the same guy. You also have two WCO teams at the top, Jake the Snake getting some redemption, Shanahan getting some respect and Holmgren being the only head coach to win two titles with different teams (i think).