Chiefs Coach Andy Reid To Call Plays On Offense, Defense To Remain A 3-4 Front

New coach Andy Reid said Monday the Chiefs would continue to use the 3-4 defensive system they’ve had in place for four seasons. “There’s been time invested in the 3-4 here,” Reid said. “The 3-4 gives you some flexibility. I’ve run both (defensive systems). I’ve been involved in both so I understand how they were. The 4-3 is good if you have the right coaches in place and the team is invested in it. But this team here is invested in the 3-4, so let’s continue to build it and get better at it.” The Chiefs have drafted players, including end Tyson Jackson and outside linebacker Justin Houston, specifically with the 3-4 in mind. Linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali and safety Eric Berry are Pro Bowlers this season in the 3-4 and Houston and cornerback Brandon Flowers are first alternates. Reid said he hired new coordinator Bob Sutton with the 3-4 in mind. “(Sutton is) able to keep the keep the integrity of the defense as far as the 3-4 goes,” Reid said. “Bob knows the 3-4 and he knows it well.” Reid also said he would call the offensive plays instead of coordinator Doug Pederson but he said Pederson was ready to be a coordinator even though he has coached in the NFL for just four seasons. “He’s a sharp kid,” Reid said of Pederson. “He was in charge of the quarterbacks. Doug is a good student. I’ve watched his leadership on the field. I’ve watched his ability to teach. I’ve watched the respect the players have for him. All of those things checked out. He’s a creative guy. He knows this offense like the back of his hand. He knows protections, he knows situational calls.” Source: Kansas City Star