re: Difference between 3-4 ILB's and 4-3 MLB

The 3-4 MLB has a lot of the same philosophy as 4-3 MLB but the main difference is you usually need 2 big guys who are good at taking on/shedding blockers and can still drop in coverage and rush passer. A lot of times the other 3-4 MLB known sometimes as the "Ted" takes on the blocks much like a fullback and then the "Mike" comes in for the tackle . If MLB's are too small then they could be susceptible to run. But then some teams just have a right MLB and a left MLB and doesn't matter the strong side and who is the "Mike" because they have same type personnel on each side. This also helps disguise blitzes since you don't know which OLB is the primary rusher.