Just depends on the game. They’ll run a 34 when they want to focus on stopping the run. They’ll run more 43 or nickel if they’re a little more focused on stopping the pass.
They played no 34 against the Broncos and were gashed. They could’ve changed to it if they cared, but that was the game plan. The Broncos game truly illustrated where they miss Wilfork.
There was a reason that Wilfork became a three down defensive lineman, because he was good insurance against the run in the sub defense. Sub runs killed the early 2010 Patriots and once they locked it down they went on an impressive win streak. That was all because of Wilfork.