Nickel Normal
Four defensive
linemen, two
linebackers, five
defensive backs.
Strong Nickel,
Strong Shift, CB
Swap, Safety
Swap, LOLB Right,
LOLB Left, LB
Swap, Big Nickel
An additional
defensive back helps
protect against the
pass. Be sure the
"nickel back" is lined
up against the slot
receiver. Optimum
against 3 WR sets.
Losing a linebacker means
losing a good tackler. Use
packages to ensure best
corners are against best
receivers. Your nickel back
isn't as skilled as your
starters, usually.
Nickel Strong Same as nickel but
shifts the safety
toward the strong side.
Strong Nickel,
Strong Shift, CB
Swap, Safety
Swap, LOLB Right,
LOLB Left
Increased safety help
on the strong side.
Helps provide
additional coverage
on a stacked
formation (where
more receivers and/or
tight ends are on one
side).
Similar to the standard
nickel. Also the safety
shifted over could leave the
other side open, especially if
there are backs on pass
patterns.
Nickel 1-5-5, 1-5-5
Prowl
One defensive
lineman, five
linebackers, five
defensive backs.
Crowded line of
scrimmage with
basically one MLB
(prowl with two).
Found in the New
England playbook.
DE Pass Rush,
MLB Swap (MLB 2
in Prowl), OLB
Swap, CB Swap,
Safety Swap, SS
Nickel, FS Nickel
Five linebackers help
defend against a run
and five defensive
backs help defend the
pass. Allows for some
blitzing variation.
Can be a weak run defense
if your linebackers focus on
coverage.
Nickel 2-4-5
Two defensive
linemen, four
linebackers, five
defensive backs.
DE Pass Rush,
MLB Swap, OLB
Swap, CB Swap,
Safety Swap, SS
Nickel, FS Nickel
Added linebackers
help defend against
an unexpected run. In
the 3-4 playbook
because of the team's
typical linebacker skill.
Need to increase pass rush
with linebacker pressure.
Nickel 3-3-5
Three defensive
linemen, three
linebackers, and five
defensive backs.
4th CB, OLB Flip,
Safety NB, Safety
Flip, DE Flip, CB
Flip
An added linebacker
to defend the run or
short passing.
Need to increase pass rush
with linebacker pressure.
Dime Normal
Four defensive
linemen, one
linebacker, six
defensive backs.
ROLB, LOLB, CB
Swap, LB Pass
Rush, Safety
Swap, D-Line Sub
Six defensive backs to
counter the passing
game. Use against
four or more wide
receiver sets.
Weak against an
unexpected run.
Dime Flat Same as dime but
closes safeties in and
backs off corners.
ROLB, LOLB, CB
Swap, DE Swap,
DT Swap, LB Rush
Defenders are tighter
and closer to the line
to protect against run
or short passing.
Good for end zone
defense.
Weaker against deep
passing.
Quarters Normal
Three defensive
linemen, one
linebacker, seven
defensive backs.
Linebackers, LB
Pass Rush, LOLB,
ROLB, CB Flip,
Safety Swap, Slot
CB Flip, SS Tight
Seven defensive
backs as a pass
prevent defense. Easy to run against.
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