Read This, Be Smarter: Switch to 4-3 Under and the Elephant

[sharpe1027]

Wasn't that the "Psycho" package?

Gimmick. Just like when Shermy used run U-bacon with Kevin Berry as the 6th offensive lineman.

Using only 2 down lineman was a gimmick too. Anything that goes against the conventional wisdom can be called a gimmick, until it works and sticks.

[Lurker64]

Using only 2 down lineman was a gimmick too. Anything that goes against the conventional wisdom can be called a gimmick, until it works and sticks.

Well a 2-4-5 nickel from a 3-4 base is really not that different from a 4-2-5 nickel from a 4-3 base when you bring in pass rushing specialists, or your DEs are slightly undersized. In fact, if you allow for zone blitzing, a 2-4-5 nickel is exactly the same as a 4-2-5 nickel with undersized DEs, it's just that the edge rushers line up in a 2 point versus a 3 point stance. But even that's not necessarily the case since in Capers' first year in Green Bay he would run a 3-3-5 nickel where Kampman got to rush with his hand down.

The 1-5-5 defensive package is a little more exotic though, but the Bellichick's defense during the glory years would run it from time to time, and they would even run a 0-6-5. These sorts of packages are effective inversely proportional to the amount you run it, since the whole idea is to promote confusion in the offensive line. So it's not something you want to run more than a handful of downs per game.

[Guiness]

Well a 2-4-5 nickel from a 3-4 base is really not that different from a 4-2-5 nickel from a 4-3 base when you bring in pass rushing specialists, or your DEs are slightly undersized. In fact, if you allow for zone blitzing, a 2-4-5 nickel is exactly the same as a 4-2-5 nickel with undersized DEs, it's just that the edge rushers line up in a 2 point versus a 3 point stance. But even that's not necessarily the case since in Capers' first year in Green Bay he would run a 3-3-5 nickel where Kampman got to rush with his hand down.

The 1-5-5 defensive package is a little more exotic though, but the Bellichick's defense during the glory years would run it from time to time, and they would even run a 0-6-5. These sorts of packages are effective inversely proportional to the amount you run it, since the whole idea is to promote confusion in the offensive line. So it's not something you want to run more than a handful of downs per game.

If that. I remember a game where they used it with Cullen Jenkins, lined up at 1gap. He shot through and got a sack. They used it twice later, and got gashed for long gains on the ground both times.

[sharpe1027]

Well a 2-4-5 nickel from a 3-4 base is really not that different from a 4-2-5 nickel from a 4-3 base when you bring in pass rushing specialists, or your DEs are slightly undersized. In fact, if you allow for zone blitzing, a 2-4-5 nickel is exactly the same as a 4-2-5 nickel with undersized DEs, it's just that the edge rushers line up in a 2 point versus a 3 point stance. But even that's not necessarily the case since in Capers' first year in Green Bay he would run a 3-3-5 nickel where Kampman got to rush with his hand down.

The 1-5-5 defensive package is a little more exotic though, but the Bellichick's defense during the glory years would run it from time to time, and they would even run a 0-6-5. These sorts of packages are effective inversely proportional to the amount you run it, since the whole idea is to promote confusion in the offensive line. So it's not something you want to run more than a handful of downs per game.

You say potato, I say potato. I am not trying to argue that the pyscho package is less or more exotic. My point is that it seems like they come up with schemes to match their players. They ran a ton of 2-4-5 last year, instead of a 3-3-5. Maybe it was as much about drop off after Picket and Raji as anything else.

[pbmax]

yes it does.

One reason the Packers played so much nickel in the past was to put Woodson on the field. He was good enough to tackle like a LB and cover the slot guy or the TE. He's slipped in both areas - enough that it will be really interesting to see what the hell they do with him. I don't like him at all lining up against other team's #1 or #2 WRs on the edge any more.

And thus was Hayward drafted. Though I don't expect to see Charles' snaps decrease, at least not early in the season.

[RashanGary]

They'll get their best 11, but with the multiple WR sets being the base offenses, nickle is going to be the trend of the future I'll bet. Capers is just ahead of the game.

3-3-5
2-4-5

These probably the most prominent.


DL are the rarest, most impactful players on the D. I'll bet the Packers always put a premium on those positions, whether they play mostly nickle or not. Having more just changes the type of nickle we play and situation also dictates.

Regardless, we're a nickle team.