Return of the big nickel
 

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: The Blitz» Blog Archive » Report: LB Bobby Carpenter gets cut to make room for recent pickups and, IIRC, other blog posts as well have tied the cutting of Bobby Carpenter to the use of safeties in LB-like roles.

We know BB has kept trying to play safeties in that capacity, although I don't recall anybody really sticking in the role since the versatile and excellent Mr. Harrison. This time around, the two rookie safeties are being mentioned as the leaders there.

That said, I'm still not sure what happens in the base defense when one of Spikes, Mayo, or Hightower is hurt. Possibilities include:

• White/Rivera steps in.
• Ninovich/Cunningham stands up and is replaced in the DE rotation.
• Wilson/Ebner steps in -- where?
• Switch to a 3-4, with both Ninko and Cunningham standing up.

None of the ideas gives me great comfort. None, however, fills me with terror either.

Re: Return of the big nickel
 

Carpenter is good in coverage from the LB position and a decent tackler. Sounds similar to Ebner, except more speed, hands and vision. A lot less experience though. In a 4-3, three MLB capable players are enough anyway. Apparently (IBBIT), the Hybrid is similar. Especially, when we have only two LBers on the field.

Re: Return of the big nickel
 

But he's gone now..... sigh.

Re: Return of the big nickel
 

The big nickel isn't a safety playing a LB role, its a nickle with 2 corners and 3 safeties, which was designed to be a more pass oriented defense that wasn't as suscpetible to the run. Playing S in the LB role moves it in the opposite direction.

I think its clear that Ninkovoch is the 4th LB. It would make sense that Scott would be the 5th, since his started a full season in Oakland as a 43 OLB. Rivera would seem to be the 6th LB. I think we are fine. Carpenter wasn't any better than those options.

Re: Return of the big nickel
 

Oh god, not the big nickel again.