A big nickel?

[Fencer]

The Patriots were in their usual nickel set with Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan as the corners and McCourty, Patrick Chung and rookie Jordan Richards in as the safeties.

http://www.csnne.com/new-england-patriots/big-play-breakdown-mccourtys-momentum-changing-pick

Is "usual" the correct word? 3 safeties, none of them Harmon?

 

[supafly]

http://www.csnne.com/new-england-patriots/big-play-breakdown-mccourtys-momentum-changing-pick

Is "usual" the correct word? 3 safeties, none of them Harmon?

I agree that the word "usual" could be interpreted differently. While they've been using 3 safeties pretty frequently, Richards saw 30 snaps. As we know, Harmon was also out there since he whiffed horribly on the tackle attempt that went for six.

They've also used three CBs at times, although I'm unsure of the rep breakdowns over the first three games in terms of a 3rd CB vs. a 3rd S. It certainly seems as though they've been using the big nickle more frequently, with either a hybrid LB/S or McCourty just playing "up" closer to the line.

If you come across positional or player rep breakdowns, throw some numbers up. I'd be very interested now that you've piqued my curiosity. As we know, it will be dependent on the specific game plan, but I think we're starting to see a bigger picture form just as well.