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While we use multiple combinations out of our nickel base defense there are specific roles that players fit into, which can help understand cut downs and playing time.
Players in brackets can play there in a pinch or to disguise the package etc but not primarily.)
1) Stout DE. Larger DE who is strong vs the run and often will move inside on obvious passing downs.
Bennett
Wise
Kamalu
(Butler, cowart)
2) Smaller DE/34 OLB type. Plays opposite (1) in the base and usually 2 of these guys are in on passing downs. In the rare situation we use a front 7 this is the guy that confuses people as to whether we are playing 34 or 43.
Simon
Winovich
Rivers
Calhoun
(HT KVN)
3) Space eating NT. Regardless of whether he is over the C G or in between this guy makes the nickel base work by clogging the middle and making defending the run with 6 up front instead of 7 possible. Eats double teams.
Shelton
Parry
(Guy)
4) other base package DT. More versatile but less of a run stiffer. Ideally never plays inside the G. But must hold up against the run and add some level of inside pass rush.
Guy
(????? I think cowart isn’t big enough but he might be the guy. Alternately 2 NT types can work and is a better package than 2 of this guy and no NT type. Butler was awful when forced into this role this year. I need to see more of cowart but to me he is in between a (1) and (4) and like butler best suited to be the (1) in passing situations, playing inside as a rusher)
5) off the line LB. One spot in a nickel base. 2 in a 43/34.
HT
Collins
Roberts
Bentley
Munson
6) Anywhere LB. One spot, can move anywhere from off the line to on the line. Versatile can stand up vs run, cover or rush.
KVN
Collins
HT can also play here but is too valuable in the other spot.
Of course when running nickel base we also need a safety who can stick his nose in there vs the run which Chung is very good at and dmac has done at times. Interesting to see if Chung goes down whether brooks or joejuan gets that role (or obi of he isnt cut)
Players in brackets can play there in a pinch or to disguise the package etc but not primarily.)
1) Stout DE. Larger DE who is strong vs the run and often will move inside on obvious passing downs.
Bennett
Wise
Kamalu
(Butler, cowart)
2) Smaller DE/34 OLB type. Plays opposite (1) in the base and usually 2 of these guys are in on passing downs. In the rare situation we use a front 7 this is the guy that confuses people as to whether we are playing 34 or 43.
Simon
Winovich
Rivers
Calhoun
(HT KVN)
3) Space eating NT. Regardless of whether he is over the C G or in between this guy makes the nickel base work by clogging the middle and making defending the run with 6 up front instead of 7 possible. Eats double teams.
Shelton
Parry
(Guy)
4) other base package DT. More versatile but less of a run stiffer. Ideally never plays inside the G. But must hold up against the run and add some level of inside pass rush.
Guy
(????? I think cowart isn’t big enough but he might be the guy. Alternately 2 NT types can work and is a better package than 2 of this guy and no NT type. Butler was awful when forced into this role this year. I need to see more of cowart but to me he is in between a (1) and (4) and like butler best suited to be the (1) in passing situations, playing inside as a rusher)
5) off the line LB. One spot in a nickel base. 2 in a 43/34.
HT
Collins
Roberts
Bentley
Munson
6) Anywhere LB. One spot, can move anywhere from off the line to on the line. Versatile can stand up vs run, cover or rush.
KVN
Collins
HT can also play here but is too valuable in the other spot.
Of course when running nickel base we also need a safety who can stick his nose in there vs the run which Chung is very good at and dmac has done at times. Interesting to see if Chung goes down whether brooks or joejuan gets that role (or obi of he isnt cut)
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