Quote
PHDram
a traditional nickel package is with five defensive backs instead of the four featured in base defenses. Typically, an extra corner will come on to replace a linebacker and will align in the slot to match up with a receiver or tight end. My understanding of the big nickel is that an extra safety who acts as a hybrid linebacker/cornerback replaces the cb.
It was my understanding that is what the author said.
Your description in the first paragraph is right. But the author said
"Last year, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams often ran what some would call "big nickel." It's a 4-2-5 set, though what made it "big" was Mark Barron -- listed at 6-foot-2, 213 pounds -- playing a hybrid position that had him both helping out in coverage and rushing the passer. With Joyner in the game, however, it appears the Rams would run more of a traditional nickel package. Barron and Alec Ogletree would be the two linebackers and Joyner would be the third cornerback, along with Trumaine Johnson and E.J. Gaines, who might miss the Week 1 opener with a quad injury. Maurice Alexander and T.J. McDonald would thus be the two safeties."
Here is what the base was last year after AO was hurt
DE-DT-DT-DE
Ayers (Sam); JL (Mike) Barron (WILL)
CB-SS-FS-CB
So, it was not a nickle, Barron wasn't a safety in the slot, he was a safety playing a different position, WILL
Here is what was nickle
DE-DT-DT-DE
JL-Barron
CB-Joyner-SS-FS-CB
That is what the author is calling "Big nickle"
It's not, it's just nickle, with Barron playing one of the LBer spots.
What the author MAY be referring to is when they went 33 Nickel
DE-DT-DE
JL, Barron
CB-Joyner-SS-FS-CB
Barron, in that case, could blitz or cover, but the author specifically mentioned the 4-2-5 nickle
Bottom line is the nickle package aligns differently than the base.
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