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by Spixxy on September 12th, 2005

Spixxy

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What is a nickel defense?

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  • by wickedwillie on September 13th, 2005

    wickedwillie

    The nickel defense adds an extra defensive back, known as the "nickel back" (NB), in order to defend against a pass. This defense is any formation where a 5th defensive back replaces a linebacker on the field, so the defense has 5 defensive backs, and has either 4 down linemen and 2 linebackers or 3 down linemen and 3 linebackers.

    Nickle backs are usually free safeties or strong safeties, although cornerbacks can be utilized as well. A defense brings in this extra defensive back to increase its pass coverage when it is likely that the opponent will call a passing play such as on third-and-long, or when the opponent frequently uses four-wide receiver plays on offense. However, a nickle (or dime) formation takes defenders away from the front line, making the defense more vulnerable to running plays.

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