One trait of the new defense that became apparent is that nearly every nickel or dime package involves just two down linemen who put their hand on the ground.
In most cases with the No. 1 defense, those two were rookie B.J. Raji and veteran Johnny Jolly, with nose tackle Ryan Pickett coming off the field and being replaced by a defensive back.
In effect, it becomes a 2-4-5 defense, with two of the four linebackers and maybe a third linebacker or a defensive back also likely to rush. The question the offense has to answer is Which two?
What it gives you is more flexibility, McCarthy said. When you identify that, (it becomes) Is the guy rushing or is he dropping. So its the uncertainty of that position as far as the alignment. It gives that particular individual the defensive end if its a four-man line, or the outside linebacker the opportunity to play with more vision as far as what the offense is giving you with formations and motions and things like that.
So it basically plays into the base concept of the defense youre not really sure who the fourth rusher is.

Exactly what Capers promised it would be. If only we could find a Reggie White caliber player to anchor this new defense.

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:

Exactly what Capers promised it would be. If only we could find a Reggie White caliber player to anchor this new defense.

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:

I don't a 2-4-5 works against a powerful running football team like Chicago or Minnesota unless it's third and very long.

"DakotaT" wrote:

They are talking about this scheme coming out of the nickel or dime which means it's in a passing situation. This is obviously not how they will line up on first down, or, in a second down situation where they may run the ball, like 2nd and five.

What they are talking about here with two down lineman is that is one scheme in which they plan to use the quickness of LB's and DB's in order to get pressure on the QB in passing situations.

This is not what they will be using on first down or run downs.

"warhawk" wrote: