The nickel and dime coverages in the NFL can often be confused by the average fan, and Frenetic Pace Sports delivers an explanation of the differences between the two coverages.
When you hear the terms nickel and dime, what comes to mind? Is it simply the U.S. currency worth five and 10 cents, respectively? Is it dropping a perfect assist for a basket in a game of basketball? Is it a pass dropped right in the breadbasket from a quarterback to a receiver? Or is it even the band Nickelback?
The terms being referred to now are terms that a football team uses as defensive packages. There is the nickel package and the dime package that defenses line up in different situations. It is not quite common knowledge amongst fans what the difference is between the two coverages. This article will explain how the different packages work in favor of different situations.
To help understand the differences, it must be known that the base defense of an NFL team is four defensive linemen, three linebackers, and four defensive backs. That is the standard base defense in the NFL, and now these variations can be explained.
The Nickel Package
As one might assume, nickel packages utilize five defensive backs and are best for pass coverage in situations. Nickel defenses are used when the defensive coordinator expects a passing down from the opposing team. With five defensive backs on the field, that means that one linebacker usually gets taken off the field for a 4-2-5 formation: four linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs.
As the NFL has transitioned into a passing league, the nickel defense gets utilized more often than your traditional base defense. The extra defensive back on the field helps cover an extra receiver or tight end, allowing for less space for the quarterback to complete a pass through the defense. The nickel allows more flexibility in defensive play calling and can be better utilized to defend the run and pass.
The Dime Package
The dime package is not as simple as putting ten defensive backs on the field and one pass rusher. However, it basically takes the nickel package and just further amps it up to 11.
The dime package removes two linebackers for two extra defensive backs to have six on the field. It becomes a 4-1-6 formation. The dime formation is utilized when it is so clearly a passing down for the other team so the defense can have an extra layer of defensive backs on the field.
It adds extra protection against deep passes down the field when protecting against a deep threat like Jameson Williams. The dime is utilized on a 3rd-and-20 type of scenario where the team absolutely knows that the opposing offense will be passing the football. Two-minute drills are also easy situations where dime packages will be utilized because that means offenses need to gain chunk yards in a short amount of time.
The dime package is vulnerable against the run, which is sometimes why, on third-and-long situations, you see offenses run draw plays to catch the defense off guard.
Each defensive package has its own pros and cons with certain situational playcalling. The differences are the extra amount of defensive backs versus linebackers on the field and are called by defensive coordinators in certain downs and distances. Both are extensions of the standard base NFL defense and bring good things to the table for NFL defenses.
