Nickel Corner in Eberflus Scheme

[Cowboyny]

Under Matt Eberflus, the nickel slot corner is a crucial part of the defense, particularly in his defensive schemes. Eberflus, now the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, has utilized this position effectively in previous roles, like when he was the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Eberflus often employs the nickel back to blitz the passing strength, attacking the offensive line and limiting wide-zone runs. The nickel back also plays a key role in defending RPOs (Run-Pass Options), a strategy where the offense can change its play based on how the defense reacts.

Here's why the nickel slot corner is so important:

• Versatile Role:
  The nickel slot corner can play both man coverage and zone coverage, depending on the situation.
  
  
• Blitzing Ability:
  Eberflus frequently utilizes the nickel back to rush the quarterback, adding another layer of pressure to the opposing offense.
  
  
• Run Defense:
  The nickel slot corner is also crucial in run defense, often playing near the box to help stop the run game.
  
  
• Defending RPOs:
  The nickel back's ability to react to RPOs makes them a valuable asset in a modern NFL defense.
  
  
• Creating a "Reverse Triangle":
  Eberflus has spoken about creating a "reverse triangle" on defense, with the nickel corner, three-technique defensive tackle, and WILL linebacker as the three points,

 

[Cowboyny]

In the specific context of Matt Eberflus's defensive scheme, which is primarily a 4-3 scheme focused on zone coverage, the concept of a "reverse triangle" would involve adjusting the defensive coverage based on the opponent's formation. When the offense aligns with two guards, the defensive scheme would need to shift to a similar alignment, creating a double team against a strong low post player. This adjustment ensures that the defense can effectively counter the offensive strategy.

 

[CCBoy]

Under Matt Eberflus, the nickel slot corner is a crucial part of the defense, particularly in his defensive schemes. Eberflus, now the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, has utilized this position effectively in previous roles, like when he was the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Eberflus often employs the nickel back to blitz the passing strength, attacking the offensive line and limiting wide-zone runs. The nickel back also plays a key role in defending RPOs (Run-Pass Options), a strategy where the offense can change its play based on how the defense reacts.

Here's why the nickel slot corner is so important:

• Versatile Role:
  The nickel slot corner can play both man coverage and zone coverage, depending on the situation.
  
  
• Blitzing Ability:
  Eberflus frequently utilizes the nickel back to rush the quarterback, adding another layer of pressure to the opposing offense.
  
  
• Run Defense:
  The nickel slot corner is also crucial in run defense, often playing near the box to help stop the run game.
  
  
• Defending RPOs:
  The nickel back's ability to react to RPOs makes them a valuable asset in a modern NFL defense.
  
  
• Creating a "Reverse Triangle":
  Eberflus has spoken about creating a "reverse triangle" on defense, with the nickel corner, three-technique defensive tackle, and WILL linebacker as the three points,

Sir, I appreciate the amount of really good discussion perspectives that you bring.

 

[CCBoy]

In the specific context of Matt Eberflus's defensive scheme, which is primarily a 4-3 scheme focused on zone coverage, the concept of a "reverse triangle" would involve adjusting the defensive coverage based on the opponent's formation. When the offense aligns with two guards, the defensive scheme would need to shift to a similar alignment, creating a double team against a strong low post player. This adjustment ensures that the defense can effectively counter the offensive strategy.

Except when a Lamb, Pickens, and Blue are on the field at the same time!

 

[CCBoy]

In Dallas, the nickel slot is filled a lot by a safety.

 

[Zekeats]

I mean honestly this could be said for all nickels in a defense. lol

 

[Mr_437]

Can't help but to think about Jourdan Lewis, but looking at the roster Daron Bland is the most qualified. Maybe Revel and Elam can hold down the CB positions till Diggs get back. Just in case, I wonder how they handle Mukuamu n Carson.

 

[gimmesix]

Can't help but to think about Jourdan Lewis, but looking at the roster Daron Bland is the most qualified. Maybe Revel and Elam can hold down the CB positions till Diggs get back. Just in case, I wonder how they handle Mukuamu n Carson.

Yeah, I wonder if Eberflus will move Bland to the slot when we move into the nickel defense. I think Elam is more of an outside corner. I'm not sure about Revel. Of course, he may not want to take Bland out of coverage to blitz and attack the run.

 

[DeaconMoss]

Can't help but to think about Jourdan Lewis, but looking at the roster Daron Bland is the most qualified. Maybe Revel and Elam can hold down the CB positions till Diggs get back. Just in case, I wonder how they handle Mukuamu n Carson.

Seatbelt lasted 4 games and then became a crash dummy. Needs to step up if he wants an active role

 

[Cowboyny]

Can't help but to think about Jourdan Lewis, but looking at the roster Daron Bland is the most qualified. Maybe Revel and Elam can hold down the CB positions till Diggs get back. Just in case, I wonder how they handle Mukuamu n Carson.

I wonder if they give Thomas a chance to compete for the job. Eberflus wants a long zone corner who would be apart of their run defense. He did use a big corner in Chicago for that role

 

[Mr_437]

I wonder if they give Thomas a chance to compete for the job. Eberflus wants a long zone corner who would be apart of their run defense. He did use a big corner in Chicago for that role

I think Thomas play some nickel last year, so he could be a possibility also.

 

[speedkilz88]

Yeah, I wonder if Eberflus will move Bland to the slot when we move into the nickel defense. I think Elam is more of an outside corner. I'm not sure about Revel. Of course, he may not want to take Bland out of coverage to blitz and attack the run.

Bland, Carson, Butler, Hall, Pride are more the nickel types with Mukuamu being a big nickle who can match up with the bigger slot WRs moreso than the small ones.

 

[conner01]

Yeah, I wonder if Eberflus will move Bland to the slot when we move into the nickel defense. I think Elam is more of an outside corner. I'm not sure about Revel. Of course, he may not want to take Bland out of coverage to blitz and attack the run.

That’s what I expect and I think bland is good in zone coverage.

 

[DandyDon52]

Under Matt Eberflus, the nickel slot corner is a crucial part of the defense, particularly in his defensive schemes. Eberflus, now the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, has utilized this position effectively in previous roles, like when he was the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Eberflus often employs the nickel back to blitz the passing strength, attacking the offensive line and limiting wide-zone runs. The nickel back also plays a key role in defending RPOs (Run-Pass Options), a strategy where the offense can change its play based on how the defense reacts.

Here's why the nickel slot corner is so important:

• Versatile Role:
  The nickel slot corner can play both man coverage and zone coverage, depending on the situation.
  
  
• Blitzing Ability:
  Eberflus frequently utilizes the nickel back to rush the quarterback, adding another layer of pressure to the opposing offense.
  
  
• Run Defense:
  The nickel slot corner is also crucial in run defense, often playing near the box to help stop the run game.
  
  
• Defending RPOs:
  The nickel back's ability to react to RPOs makes them a valuable asset in a modern NFL defense.
  
  
• Creating a "Reverse Triangle":
  Eberflus has spoken about creating a "reverse triangle" on defense, with the nickel corner, three-technique defensive tackle, and WILL linebacker as the three points,

So who is going to play this nickel corner, and the will LB ??

 

[gimmesix]

I think Thomas play some nickel last year, so he could be a possibility also.

I could see that. If Eberflus wants nickel corner to be a force player, blitzing, coming up to defend the run, etc., it may make sense to play Thomas there.

 

[gimmesix]

So who is going to play this nickel corner, and the will LB ??

I would lean toward Murray at WLB. From what I've read on him, his strength is his speed to attack. His weaknesses are taking on blockers and diagnosing plays. Eberflus's scheme should help with diagnosing plays because he tries to take the thinking out of it. Playing Will in this scheme should help Murray not have to take on blockers as much.

I believe Sanborn has played both SLB and MLB for Eberflus and believe he's more suited for MLB. Honestly, though, what I would probably do is play Parsons at MLB when we are not in the nickel and let him attack the middle of the offense. That would leave Sanborn, Liufau and Murray to fight it out for the SLB and WLB roles.

 

[gimmesix]

Bland, Carson, Butler, Hall, Pride are more the nickel types with Mukuamu being a big nickle who can match up with the bigger slot WRs moreso than the small ones.

I liked what I saw of Butler last year, but outside of Bland, I'm not sure any of those others should be on the field. I also like Muku in the slot in the playoffs a few years ago, but he didn't look good the next preseason at corner, but I think we were playing him a lot at outside corner in those games.

 

[beware_d-ware]

Nickel is quietly a tough position to fill. Historically, teams have treated it as a home for athletically limited CBs who either lack the size or the speed they wanted on the boundary. The stereotype is a guy like say Orlando Scandrick - he was fast, he had some game, but he weighed like a buck eighty, so we kept him inside and protected from the Andre Johnsons of the league.

But with all the offenses rushing out of 11 personnel, and the defenses who want to play deep coverage and leave the under zones lightly defended, nickel's almost developing into its own individual position. They're now expected to serve as force players in run defense, and tackle underneath almost as surely as a Will backer.

When you look at the good nickels in the league - guys like Jourdan Lewis, Cooper DeJean, Devon Witherspoon, Brian Branch - they're not all necessarily size-speed standouts, but they're all just freaking dawgs. High football IQ guys who love to get physical. Tyrann Mathieu was like the OG for this new style of defender - you want a Honey Badger.

The athletic skillset isn't that difficult to find, but the mentality is. And if you're playing a conservative, deep zone type defense, your nickel is going to see the ball funneled his way a lot, so a talented playmaker can capitalize on that. I think it's a position that is currently undervalued contract/cap wise by the league.

 

[Cowboyny]

So who is going to play this nickel corner, and the will LB ??

Sanborn has the edge to become the Will linebacker, he has played under Eberflus with Chicago in this scheme. Nickel corner remains a complete unknown, based on my research, they are going to need a big corner who can be a factor in stopping the run. This could be a corner or even a safety.

 

[Cowboyny]

Nickel is quietly a tough position to fill. Historically, teams have treated it as a home for athletically limited CBs who either lack the size or the speed they wanted on the boundary. The stereotype is a guy like say Orlando Scandrick - he was fast, he had some game, but he weighed like a buck eighty, so we kept him inside and protected from the Andre Johnsons of the league.

But with all the offenses rushing out of 11 personnel, and the defenses who want to play deep coverage and leave the under zones lightly defended, nickel's almost developing into its own individual position. They're now expected to serve as force players in run defense, and tackle underneath almost as surely as a Will backer.

When you look at the good nickels in the league - guys like Jourdan Lewis, Cooper DeJean, Devon Witherspoon, Brian Branch - they're not all necessarily size-speed standouts, but they're all just freaking dawgs. High football IQ guys who love to get physical. Tyrann Mathieu was like the OG for this new style of defender - you want a Honey Badger.

The athletic skillset isn't that difficult to find, but the mentality is. And if you're playing a conservative, deep zone type defense, your nickel is going to see the ball funneled his way a lot, so a talented playmaker can capitalize on that. I think it's a position that is currently undervalued contract/cap wise by the league.

Excellent points!

Eberflus used a big corner as his nickel with the Bears in Kyler Gordon. 6 feet 200 lbs and 31 inch arms.

Through my research, he wants his nickel to be a big part of his run defense, able to effectively blitz and carry the underneath zones. We are seeing a lot of those hybrid CB/S which I believe are the future for the position. Branch, Hill, DeJean, Barron all fit that mold.

Easy answer would be moving Bland back into the slot, but I wonder if they are considering any outside fa's or even a safety on their roster to fill the role?