Banking on the big nickel: Steelers DE Brett Keisel vs. Raiders RB Darren McFadden

September 23, 2012 12:47 am
Share with others:
0
inShare
By Gerry Dulac / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Substitution packages have become common in the NFL, a way for coaches to enlarge their schematic arsenal, cause opponents to make personnel adjustments and, at times, outsmart themselves. Consider the new defensive wrinkle for the Steelers, which really isn't new at all.

It is called the "big nickel," a package not too dissimilar from the traditional "nickel" that exchanges a defensive lineman for a fifth defensive back, usually in passing situations.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/banking-on-the-big-nickel-steelers-de-brett-keisel-vs-raiders-rb-darren-mcfadden-654620/#ixzz27IB7qJuy

It seems insane to take your best pass rushers off the field at any time. We'll have to wait and see how effective this big nickel defense is before passing judgement I guess. The lack of linebackers on the field for this package concerns me though considering the history of the Steelers vaunted linebacking corps.

I guess with the rotating injuries to our LBs in the recent past and the apparent drop-off in production with the starter's replacements, it has forced LeBeau and Tomlin to think outside the box some. Let's hope it gets us by until the return of Harrison.

The Steelers are slowly turning in to a four three defensive front.