Nickel 3-3-5

Playbook: New York Giants

Formation: Nickel 335

Play: LB Cross 3

Setup:

1. Base Align
2. Press Coverage
3. Spread the defensive line
4. Slant the defensive line outside
5. QB Contain
6. Zone the left side of the screen linebacker and user him

Overview: Here we are blitzing only five people and getting right side pressure on the QB from the linebacker. This play has great Cover 3 coverage behind it while bringing quick pressure to the opponent.

Playbook: New York Giants

Formation: Nickel 335

Play: Tampa 2

Setup:

1. Base Align
2. Press Coverage
3. Spread the defensive line
4. Slant the defensive line outside
5. Move the blitzing cornerback in and QB Contain

Overview: On this play we only blitz four people and get pressure directly at the QB. We have a Tampa 2 style defense behind us and we can adjust our zones to stop nearly any offensive play. A lot of times it will be beneficial to put the middle linebacker in a Deep third zone so the middle of the field will be covered.

Playbook: New York Giants

Formation: Nickel 335

Play: Loop Crash 2

Setup:

1. Base Align
2. Press Coverage
3. Spread the defensive line
4. Slant the defensive line outside
5. Blitz the right side of the screen linebacker
6. QB Contain
7. Move the blitzing Cornerback next to the left side of the screen defensive end

Overview: This is a 6-man blitz that will mainly be used against an opponent that starts “max protecting” their offense to counter our blitzes. This play will still get pressure against an opponent that is max protecting and when someone does this it is easy to guard their routes because there will only be three routes going out for a pass if they are blocking seven people.

Playbook: New York Giants

Formation: Nickel 335

Play: Cover 3 Sky Drop (Coverage Defense)

Setup:

1. Base Align
2. Press Coverage
3. Spread the defensive line
4. Move the cornerback next to the defensive end to make it appear you are blitzing

Overview: This is a coverage defense for this formation. Mix this play in after blitzing your opponent a lot to confuse them and force them into a mistake. You can adjust the zones however you would like. As mentioned in the video a QB spy is recommended if your opponent is using a lot of drag routes.