Nickel Play Description?

[woolymuffler]

In the defensive playbook, Nickel-norm-MZ-B10,1 both by name and diagram appears to be a zone coverage, but is labeled as Man. How is it actually used in the engine? Is it treated as Man or Zone?

[Arlie Rahn]

Nice catch, it is a man defense (even though the diagram and name look like a zone). The 3 CBs and 2 LBs matchup on receiving options in man coverage. The coverage acts like Nickel-Norm-TMan but both safeties blitz.

[woolymuffler]

<p>Thanks for the reply Arlie, I really appreciate it!</p><p> </p><p>

I've actually found another 10 or 12 where there is a discrepancy between the play name, diagram and blitzer list. Which is accurate in those cases?</p><p> </p><p>

I assume the play name is just a label so that isn't really what I should rely on.</p><p> </p><p>

I've also been assuming that the diagrams are just pictures as well and don't necessarily reflect what is happening on the play if there is a conflict.</p><p> </p><p>

So I've been relying on the Blitzers list and Coverage type to tell me what is actually happening on a play.</p><p> </p><p>

A really good example is 5-2-run-Man-B6,11. Name indicates man coverage with LB1 and FS blitz, diagram shows LB1 and SS blitz and the blitzers list shows LB2 only blitzing. Without clarification from you, I am assuming that the play in the engine is actually man coverage with LB2 blitzing. Would love clarification if you could though. Thanks!</p>

[Arlie Rahn]

The type of coverage shown next to the play name is correct. So, if the name or diagram says "zone" and the coverage type says "man", it is man coverage. You are correct in relying on the blitz list and coverage type - those are always accurate.

[woolymuffler]

Thanks for that; really great information to have