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Why We Drafted Shaq

SgtJoo

By SgtJoo,
in Carolina Panthers

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SgtJoo Proficient

SgtJoo

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000375711/article/big-nickel-package-emerging-as-nfls-hottest-defensive-trend

 

 

 

In a big nickel package, the defensive coordinator will instead bring on an extra safety who acts as a hybrid linebacker/cornerback. While the nickel safety is also assigned to cover tight ends and receivers in the slot, he is a more effective run defender and possesses the size, strength and length to match up with the league's increasing number of big-bodied, pass-catching tight ends. Thus, the coordinator has a better option for defending opponents who prefer to play "12" personnel (one running back, two tight ends and two wide receivers) as their primary offense. See examples below:

 

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CPantherKing Grand Master

CPantherKing

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And when you have a LB who can play the Big Nickel it really messes with the defensive coordinators in their play calling and QBs on their pre snap reads. When you have 3 LBs who can cover and fill the Big Nickel, a QB has no definite pre snap read as zone and man will be hard to determine. Also, the QB will need more time to process the play after the snap.

 

Here is an example:

 

Russell Wilson has his pre-snap read and knows where he is going with the ball. He is going to Kease on Jones knowing that the only possible threat is the deep safety. The clock is stopped at 1:01 minutes.

 

13zpoag.jpg

 

 

In 1 second, Wilson is already throwing the ball to a spot behind the safety. Thomas Davis has an excellent pass rush on and would close in 1.5 seconds after the blitz. No chance to get the the QB in 1 second. This is where LBs who can cover like safeties put the offense at a disadvantage. Create enough hesitation for the QB and this becomes a defensive advantage.

 

jjb6li.jpg

 

 

Even with strong coverage by Boston, the pre-snap advantage for the offense was too much to overcome.

 

s5uwqf.jpg

 

 

The addition of Shaq Thompson is going to open up the defensive play book and minimize subpackage substituions. A much greater challenge for even the best QBs in the NFL.

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TheNewStandard Newbie

TheNewStandard

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On top of what you stated, Shaq will undoubtedly be replacing TD and will save us a ton of possible cap room in a couple of years.

Freeing up Kuechly and allowing him to get into the backfield (something he has been begging McDermott about,) is gonna put him in perennial conversation about the possibility of being DPOY.

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uscgamecocks Newbie

uscgamecocks

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I had managed to block that play out CPantherKing. I remember seeing the receiver at the top of the screen pointing out Colin Jones impending blitz and thinking "oh crap" right as the ball was snapped. Tre made a good effort to break up the pass but he was beat before the play started.

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KSpan Grand Master

KSpan

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How specifically does Shaq impact that play (or one like it) if you swap him in for Colin? The benefit of a buffalo nickel lies with run support, though it is possible that Shaq's cover skills are better.

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TheNewStandard Newbie

TheNewStandard

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How specifically does Shaq impact that play (or one like it) if you swap him in for Colin? The benefit of a buffalo nickel lies with run support, though it is possible that Shaq's cover skills are better.

honestly, Shaqs cover skills, play recognition and ball hawking are his best assets. Thats why he got drafted here...so that he can cover a large portion of the field regarding pass coverage and allow TD and Luke free to stop the run and possibly get pressure on the QB.

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SgtJoo Proficient

SgtJoo

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honestly, Shaqs cover skills, play recognition and ball hawking are his best assets. Thats why he got drafted here...so that he can cover a large portion of the field regarding pass coverage and allow TD and Luke free to stop the run and possibly get pressure on the QB.

 

No way he can be worse than Colin in that package.

 

Not to slight Jones.

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