The nickel defense usually uses four defensive linemen and two linebackers, which creates a 4-2-5 formation. It is one of the most common formations in the NFL today because many teams rely ...

The Bills used the lowest rate of base defense in the league this season at 3.8 percent. Buffalo was third in nickel (80.4 percent) and eighth in dime (15 percent).

Behind them, the 49ers have nothing but question marks. Last year, the 49ers no. 3 cornerback in their nickel defense was Isaiah Oliver, who no longer is on the team.

Teams utilize the nickel so often because the primary offensive package in the league is 11 personnel, which has one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers on the field. If a defense ...

GREEN BAY − Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley appears to have settled on his secondary for his nickel defense that’s a lot different than the start of the season, but he ...

The nickel defense usually uses four defensive linemen and two linebackers, which creates a 4-2-5 formation. It is one of the most common formations in the NFL today because many teams rely ...