49ers film study: 2017 roster fits in Robert Saleh’s nickel defense
By Chris Wilson
Nickel Cover 3 vs. 11 Personnel
The Jaguars play multiple combinations of players in their front four. But in obvious passing situations, the front four usually line up the same way; the two inside rushers line up in a 3-technique, and the outside rushers in a wide 9-technique.
Similar to Mike Zimmer’s Minnesota Vikings, the Jaguars often have one or both of their inside linebackers on the line of scrimmage for a potential a-gap blitz.
In this first example, the Jaguars have both of their LEOs on the outside of the line, and a defensive end and defensive tackle on the inside. The MIKE linebacker lines up over the center, threatening a blitz up the middle:
In long-yardage situations, the Jaguars play more Cover 3 than Cover-3 Press, since they are less worried about short throws to the flat.
Here, the Jaguars are playing Cover 3, either due to the down and distance, or because the Green Bay Packers are in a tight formation that is less conducive to press coverage:
Similar to the 49ers’ base defense, Jimmie Ward and Eric Reid are the defacto starters at the two safety positions, and Rashard Robinson is set to start at left cornerback. The right CB position will likely be a competition between rookie Ahkello Witherspoon and veteran Dontae Johnson.
If Reuben Foster is healthy, he will be expected to start at the WILL LB position next to MIKE LB NaVorro Bowman, otherwise, Malcolm Smith will start at WILL LB.
Newcomer K’Waun Williams is penciled in at the nickel cornerback position, but will have competition from both Keith Reaser and Will Redmond.
On the defensive line, the 49ers have Aaron Lynch and Arik Armstead at the outside positions, and DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas on the inside.