49ers film study: 2017 roster fits in Robert Saleh’s nickel defense

Nickel Cover 1 vs. 01 Personnel

From play to play, and with limited changes to their personnel, the Jaguars utilize a variety of different coverages, and give offenses drastically different looks.

The second example is from the same game against the Packers:

Again, on the defensive line, the two inside rushers line up in a 3-technique, and the outside rushers in a wide 9-technique. This time, the LEO on the left side of the formation is replaced with an OTTO linebacker:

The WILL LB is just off the line of scrimmage, and the MIKE LB has backed away from the line instead of threatening the a-gap blitz.

The strong safety is now single-high, and the free safety is down in the box in man coverage with the WR in the backfield. The Jaguars sometimes flip their safeties, especially in situations where the safety has man coverage responsibilities against a faster receiver, like WR Randall Cobb.

For the 49ers, Buckner and Thomas stay in their respective positions. Armstead flips to the right side of the line, and LEO Lynch is subbed out for OTTO Ahmad Brooks.

Although Reid doesn’t have the range to play single-high in a Cover-3 Press, he is more than capable in this Cover 1, especially for a SS.

Given his history at CB, Ward is the perfect FS to play man coverage against the WR in the backfield, and WILL LB Foster is manned up on the tight end.