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San Francisco 49ers: Breaking down defensive line’s alignment in 2017

By Peter Panacy

October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

49ers Nickel Defense Alignment

There’s an argument nickel defenses are the new base defense.

The MMQB’s Peter King, using Pro Football Focus, broke down how nickel defenses have become more prevalent in recent seasons:

"The 2015 season was the seventh straight year for an increase in the number of defensive snaps in the NFL on which five or more defensive back were on the field. Per Pro Football Focus, here is the percentage of plays in NFL games with five DBs or more on the field in every season since 2008: 2008: 43.4% 2009: 45.1% 2010: 48.8% 2011: 52.5% 2012: 54.4% 2013: 58.3% 2014: 60.3% 2015: 63.4%"

This is a direct reflection of the NFL getting more “pass happy” with at least three-wide receiver sets.

Nickel defenses remove the nose tackle in favor of an additional cornerback, who covers the slot and is why he’s referred to as a nickel corner.

Related Story: 49ers film room: Personnel fits in nickel defenses

While this is known more as a passing formation, nickel runs were particularly effective against the 49ers in 2015 when offenses went at least three wide and forced the removal of former Niners nose tackle Ian Williams — the team’s best defender, per PFF that year.

49ers Player Alignments

This other graphic, courtesy again of Niner Noise’s Chris Wilson, gives you an idea on how the 49ers would align their defense in nickel formations:

49ers Nickel
49ers Nickel /

Solomon Thomas and DeForest Buckner swap in this formation, according to Wilson, and they’ll be responsible with locking up preferably two offensive linemen each and supplying an interior pass rush.

Linebacker Ahmad Brooks is still on the line of scrimmage, but Arik Armstead would be the obvious choice for the LEO pass-rushing spot.

One can also note the shift with WILL linebacker Reuben Foster on the weak side of the line, with MIKE linebacker NaVorro Bowman patrolling the very center at the second level.