Examining Washington’s 5-1-5 nickel sub-package
Breaking down the details of Washington’s new sub-package with five defensive lineman, one linebacker and five defensive backs.
Going into the season, there was a lot of buzz among fans about a potential five defensive lineman package. The defensive line is obviously Washington’s strongest and deepest group with four first round picks as starters and good depth behind them. Naturally, fans and coaches alike look at ways to get more of the team's best players on the field, so for Washington, a five defensive lineman package could work.
One way to accomplish this is play with effectively a base 3-4 defense. That would allow Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Matt Ioannidis to play as the three defensive lineman, as they did in the 3-4 schemes before Ron Rivera was hired, while Chase Young and Montez Sweat can both play as the outside linebackers on the edge. Washington is a base 4-3 team, but against the Giants, they did show this look.
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