What it is

A nickel defense uses five defensive backs, one more than the usual four. The extra player is called the nickelback, and he usually takes the place of a linebacker.

In a game

Teams use it when the offense is expected to pass, for example with three receivers on the field, because the extra defensive back covers the slot receiver. The cost is that the defense has one fewer player near the line, so it is more open to a run. The name comes from the five-cent coin, one coin for each defensive back.

More detail

Nickel has become the base defense for many NFL teams, because offenses now use three or more receivers on most plays. Teams began to use it widely in the 1970s. It comes in different shapes, such as the 4-2-5, with four linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs, and the 3-3-5. Adding a sixth defensive back makes a dime package.

Animated diagram

1. The defense takes off a linebacker and puts a fifth defensive back, the nickelback, across from the slot receiver.
2. The nickelback follows the slot receiver, who runs a route over the middle.
3. The extra defender is better at covering a receiver than a linebacker, but the defense has one fewer player near the line against a run.