Formation Question

[Evilaviator]

I currently am playing with New Orleans and their base defense is the 4-3. I have been using the theory of basically wanting two DB's more than the offense has WR's. So in a 2WR set the 4-3 has enough DB's to defend the pass. 3WR nickle formation, 4WR dime and 5WR Quarters.

Now my question is that if you are a base 4-3 defense, is it ok to call the nickle dime quarter formation depending on what your opponent calls in the huddle or do you still stay in the 4-3 package? Is this a pretty good rule of thumb?

[conviction]

Your right on the money man, they come out in 3wr come out in nickel. The only time you would not do that is if you feel ur nickelback/dimeback are weak or if you feel that ur linebackers are fast enough and are not a mismatch. I play with teams with slow/high strength linebackers so i make sure i put in 2 more d'backs than recievers.

[Michura]

I do the same thing you do in general. However, I have an OLB with 90 speed (fastest LB in the game) so I will ocassionally be OK with being one DB short. That said, there really aren't that many LB's I would feel comfortable matching up with a WR.

Also, if your opponent can't handle your pass rush, then the WR won't have much separation because he has to throw, especially if you have to bump.

You also are sometimes better off having a LB on a WR if the WR is big and you want to bump and run.