Spring Outlook: Versatility Name of Game at Linebacker
- Thread starter RobHowe
- Start date
Thanks for the article Rob. However, don’t think you got the nuance of the term ‘Star’ correct. As Seth Wallace points out at about the 1:15 mark of the video in your article, ‘Star’ ONLY refers to the extra DB in the (generally 3rd down) Nickel package- the traditionally specialized package for expected pass plays. As I understood Coach Wallace, in the new 4-2-5 base package, that extra DB is the ‘Cash’.
Looks like he described it pretty much exactly as you are describing here.
I like the idea of DEs like Jones, Welch, or Niemann rushing the passer on 3rd and long, especially against running QBs. As athletic as AJE and Nelson are, it nearly gave me a heart attack watching them try to corral Martinez on 3rd and long.
RobHowe
Administrator
Zstatman
Well-Known Member
Often in the NFL the D gets to the QB so fast it seems like there is no O line at all. I've wondered at time why more college teams didn't put that kind of attacking pressure on Os, even more specially, why don't we?
Many of us have asked why we don't blitz more than we have. When Phil Parker has been asked in interviews it seems like the answer has been when you blitz you leave somebody open, you've got to have the right personnel, you need to practice it so it is ingrained in the DNA of the D. Plenty of reasons that we never explored.
I sense with this alignment we can do more of that. In reading and listening to the articles and interviews one reason for the CASH is to be able to put someone with DB type capabilities on a WR rather than a LB, which on its own merits is a good thing.
But it seems to me, at least, if you have an Amani Jones standing up running up and down the line, if you are putting a Niemann or a Welch at the edge, plus a CASH at the ready you could have more of an attacking style. Throw in an AJ Epenesa and you are even better at it.
I don't know that Parker and Co. are looking at this aggressive style of play but the ingredients sure seem to be there.
Many of us have asked why we don't blitz more than we have. When Phil Parker has been asked in interviews it seems like the answer has been when you blitz you leave somebody open, you've got to have the right personnel, you need to practice it so it is ingrained in the DNA of the D. Plenty of reasons that we never explored.
I sense with this alignment we can do more of that. In reading and listening to the articles and interviews one reason for the CASH is to be able to put someone with DB type capabilities on a WR rather than a LB, which on its own merits is a good thing.
But it seems to me, at least, if you have an Amani Jones standing up running up and down the line, if you are putting a Niemann or a Welch at the edge, plus a CASH at the ready you could have more of an attacking style. Throw in an AJ Epenesa and you are even better at it.
I don't know that Parker and Co. are looking at this aggressive style of play but the ingredients sure seem to be there.
From your article:
“There’s also a 4-2-5 grouping with an extra cornerback called a “Star”.”
Unless that’s pointed out to be a nickel package (words coach Wallace used) it’s easy to confuse with the base package where the extra cornerback is the “Cash”.
Sorry for the nitpicking but this confusion is exactly why it had to be pointed out in a press conference.
I think the interesting thing is, you could start someone at safety that weighs 185 ish has excellent closing speed and tackles well while hitting like a truck.
Closing speed and the ability to drop the hammer are extremely important. (Think Sanders)
Then as Rob pointed out, if they grow a little and hit that 210-225 range their ball skills and abilities to be able to read and react should have done nothing but grow from their time playing safety.
Closing speed and the ability to drop the hammer are extremely important. (Think Sanders)
Then as Rob pointed out, if they grow a little and hit that 210-225 range their ball skills and abilities to be able to read and react should have done nothing but grow from their time playing safety.
RobHowe
Administrator
I’m the one who asked the question in the press conference
The 4-2-5 with the hybrid safety/LB is called the “Cash.” That’s what Hooker played.
The more traditional 4-2-5 with nickel is called “Star.” That would be user obvious passing downs similar to when you pull a LB in 4-3 and bring in a coverage guy.
WinOneThisCentury
Well-Known Member
CASH = Sebastian Castro
