Dime and “big nickel” packages will be used a lot
You’re going to hear the terms “dime” and “big nickel” a lot in 2020 when watching the Rams defense. Essentially, it means they’re going to have three safeties on the field with two cornerbacks outside and two linebackers in “big nickel” packages, or three safeties, three corners and one linebacker in dime sets.
That’s all made possible with Burgess’ arrival, and the team’s depth at cornerback. We saw Phillips use this a lot in 2019 with Marqui Christian, keeping Littleton as the only inside linebacker on the field a lot of the time.
That’ll continue this coming season with Taylor Rapp, John Johnson, Burgess, Long and likely Micah Kiser. Stopping the run will be difficult in these packages, but in today’s pass-happy NFL, it’s all about limiting air yards.