The Nickel 1-5-5 Prowl replaces two defensive ends with linebackers. Therefore, team’s that run the 3-4 as their base defense will use the Nickel 1-5-5 Prowl as it replaces their slower defensive ends with fast linebackers. It’s primly used against offensive spread formations with multiply wide receivers on the field. It is not equipped to handle a power running attack. The Nickel 1-5-5 Prowl is designed to overload a point on the offensive line with more than pass rushers than it can block. By doing this, it forces the opposing quarterback into throwing the ball quickly to beat the blitz. When done correctly, quarterback won’t have time to look down the field and must look to throw underneath, otherwise risk being sacked.
Player Personnel(15):
- 1 DL
- 5 LB
- 5 DB
Strengths:
- Adds more speed on the field by replacing defensive linemen with linebackers..
- Does a better job in pass coverage with the extra linebackers on the field.
- A lot of effective blitz schemes can be setup from the Nickel 1-5-5 Prowl to bring pressure on the quarterback from different directions on the field.
- Does a good job at defending outside run plays.
Weaknesses:
- Weak against power run formations. For example if the offense comes out in 13 personnel and call an inside run play. The Nickel 1-5-5 Prowl will have a hard time defending against it.
- Must have the right defensive personnel to run it. For example if the defense had five fast linebackers, then they would want to run this defense. Conversely if they did not have five fast linebackers, they may not want run it unless they have elite defensive ends. If the defense does, it could use the DE Pass Rush Package.
Playbooks Found In:
- 3-4
- Cardinals
- Colts
- Eagles
- Falcons
- Packers (Psycho)
- Redskins
- Steelers
- Titans
Complete List of Plays:
- Cover 1 Robber
- Cover 2
- Cover 2 Drop
- Cover 2 Man
- Cover 3 Sky
- Cover 4
- Dbl Loop
- Dbl Loop 3
- FS Zone Blitz
- Invert 2 Fire
- MLB Cross Fire
- OLB Fire
- Overload 3 Seam
- Overload Blitz
- Prowl Bear 2
- Prowl Bear Blitz
- Strg Corner 2 Fire
- Under Smoke
Play Diagrams:
Pre-Set Audibles:
- 2 Man Under
- Under Smple
- Cover 2 Drop
- Cover 3 Sky
Packages:
DE Pass Rush, MLB2, OLB Swap, CB Swap, Safety Swap, FS Nickel, SS Nickel, CB Inside
Key Plays:
- Cover 1 Robber
- Cover 2 Man
- Invert Fire 2
- Overload 3 Seam
- Under Smoke
Final Thoughts:
For those of you who are looking for a defense to bring pressure on the quarterback in Madden 15, consider running the Nickel 1-5-5 Prowl as it does a good job bringing heat, please does a good job at defending the outside run.
