stillers4me
09-23-2010, 06:05 PM
Posted on September 23, 2010 (http://www.steelerslounge.com/2010/09/steelers-abandon-dime-defense-timmons-field/) by ted (http://www.steelerslounge.com/author/ted/)
Historically, Steelers’ defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has used three different personnel groupings for his usually successful defense.
Most commonly employed is his base 3-4-4 defense, where the starting outside linebackers and safety Troy Polamalu offer great maneuverability amongst current players.
Next would be when LeBeau brings in a nickel back (third cornerback – William Gay this year) and takes the nose tackle off the field. In this scenario, he often brings both OLBs up to the line, essentially as defensive ends.
However, the third scheme and the one used less frequently over the years is a dime alignment, which includes six defensive backs. In the dime, the Steelers generally brought in a third safety (Tyrone Carter in recent years) to go with three corners.
In addition to the nose tackle, the dime called for an inside linebacker to go to the sidelines. Last year it was frustrating that LeBeau preferred to leave aging James Farrior on the field and often in pass coverage when the team used the dime, while opting to take Lawrence Timmons off the field even though he is the fastest Steelers’ linebacker.
It appears LeBeau has tweaked his scheme in 2010, as the Steelers have yet to go with a dime defense for one play this season..............
http://www.steelerslounge.com/2010/09/steelers-abandon-dime-defense-timmons-field/
Historically, Steelers’ defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has used three different personnel groupings for his usually successful defense.
Most commonly employed is his base 3-4-4 defense, where the starting outside linebackers and safety Troy Polamalu offer great maneuverability amongst current players.
Next would be when LeBeau brings in a nickel back (third cornerback – William Gay this year) and takes the nose tackle off the field. In this scenario, he often brings both OLBs up to the line, essentially as defensive ends.
However, the third scheme and the one used less frequently over the years is a dime alignment, which includes six defensive backs. In the dime, the Steelers generally brought in a third safety (Tyrone Carter in recent years) to go with three corners.
In addition to the nose tackle, the dime called for an inside linebacker to go to the sidelines. Last year it was frustrating that LeBeau preferred to leave aging James Farrior on the field and often in pass coverage when the team used the dime, while opting to take Lawrence Timmons off the field even though he is the fastest Steelers’ linebacker.
It appears LeBeau has tweaked his scheme in 2010, as the Steelers have yet to go with a dime defense for one play this season..............
http://www.steelerslounge.com/2010/09/steelers-abandon-dime-defense-timmons-field/