For every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction. This applies to the science of physics as much as it applies to strategy in football. Things change constantly in the NFL, and if the Dallas Cowboys’ defense wants to be able keep pace, they have to respond to current trends. One particular trend is the use of large personnel groupings.
Large personnel like 12, 13, 21 and 22, use extra tight ends and running backs at the cost of receivers. Bigger offensive packages require bigger defensive packages because they signal “run.” This typically forces defenses out of their nickel personnel group and into the oft-neglected base group.
Nickel is the most commonly used personnel grouping on the Cowboys ,as well as the rest of the league. Using an extra defensive back allows the defense to emphasize coverage as they match up against the most common offensive personnel package, 11 personnel. Offenses have taken notice of this and predictably adjusted.
Wanting to force defenses out of their comfort zones, many smart NFL offenses are choosing large personnel. It forces defenses into base as they focus on size and stopping the run. The only problem is offenses are now passing out of their large personnel.
14 teams, nearly half of the NFL, is now passing out of 12 personnel more than they are running. In 13 personnel, 10 teams are passing more than running. League-wide, 11 personnel is still king, but 10 teams deploy 12 personnel over 29% of the time while the L.A. Rams play out of 13 personnel a staggering 30.5% of the time (per Sumer Sports).
The Rams specifically enjoy wild success passing out of this, posting an NFL best +0.50 EPA/pass in 13 personnel.
This is why Mike Macdonald’s Seattle Seahawks emphasized continuity against various personnel packages last season and why Christian Parker has so much invested in filling the APEX defender role in Dallas. Parker wants his Cowboys defense to be versatile enough to stand up to large personnel packages, without selling out to stop the run. He sees passing offenses are finding success against base defenses and he’s adjusting his roster accordingly.
The Cowboys are making major steps into improving their defense and part of that requires being resilient to rising trends such as this. By playing the down-and-distance rather than the personnel grouping, he can make sure the right guys are on the field and Dallas is in the best position to succeed.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys DC Parker looks to beat curve in adjusting to large NFL trend
Reporting by Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
