It 's a departure from the long - standing paradigm that featured two cornerbacks and two safeties .
On 45 percent of those snaps ( 15,697 times ) , teams utilized a nickel defensive personnel package , i.e. five defensive backs on the field .
teams 's a departure from the long - standing paradigm that featured two cornerbacks and two safeties .
On 45 percent of those snaps ( 15,697 times ) , teams utilized a nickel defensive personnel package , i.e. five defensive backs on the field .