Playbooks
At a Glance
Not in any team playbook.
Overview
The 3-2 Odd set in the Dime formation is a sub package built to match spread passing personnel without giving up gap integrity up front. It aligns three down linemen (the RLE, RRE and RDT in the base depth chart) in an odd front, puts two linebackers behind them (including the SUBLB slot), and fields six defensive backs, with the SLCB working the slot. Other Dime sets usually lean on a four man front with a single linebacker. The 3-2 Odd keeps a nose over the center, which occupies the A gaps and frees both linebackers to scrape, spy, or drop into hook zones.
This alignment is designed to erase the matchups offenses build out of 11, 10 and empty personnel. The sixth defensive back lets you put a true cover corner on a slot receiver instead of a linebacker, which takes away the mismatches offenses create by hot routing a slot or tight end to a slant, option or wheel. The second linebacker stays in the box, so light boxes and draw plays are far less effective than they are against single linebacker Dime looks. Offenses that motion a back out to empty to isolate him on a linebacker find a DB or a rangy SUBLB waiting.
The odd front also makes pressure hard to read. With only three down linemen, either linebacker or the SLCB can become the fourth or fifth rusher, and the offensive line cannot key on a predictable edge rusher. That lets you show a two high shell and rotate late, bring simulated pressure off the slot, or drop eight and bracket the offense's best receiver. On third and long this set gives you coverage depth and enough run fits to keep the offense from checking into a quick draw.
Strengths
- Six defensive backs let you match speed on every receiver in 3x1 and empty sets, so the SLCB can play press man on a slot instead of leaving a linebacker exposed to option routes and quick slants.
- The two linebacker box holds up against draws, RPO give reads and QB scrambles far better than single linebacker Dime sets, which makes offenses one dimensional on passing downs.
- The odd front disguises the fourth and fifth rushers, so simulated pressure off the SUBLB or SLCB creates free rushers against slide protection and forces early throws into robbers and hook defenders.
- Cover 4 and Cover 2 man calls from this set bracket vertical concepts like four verticals, Mills and post wheel, since you have extra safeties to carry seams without leaving the flats empty.
- With two linebackers underneath you can user the middle of the field with one and keep the other as a QB spy or hook defender, which kills drags, mesh and shallow cross beaters that usually shred Dime zone.
Weaknesses
- With only three down linemen, a basic four man pass rush generates little natural pressure, and patient opponents can sit in the pocket and let deep crossers and dig routes develop against extended zone drops.
- Power run concepts out of heavier personnel (counter, duo, inside zone with a lead blocker) can pull the SUBLB out of his fit and hit the second level, especially when the offense catches you in this set on second and medium.
- The single nose makes the A gaps vulnerable to double teams, so inside zone and QB draws can find creases if your user linebacker overcommits to pass reads.
- When you send pressure off the slot, the SLCB leaves a hole the offense can attack with a hot routed slot slant or a quick screen to the vacated side.
- Offenses that audible into max protect play action take advantage of the lighter rush, buying time for deep overs and post corners that stress the two high safeties.
Usage Tips
Call this set on third and 6 or longer, and in two minute situations when the offense shows 11, 10 or empty personnel, since the extra DB and second linebacker cover every passing threat while keeping draw plays honest.
Read the formation pre snap: against 3x1 trips, shade coverage toward the trips side or check to a Cover 3 Match look so the SLCB and a safety can pass off the #2 and #3 receivers without busting.
User the SUBLB in the hook zone or as a middle of field robber, because that is where drags, digs and mesh concepts hit against three man and four man rushes from this front.
Mix simulated pressure off the SLCB with four man zone and occasional drop eight looks so the offense cannot key on your pressure tendency, and pair any slot blitz with a flat or hook zone adjustment to cover the vacated area.
If the offense subs into 12 or 21 personnel or starts running power at you, audible out or switch formations immediately, since the 3-2 Odd box cannot hold up against double tight or fullback lead run schemes.
