Playbooks
Nickel 2 Trap is a two man trap blitz look out of the 3-3 Swap Dbl Mug front that disguises pressure with a mugged look at the line before dropping extra defenders into coverage underneath. The trap element pulls defenders through gaps to bait the quarterback into a quick throw, while the back seven rotates into a two deep shell over the top to take away the vertical shots. Your primary read progression starts with identifying which two rushers the trap sends first, then working outside in to spy on hot routes and check downs since those are the throws this call is designed to jump.
Watch for the offense checking into a quick game concept like slants or flat routes, since this call is designed to sit on those throws and jump them for a pick. If the offense shows empty or spread formations with no run threat, expect a quick pass read and be ready to user the trap defender into the shortest route. Post-snap, key the running back and tight end releases, since this coverage bites hard on check downs and will get beat by patient double moves or delayed wheel routes. Watch for play action against this call, since the trap drop can leave the second level thin if the offensive line sells run and linebackers bite on the fake. If the quarterback holds the ball and looks off the trap defenders, know that deep in-cuts or dig routes over the middle can exploit the seam before the safeties rotate over.
Use Nickel 2 Trap on early downs or second and medium when offenses expect a standard blitz look and are primed to throw quick game against pressure.
Pre-snap, bait the quarterback by showing the mugged look at the line so he thinks blitz is coming, then let the trap defenders bluff before dropping to sit on hot routes and slants.
Mix this call with SS 2 Trap and Blitz Loop 0 from the same set so quarterbacks cannot key on the mugged alignment and guess whether it is a real blitz or a trap drop.
User the linebacker closest to the trap gap manually to jump underneath crossers, since the AI drop can be a beat late against quick game timing.
Avoid calling this on third and long against mobile quarterbacks who can scramble through the vacated trap gaps before the second level defenders reset.