How far must a nickel stretch?
For the Carolina Panthers, as far as he can. The premium placed on the nickel back, or “slot cornerback,” has skyrocketed.
In fact, the Panthers operate out of their nickel package so much that some players have joked in the past that it’s their base defense, a 4-3 front with an extra cornerback instead of a third linebacker, two outside cornerbacks and two safeties.
But they’ve had to do so. Teams are getting faster and more versatile. Offenses are passing the ball more than ever, and it’s no longer unusual to see a No.