Space might be the final frontier as many Trekkies and Star Wars fanatics believe, but it’s become the desired frontier at all levels of football. Current offenses consistently look for ways to get their offensive stars out in space one-on-one with linebackers or safeties and force them to make open field tackles regularly. Defensive coordinators don’t want linebackers out on the field to chase those quick, speedy offensive players with the ball in their hands.
So, they’ve countered much of the NFL passing game with sub-package personnel, putting five, six and even seven defensive backs on the field, more often than not.