While the Las Vegas Raiders base defense — whether it’s a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment — remains a topic of conversation as the team embarks on OTAs, the truth of the matter is the nickel formation is where NFL defense’s spend most of their time, nowadays.
Defending the aerial theatrics that NFL offenses have become makes that a necessity. Teams are deploying five defensive backs — a trio of cornerbacks and two safeties is the norm — to combat the firepower they’re tasked at quelling or disrupting. And Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has no qualms telling you straight up.