A nickel defense uses five defensive backs to match spread formations. Learn the 4–2–5 structure, the nickel back’s job, strengths, risks and dime difference.

Jordyn Tyson has a new right hamstring injury with no return timetable. Here is the Week 1, Saints depth chart and fantasy football impact.

Intentional grounding prevents a passer from escaping pressure with a throw to nowhere. Learn the NFL pocket exception, penalty, safety rule and examples.

An option route lets a receiver adjust after the snap. Learn how leverage, man coverage, zone windows and quarterback timing determine the break.

A draw play looks like a pass before a delayed handoff attacks inside. Learn the timing, blocking, variations, best situations and defensive answers.

A screen pass invites the rush, releases blockers and throws into space. Learn how running back, bubble and tunnel screens work—and how defenses stop them.

A defensive stunt is a coordinated pass-rush exchange. Learn how the penetrator and looper create pressure, why T-E games work and how offenses stop them.

A QB spy shadows a mobile quarterback instead of rushing immediately. Learn the assignment, its strengths, its risks and how offenses attack it.

Man coverage assigns each defender to a receiver. Learn Cover 0, Cover 1 and 2-Man, how defenders play it, and how offenses attack it.

Zone coverage assigns defenders to areas instead of one receiver. Learn Cover 2, Cover 3, Cover 4, their strengths, weaknesses and what to watch.