The Green Bay Packers defense under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon just gave up a brutal 39 points to the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. Yeah, you read that right. Thirty-nine! Despite the offensive line taking some blame, it definitely puts a spotlight on Gannon’s new “answers” on defense. We were promised a more diverse scheme than what former DC Jeff Hafley ran, moving from a 4-3 base to Gannon’s 3-4. And while the points allowed sting, we actually got a good look at some of the new defensive looks Gannon is bringing to the field.
Digging Into the 3-4 Family
So, Gannon’s defense rolls out a 3-4 base, which is a big change. You’ve got your standard 3-4 with two edge defenders, three beefy interior D-linemen, and two off-ball linebackers in the box. It’s a classic look that 3-4 teams usually run against two-receiver sets. But Gannon also has a sneaky variation he calls the 6-1, or “Cooper dropdown.” This is when he adds a sixth player to the line of scrimmage, usually Will linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. It’s Gannon’s go-to for obvious running situations with heavier offensive formations. Picture this: the Vikings had two backs and a tight end on the field, needing only three yards, and BAM, Gannon brings out this look. The weak-side edge defender, Dani Dennis-Sutton, slides into a third defensive tackle spot, and Cooper drops down on the edge to fill his place. It’s genius because it clogs up running lanes right at the point of attack, and the offense doesn’t even know it’s coming because the personnel package stays the same, only the spacing changes. Pretty slick, right?
The Nickel Family Gets Some Love
Beyond the 3-4 stuff, Gannon also works with a “nickel family” of defenses. The basic nickel setup is pretty standard: two edge defenders, two interior D-linemen, and two off-ball linebackers. The spacing on this is super similar to a traditional 4-3 defense, but instead of a strong-side linebacker, Gannon subs in a nickelback. In that Vikings game, it was safety Javon Bullard who slid into that role. But wait, there’s more! Gannon also debuted his “penny defense” in the preseason. This look is essentially a 3-4 defense on the line of scrimmage but with just one off-ball linebacker. He’s got different ways to shift the spacing around with this group, keeping offenses guessing.
It’s clear Gannon wants to throw a lot of different looks at opposing offenses, moving away from predictable structures. But giving up 39 points means these “answers” still have some serious work to do. His squad needs to make these schemes count, especially if they’re gonna turn those diverse looks into actual stops.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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