I thought the same thing, but we're talking 1TE 2RB 2WR sets. Not exactly typical Dime package material. I think what this really tells us is that they are VERY committed to stopping the big play. And, hey, if it works against a back like Thomas, more power to them.
Yeah, we have a bit of an unconventional defense. There's the peso for one thing, as a base look instead of 3 linebackers. With Compton and Fisher out, I think this is the coaches saying, "Our best 11 guys means 3 safeties and 1 linebacker." A bit of an indictment on the progress of Whaley/Martin, I suppose, but when it's between Whaley/Martin or PJ Smith on the field, I can see you going PJ. So just like last year, we may be sitting in the dime most of the time, regardless of the offensive look - just because that puts our best eleven defenders on the field.
We still have a pretty good front, and if this takes other teams out of their game plan and away from their strengths, that would be to our advantage.
