In professional NFL football in 2016, what was a "Dime Package"?

As the NFL has evolved schematically on offensive increasingly becoming more and more pass-happy, there has naturally been a response by defenses to combat the offensive game plans. The term "base defense" has become a misnomer. Defensive coordinators league-wide have taken to running some very complex defensive packages, which now extensively include using the dime package.

The dime defense package is a defensive alignment that uses 6 defensive backs. It is mostly employed in obvious offensive passing situations. The formation usually has 6 defensive backs who are usually two safeties, and four cornerbacks playing. Also there is either four down linemen and one linebacker, or three down linemen and two linebackers. This formation is used to prevent the offense from completing a medium to long range pass play.

This defensive may be used because the offense's running game is inefficient, time is an issue, or a long pass is needed for a first down. It was also used in 2016 against teams whose pass to run ratio predominantly favors pass. The formation, however, is vulnerable to running plays as the formation is missing two linebackers, or a linebacker and a down lineman.

Still the dime package is more flexible because there are theoretically 6 natural pass defenders to use against 5 eligible receivers. The potential for the defensive in the dime package to disguise and blitz is thus greatly expanded. The Denver Broncos used the dime package with great success.