The middle (Mike), strong-side (Sam) and weak-side (Will) linebackers in a Cover 2 defense need to all have good lateral movement skills and the ability to read and run with receivers. While the defensive linemen may use curls or stunts between the defensive tackle and defensive end on the same side of the field to cause some confusion, the primary duty of the position is to cause as much disruption as possible at the line of scrimmage. They are lined up either on the offensive tackle’s outside shoulder or over the tight end if there’s one on the field. There are also two defensive ends on the field in a Cover 2 defense. The other defensive tackle will then often shade between either the other guard’s shoulder and the other offensive tackle’s shoulder on his side of the field.
The bigger player of the two, who could be considered the nose tackle, will line up most of the time between the center and the guard, either on the center’s shoulder or the guard’s shoulder.
The two defensive tackles in a Cover 2 defense will line up anywhere between the offensive tackle and the center. That’s because the linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties don’t often blitz in a Cover 2 defense. They’re asked to run straightforward, blowing up as many offensive linemen as possible and causing as much disruption as possible on every single play. The defensive line in a Cover 2 defense has perhaps the simplest and watered-down assignment of any defensive alignment.ĭefensive linemen in a Cover 2 scheme are tasked with putting as much pressure in the backfield as they possibly can.
Defense zone 2 how to#
How to Run the Cover 2 Defense Stage 1: The Defensive Line Underneath Passes Can Work - Because both safeties drop deep into coverage, and because the linebackers can do the same too, short crossing routes can often find available space against a Cover 2 defense.Ĭan’t Be Run All the Time - Because it’s susceptible to underneath passes and running plays, it’s difficult to run the Cover 2 defense on every play unless the defensive line can create some serious pressure up front on every play. That’s because the linebackers’ first step is often away from the line of scrimmage, instead of up toward the line of scrimmage to plug a hole along the line. WeaknessesĬould Be Susceptible to the Run - Since the Cover 2 defense has every linebacker drop into zone coverage, it can be susceptible to running plays. They’re tasked with putting as much pressure on the offense straight up the field as they’re able to do. That’s because the coverage funnels receivers to routes underneath and makes it hard for receivers to gain big yardage.Ĭovers Receivers Beautifully - Because seven defensive players are dropping into coverage, there isn’t a lot of available space on the field for receivers to find an opening.Īllows Linemen to Attack - The defensive linemen in a Cover 2 defense are asked to do what they love to do best – attack straight ahead. Keeps the Ball Underneath - The Cover 2 defense was designed to prevent big yardage plays on offense. I t’s Simple - The Cover 2 defense is easy for players to understand because most players are only responsible for covering a specific zone of the field instead of trying to remember multiple responsibilities with intricate schemes. With the four linemen creating enough pressure on the quarterback on their own, this then allows the other seven players to cover the rest of the field like a blanket. The Cover 2 defense can be especially good for defenses that can create a lot of pressure on offenses with just the four down defensive linemen. The idea is that if each player sticks to his zone in coverage, it will be hard for the offense to find a lot of room for a play that could gain considerable yardage.ĭefenses will often utilize the Cover 2 scheme in third-down-and-long situations for the offense, where they need to gain close to 10 yards or more to get a first down. It’s a simple concept for defensive players to understand, because instead of having to follow a receiver all over the field, each defensive player is responsible for covering just a small area of the field. The Cover 2 defense can be used by just about any team.
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