COVER 2: Announcers are always talking about it, but how many people really know what “Cover 2” means? If they don’t already know, Packers fans should learn quickly because every team in their division displays some form of the defense.
Although a defense may employ 20 to 30 different pass coverages, “Cover 1,” “Cover 2,” “Cover 3” and “Cover 4” are the most basic secondary schemes, which usually include four defensive backs — two safeties and two cornerbacks.
In layman’s terms, the number of “covers” refers to how many of those four defensive backs are “deep,” or approximately 12-15 yards away from the line of scrimmage. A description of the four main coverages:
Cover 1: In this formation, only one safety is deep. He is usually in the middle of the field and his presence is largely precautionary – the defense is anticipating a run. The two cornerbacks are in “press coverage,” which means they are matched up man-to-man against the opposing team’s wide receivers. The second safety is approximately 5 yards off the line, preparing to cover the tight end.
Cover 2 (common): A favorite of many coaches because the secondary can more readily adjust to different plays and audibles. Both safeties stay deep, while the cornerbacks cover the receivers on the line. It’s advantageous because the safeties are prepared to help out on deep pass plays, but they also can come forward to defend against the run.
Tampa 2 (modified Cover 2): Made famous by the schemes of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who mentored Rod Marinelli. In this defense, the cornerback jams the outside receiver toward the middle of the field, while the middle linebacker focuses on preventing him from penetrating up the middle. The double coverage is meant to prevent explosive receivers from becoming playmakers.
Cover 3: A formation in which one safety is approximately 12-15 yards deep, while the cornerbacks are shallower at 10-12 yards, and the second safety is near the line in press coverage against the tight end. This zone defense also works well against the run, but the offense can attack it apart by throwing short passes underneath in front of the secondary.
Cover 4: This coverage requires all four defensive backs to stay off the line. They can play “tight,” or 5 yards away, as they would in red-zone situations, or to stop the run, or they could play “loose,” at 12-15 yards away, to prevent the deep pass play. A coach might use this coverage toward the end of the game when he is trying to protect the lead and run out the clock.
Source: nflmedia.com
