2009 Wisconsin Defense COVER 2

COVER 2 – WHAT IS IT? Cover 2 is some variation of a 5 under / 2 deep zone coverage concept. It became popular as a response to the short quick passing attacks used by West Coast offenses. Today there are many variations of Cover 2.

COVER 2 VARIATIONS 2 Read – SA and corner pattern read off #2 2) 2 Seam – OLB’s carry vertical’s by #2’s 3) 2 Buster – Pattern Match 2 Cuff – Pattern Match 5) Tampa 2 – Mike as Middle Run Through

TAMPA 2 THEORY STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES A two deep, five underneath zone coverage. CB’s are rolled up on the WR’s. Safeties have half field coverage. Mike LB has a middle run through. STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Very good vs. Quick Passing Attack. Neutralizes dangerous receiving threats. Solid vs. perimeter runs. Downhill running game. Vertical holes along the sideline and down the middle of the field.

OVER 2 5

OVER 2

OVER 2 End 6 – Technique Tackle 3 – Technique Nose Shade Technique (Possible “G”) Rush 5 – Technique

OVER 2 Will Strong Curl (Alignments will vary based on formation) Mike Middle Run Through Sam Weak Hook 8

OVER 2 LC/RC SS FS CLOUD TECHNIQUE PRO: Align Squat: 1x5 outside normal split WR SLOT: Align 2-L.O.S. SS Align to the Closed Call PRO: 2x12 off the core SLOT: C-9 FS PRO: 2x12 off the core. SLOT: Align 2x12 inside #2.

OVER 2 CORNER RULES Move to square stance 5 yards deep, with I/S foot to O/S foot of WR. Responsible to get a jam and reroute on #1. Vs. pass, work laterally in the direction of receiver’s release. Do not crossover. Vs. Outside Release – Keep square and shuffle laterally outside and force WR flat. Force him as wide as possible. Post outside arm and zone turn inside. Be sure to carry him with vision on the QB to shrink the void between you and the safety. Vs. Inside Release – Shuffle laterally inside for 3 steps. If WR continues inside, do not chase, he has rerouted himself. After 3 steps, hinge at 45 degree angle working to get width and depth. Corner must run with wheel routes. Be alert for “opposite color” as you squeeze and hinge. Vs. China – Hinge to sideline to get width and depth to get under the corner route by #2. 10

OVER 2 SAFETY RULES Align 2x12 off the EOL. Work to depth of 14 by the time ball is snapped. Key #1 to QB. If #1 shows run by blocking the corner, come up and support the alley. If #1 shows pass, work to aiming point and play the deep half with vision on QB. Aiming point is half way between the college numbers and hash. Outside Release by #1 – SA works to his aiming point. If QB is looking to your side, SA may have to widen. If QB is looking away, squeeze to the innermost half of your zone. Vs. Inside Release by #1 – SA squares up and works straight back with vision on QB. If QB is looking away, squeeze to the innermost half of your zone. If #1 eliminates himself by running a shallow crossing route, SA can squeeze to outside shoulder of #2.

OVER 2 SAM AND WILL RULES DROPBACK PROGRESSION FOR HOOK, CURL, & SEAM PLAYERS A. Read thru 3 step B. Take a peek at #1 C. Backpedal weave with urgency in drop D. Set up on QB E. Cheat to #3 if QB is looking away. Never cheat further than the ball. 2. OLB’s must always be in position to play #2

OVER 2 MLB RULES DROPBACK PROGRESSION FOR MIDDLE RUN THROUGH A. Read thru 3 step B. No 3 step, open to field or passing strength C. When Mike opens, he must skate and look for double vertical threats D. If #1 and #2 are vertical, continue on middle run through with vision on QB E. If no double vertical threat, get eyes back on QB F. If QB is looking your side, square up G. If QB is looking to opposite side, flip back and look for double vertical

CONTACT INFO CHRIS ASH WISCONSIN FOOTBALL 1440 MONROE ST MADISON, WI 53711 Email: caa@athletics.wisc.edu