Cover 2 is a popular defensive scheme in football, aimed at limiting big plays downfield. However, with the right offensive play call, you can effectively attack and exploit this coverage. This comprehensive guide explores various routes and concepts designed to pick apart Cover 2 and gain those crucial yards.
Understanding Cover 2 Defense
Before we dive into the routes, let’s briefly understand what Cover 2 entails. In this scheme, the two safeties are responsible for dividing the deep field in half, each covering a deep zone. The cornerbacks and linebackers cover the underneath zones.
Effective Routes Against Cover 2
Here are some routes that have proven effective against Cover 2:
- Four Verticals: This classic play puts stress on the safeties. If they bite on the inside routes, the outside receivers running deep posts or fades can get open.
- Smash Concept: This combines a corner route with a quick hitch route underneath. The corner route aims to draw the safety deep, opening up the hitch route in the vacated zone.
- Deep Out Route: Running a deep out route from the outside receiver forces the cornerback to make a decision. If he stays with the receiver, the quarterback can hit a tight end or running back running a flat route underneath.
- Seam Route: This route attacks the soft spot between the cornerback and safety. A well-timed pass to a tight end or slot receiver running a seam route can lead to significant gains.
Smash Concept in Action
Exploiting Weaknesses in Cover 2
Cover 2, while effective, has its vulnerabilities. Here’s how to exploit them:
- Quick Passes: Utilize short, quick passes to receivers running routes like slants, outs, and hitches to exploit the open space underneath the coverage.
- Play-Action Passes: A well-executed play-action can freeze the linebackers, creating throwing lanes for deeper routes like posts and corners.
- Mobile Quarterbacks: A quarterback who can extend plays with their legs can be particularly dangerous against Cover 2. Scrambling quarterbacks can force the defense to cover for longer, potentially creating openings downfield.
Adapting to Defensive Adjustments
Defenses often adjust their coverage based on offensive formations and tendencies. Be prepared to adjust your play calling accordingly:
- Recognize Cover 2 Disguises: Defenses might show Cover 2 pre-snap but rotate to a different coverage after the snap.
- Utilize Pre-Snap Motion: Shifting receivers or using motion can help diagnose the coverage and identify potential weaknesses.
- Be Patient: Don’t force throws into tight coverage. Be patient and wait for the play to develop.
Conclusion
Cover 2 can be a challenging defense to face, but understanding its weaknesses and utilizing the right routes and concepts can lead to offensive success. By exploiting the soft spots in the coverage, using play-action effectively, and adapting to defensive adjustments, you can move the ball consistently against Cover 2 defenses.