Maze Cover 2 (Man/zone)

Usually when you here of cover 2 you immediately think spot dropping, 5 under 2 deep zone, corners in the flat and safeties ½ field.  Well I’m going to show you another principle to running zones.  We are going to use a man zone principle with the linebackers, meaning you play the man that is in your zone.  In this defense the middle LB always opens to the #3 receiver and will pass the first crosser.  Backers may carry the man through there zone until the receiver enters another defenders zone.  Since corners are in the flats playing true cover 2 the Will and Sam backers will carry then drop routes going to the flats.

Mike:  Read run/pass then read the releases of #2 & #3 receivers play inside leverage of #3

Sam:  Read run/pass then play inside leverage on #2 strong

Will:  Read run/pass then play inside leverage on #2 weak

In Diagram A. the left corner who has flat responsibility can no longer play the flat because of the Y tight ends vertical release.  By the corner sinking with #1 it allows the safety to play the #2 receiver who will try to bend away from him.

In diagram B.  the right corner has the flat and also has the flat and up.  After he gets a jam on #1(X rec.) #2(H) comes to the flat and up the field, the flat defender has to carry him.

Diagram C.  has some crossing routes this man/zone principle works on how well the backers can decipher between the # 1,2,&3 receivers.  When the play begins the numbers are as follows: Z=1,Y=2,FB=3,H=2,X=1.  When the play fully develops, Z=2,FB=1,Y=3,X=2,H=1.

 As the crossers develop the read by the LBers becomes apparent.