Cover 3 Defense

What is Cover 3?

• Zone Defense: Utilizes corners and safeties to cover the deep thirds of the field.
  • Sidelines: Covered by the corners.
  • Middle Field: Covered by the safety.
• Underneath Zones: Four defenders cover these areas.
• Run Game: Allows additional defenders in the box while preventing deep plays.

Cover 3 Philosophy

• Balance: Combines pass coverage with run defense.
• Run Protection: Extra safety aids in run defense.
• Zone Coverage: Helps manage crossing routes that challenge man coverages.
• Press Cover 3: Some teams use press coverage to prevent easy throws.
• Seahawks Example: Known for the press bail Cover 3 strategy.

Cover 3 Assignments

Corners

• No run responsibility.
• Cover receiver in man if route is deeper than 10 yards.
• Watch for shorter or crossing routes to assist deep third coverage.

Free Safety

• No run responsibility.
• Maintain position between vertical routes.

Nickel / Outside Linebackers

• Have outside gap run contain.
• Engage with #2 receiver and guide inside.
• Reach a depth of 10-12 yards to cover curl zone before moving to the flats.

Middle Linebackers

• Provide inside gap run support.
• Help cover vertical routes up to 10-12 yards.
• Engage with crossing routes and manage middle hook zone.

Cover 3 Variations

Buzz

• Disguises Cover 3 as a two-deep safety look.
• Similar to Cover 1 Robber but with the strong safety moving to the middle hook zone.
• Linebacker shifts to curl/flat zone.
• Aims to confuse offense into making errors.

Examples of Cover 3 in Action

Seattle vs. Washington

• Strategy: Wider linebacker and nickel alignments to cover flats.
• Offense: Washington uses Mesh concept.
• Outcome: Deep routes are covered, and linebackers manage crossing routes.

Washington vs. Eagles

• Offense: Eagles use Drive concept.
• Defense Issues: Hook zone defender needs better depth.

Bears Running Cover 3 Buzz

• Player Movement: Eddie Jackson shifts to seam zone post snap.
• Nickel Movement: Covers curl then moves to flats.
• Outcome: Forces poor offensive decisions.

Cover 3 Beaters

• Sail Concept
• Dragon Concept
• Hank Concept
• Bow Concept

Summary

• Popularity: Widely used at collegiate and professional levels.
• Structure: Involves three deep players and extra safety for run support.
• Adaptability: Includes variations and disguises to challenge offenses.
• Effectiveness: Difficult for offenses to overcome when executed well.