Coverages Explained: Cover 6

Cover 6,  you may have been hearing about it lately.  No the person saying it is not making a mistake.  If you are semi-new to the game and playing defensive coverages then you know that Cover 1 is one deep,  Cover 2 is two deep and Cover 3 is three deep, etc.  But how in the hell are you going to put six guys deep in this coverage called Cover 6?  Well,  that’s not how that works and I’ll break it down for you in this article.

First,  let’s establish a few things for any newbies that may be reading this.  With regards to the diagram and terminology used by defensive coaches.  You will notice #1, #2,  etc.  near the WRs on offense.  This is done to identify the eligible WRs on offense and deliver assignments to defenders based on those numbers.  So,  to any given side (strong or weak),  the #1 WR is the eligible WR closest to the sideline.  The #2 WR is the next eligible WR inside from the sidelines.  #3 WR is the third eligible WR from the sideline.  This applies to both the strong and weakside.  It identifies the immediate pass route threats to the defense.  Some defenses will place numbers on the RBs.  Other defenses may not do so if they are lined up in the backfield and not on the line of scrimmage.

Now onto what Cover 6 is.  First of all,  it is not six defenders deep.  That would be a rather odd way to play defense especially when the rules of football state that only five players can go out for a pass.  Instead,  Cover 6 indicates that on one side of the field,  Cover 2 will be played and on the other side of the field,  Cover 4 will be played.  2 + 4 = 6!  This isn’t calculus here.

Now that we understand that,  which side plays Cover 2 and which side plays Cover 4?  Typically,  Cover 4 is played to the passing strength side and Cover 2 is played to the weak side.  The reason this is so is because Cover 4 is a better coverage against the release of three wide receivers or to the wide side of the field.  There are less holes in those situations than there are in Cover 2.

So let’s break down the assignments in Cover 6 vs. a 2 x 2 formation of the offense.  (2 x 2 meaning two WRs to one side and two WRs on the other side)

Coverage Assignments

Weak side CB:  Primary responsibility is the flat.  However he is reading 2 to 1. This means he is reading the release of the #2 WR to his side to determine what he does vs. 1.  If #2 goes straight up the field then the CB goes back. If #2 goes to the flat then the CB is in the flat.  If #2 disappears inside then he is now man to man on #1.

Will LB (W):  Primary responsibility is curl area.  He is to get a re-route on the #2 then retreat to curl area unless he receives a “china” call from the CB indicating that #1 is running a hitch.  On “china” call,  Will buzzes to flat to defend and CB picks up #2.

Weak Safety (FS):  Deep 1/2 of the field keeping your over the top relationship over the WRs to his side.

Middle LB (M):  Read the RB.  If he blocks,  run the middle to deter a line drive throw to the middle.  If he releases through the middle,  guard him.  If he release to either side,  run the middle looking for a WR entering that area.

Sam LB (S):  Re-route on #2 then buzz to flat underneath #1.

Strong side CB: Deep 1/4 responsibility.  Be over the top on post by #1.  Alert #2 to the corner.  If no deep 1/4 threat,  zone off to your deep 1/4. (Note: some defenses differ in how they handle post / corner combo by #2.  Some tell defenders to release their WR and stay in their zone.  Others tell defenders that past 10 yards they are locked onto the WR and are to run with them. Check with your coach!)

Strong Safety (SS): Man to Man on #2 vertical (past 10 yards).  If #2 disappears (goes in or out before 10 yards) then read #1 in an effort to double him with cornerback.

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These are the basics of Cover 6.  As I always say,  there may be minor adjustments based on the system and / or the coach.  By in large though,  this is how Cover 6 in played vs. a 2 x 2 formation.

In a future article,  I will detail how this coverage changes vs. a 3 x 1 formation.  If you have any questions or comments about this article or the member’s area,  feel free to contact me via email: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com – Thank you for being a member.

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alleyesdbcamp

Owner at All Eyes DB Camp

Chad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.

Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page.

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