Cover 1 Robber Explained

Cover 1 is a fairly simple coverage and it’s the man coverage preferred by most defensive coordinators.  However,  simply showing man and running it requires usually superior talent or players across the board who are exceptional in their technique.

Whether you have the two things I described above or not,  there will come a time when you want to change things up and throw a curve ball at the offense.  If you love cover 1 but are looking for that curve ball you can throw while running this coverage then Cover 1 robber may be for you.  For you players that are somewhat new to the game or just want a better understanding of the basics,  this article is for you.

The basics of 1 Robber are this.  The defense will show two high safeties (one safety aligned deep on each hash) indicating that it may be a split field coverage (Cover 2, 2 man or cover 4).  On the snap of the ball,  one safety will roll down to the middle of the field to cut off or rob any routes coming to the intermediate middle of the field (low hole).  The other safety will rotate to the deep middle to help with any routes going to the deep middle (i.e. post, seam routes).  With that in mind,  lets get a breakdown of the coverage responsibilities of the players in the example shown below

CBs (C):  Man to man outside shade on #1 unless abnormally wide split by WR.

Sam (S): This could also be a nickel back.  Man to man outside shade on #2 unless WR takes an abnormally wide split.

Mike (M):  Man to man on RB or #3 strong if offense is in an empty set.

Will (W): This could also be a dime back.  Man to man outside shade on #2 weak unless WR takes an abnormally wide split.

Strong Safety (SS): Show high safety look then at the snap,  roll down to the low hole and rob all routes coming to that area (dig, slant, cross, etc.)

Free Safety (FS):  Show high safety look then at the snap,  rotate to the deep middle to help with deep middle routes (post, seam, go routes).

Notes:

Linebackers can be substituted out of this look for defensive backs if offense is using WRs and you feel there will be a mismatch.

Cornerbacks should play their man to man responsibilities knowing that there is help inside at the low hole and deep post.  This means do not over play inside releases and stems by WR and leave yourself open to giving up the outside.  For example,  undercutting an inside release and stem by a WR running a post corner route or whip route.  You should aim to stay on outside shoulder of WR allowing robber and post safety to do their jobs while making it harder for WR to get back outside should he need to.

Tips to being a good robber:  Study your opponent and the quarterback in particular.  Find the tendencies in terms of where he looks before making certain throws. Does the QB stare down his throws?  Does he look one way then throws the other?  Also,  you may not want to drop immediately to the middle.  Advanced safeties can come straight down and then move late to the middle.  This gives the QB the illusion that the low hole is open before you suddenly appear in that area to pick off the throw.

For my coaches reading this,  if the team comes out in empty and your Mike backer would be a big liability,  you can have the robbing safety pick up #3 and turn the Mike into the robber.  This is not ideal from a surprise standpoint but it’s better than you getting surprised by a big play with a slot vs. an overmatched middle linebacker.

You can alternate dropping either safety in the low hole.  Sometimes the free safety can drop and the strong safety roll to the middle.  If your strong safety is not that skilled in covering space then be careful with overusing this option.

The post safety should also study the opposing QB and get a bead on how they attack with the deep ball.  Do they stare down the throw or do they look off?  Free safety should be able to cover from numbers to numbers.  You are elite when you can get great reads and help a cornerback that is running deep on a fade near the sidelines.  Your aim should be getting depth after the snap and stay high over the top of all the routes (Don’t see ghosts and chase intermediate routes leaving your man to man cover men hanging out to dry!!).  Strong ball skills are great for post safeties in this coverage. You can grab a lot of interceptions.  Spend time working on your ball skills.

I hope you enjoyed this coverage explained.  If you have further questions and / or you have any comments,  feel free to contact me via email at: 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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