Coverages Explained: Cover 2 vs. Doubles in a 3-4 Defense

Cover 2 is a nice and simple defense to deploy when you want to keep the tent over the top of an explosive offense and make them execute to score.  In previous posts I have shown you how the coverage works when you are playing in a 4-3 defense but in this post,  I will show you the slight difference in the coverage when you are running it in a 3-4 defense.

With the explosion of spread offenses and more passing in recent years,  defenses have opted to go back to the 3-4 defense as it gives them more flexibility and the ability to use more hybrid type players.

With the use of the 3-4,  coaches will get caught up in trying to be ultra exotic with their coverages and blitzes.  However,  sometimes you just need to slow things down,  get a little simple and have your players execute.  That’s where Cover 2 in a 3-4 comes in.  What I like especially about Cover 2 out of the 3-4 is the freedom you can give your pass rushers when you play it the way that I describe in the video down below.   It also opens you up to being able to build off of it with Cover 2 looks that turn into blitzes and 1 high coverages.

Check out the video below and let me know if you like me using First Down Playbook as a way to explain coverages.  You can drop me an 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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