2008 GMC Fall DB Coverage Handout

8/9/2019 2008 GMC Fall DB Coverage Handout

1/33


2/33

GRAY COVERAGEGray Coverage is a 4 Under 3 Deep Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There will be 4

underneath defenders playing zone. We will only use our 4 man pressure package with this coverage.

COVERAGE RULES:

CORNERS:

ALIGNMENT:

The alignment of the Corners will look similar to their alignment rules when they are playing their man coverage techniques.The Corner will be slightly inside (1 yard) of the #1 Receiver on his pre-snap alignment. However, because we are playing a

3 Deep coverage concept, the Corner may also adjust his pre-snap alignment depending on the split of the #1 Receiver. For

example: If the #1 Receiver is on the hash or 5 yards outside the hash, the Corner can move his alignment to (1 yard)

outside the receiver. The Corner’s depth when the ball is snapped is at (7-8) yards from the #1 Receiver. The only

exception to his depth rule is when he is aligned on a TE, or nub side of the formation. When the Corner is aligned on a TE,

he will maintain his pre-snap alignment of (7-8 yards) deep, but he will move to (3-5 yards) wide of the TE.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Corner’s primary responsibility is to protect the deep outside 1/3’s of the field. A Corner should “NEVER” get beat deep

playing a 3 Deep coverage concept. A Corner should be “ DEEPER THAN THE DEEPEST ” . The Corners should eliminate any

fade or corner routes by any receiver in his area. We are a route reading defense. The Corner will execute a back peddle/

shuffle technique on the snap, working for a depth of (15 yards). He will have is butt to the side line reading the #2 to #1

Receivers to his side. The Corner’s primary read is the #2 Receiver to his side. The #2 Receiver will tell him exactly what depth and route combinations he will need to defend. The Corner’s primary rule is: When the #2 Receiver to his side is

vertical and deep, he must maintain his depth and wait for the receiver to come into his deep outside 1/3 area. However, if

the #2 Receiver is not deep then he can play aggressively on the #1 Receiver to his side. When the #2 Receiver is not

vertical then the Corner is basically only concerned about the #1 Receiver’s route. Lastly, when the Corner gets a vertical

out of the #1 and #2 Receivers, he must split both receivers and be able to make a play on either individual that the ball is

thrown to.

DOGS:

ALIGNMENT:

Both Dogs will be aligned at a depth of (5 yards). Their pre-snap width alignment will be determined by the formation the

offense presents. When a Dog is aligned on a TE or a Tackle, and there is only 1 Receiver outside, then he will be (5 yards)

outside the TE’s or Tackle’s outside foot. When there are 2 Receivers outside, then he will split the difference between the

#2 Receiver and the end man on the line of scrimmage. Lastly, if there are 3 Receivers to his side, then he will have to spl itthe difference between the #2 and #3 Receivers. The Dog’s inside foot will always be up and his shoulders parallel to the

line of scrimmage.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Dog’s first responsibility in Gray Coverage is to be a “Run First” player. The Dog on each side will key the end man on

the line of scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He is responsible for being a contain/cutback run force player to

his side. Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch. Versus the pass, the Dogs are a curl/flat

defender. We are a route reading defense. Our Dogs will play the flat areas more aggressive than a traditional Cover 3

defense. The Dogs can be more aggressive in flat areas because we will have 2 Linebackers helping with the underneath

zones. The Dogs will play two different techniques depending on the number of receivers to his side. One: If the Dog only

has 1 Receiver outside the end man on the line of scrimmage (Tackle or TE), he will play the route of the #1 Receiver

aggressively. Once the Dog gets his pass read he will physically look at the #1 Receiver and see what route he is running. If

the #1 Receiver runs a hitch he will drive on that route in the flat. If the #1 Receiver runs a curl he will get underneath thecurl and take that route away. If the #1 Receiver runs any other type of route the Dog will get his eyes back on the QB and

play the ball. Two: If the Dog has 2 Receivers outside the end man on the line of scrimmage (Tackle or TE), he will get a

physical jam on the #2 Receiver if he runs a vertical route. Once the Dog gets his pass read he will physically look at the

#2 Receiver and see what route he is running. If the #2 Receiver runs a vertical route he will get a physical jam while

looking at him. When he is jamming the #2 Receiver he will physically look at the #1 Receiver to see if he is running a hitch

route. While jamming the #2 Receiver, and the #1 Receiver runs a hitch route, he will come off of the #2 Receiver and drive

to the flat area where the #1 Receiver is running the hitch route. If the #1 Receiver does not run a hitch route then the Dog

will get his eyes back on the QB and play the ball.


3/33

GRAY COVERAGEGray Coverage is a 4 Under 3 Deep Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There will be 4

underneath defenders playing zone. We will only use our 4 man pressure package with this coverage.

COVERAGE RULES:

FS:

ALIGNMENT:

The alignment of the FS will look just the same as he does in our man free Cover 1 package. The FS will always align orposition himself depending on the offense’s formation. For example: If there is a 2 Back offensive formation, the FS will

align over the Tackle to the 2 Receiver side. If there is a 1 Back offensive formation, the FS will cheat his alignment towards

the passing strength of the formation. If there are 3 Receivers to one side he will cheat his alignment to the 3 Receiver side.

The FS’s depth will be (10-12) yards deep.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The FS’s primary responsibility is to protect the deep middle 1/3 of the field. The FS should “NEVER” get beat deep in the

middle of the field playing a 3 Deep coverage concept. A FS should be “ DEEPER THAN THE DEEPEST ” than any Receiver that

comes into his area. The FS should eliminate any post or deep dig route over (25 yards). The FS will always get his read

steps when the ball is snapped. His read steps consist of a slow back peddle, gaining no more than (2-4 yards). The FS’s

primary read is the QB. The FS has to see and read only two items when the ball is snapped. He has to see if the QB is “ON”

or “OFF” the line of scrimmage. If the QB is “ ON ” the line of scrimmage (does not drop back), then the FS knows that it will

probably be a run. The two types of runs that occur when the QB is on the line of scrimmage is a toss sweep or an option.The FS will always fit inside/out on any toss sweep or option. Versus the option the FS will help on the QB first and Pitch

second. He is a QB to Pitch player. If the QB keeps it tackle the QB, and if the QB pitches it go and tackle the pitch player.

When the QB is “ OFF ” the line of scrimmage the FS has to be thinking pass first even though the offense might be executing

a running play. If the ball is handed off then the FS will fit fill down hill where needed. In turn, if the ball is not handed off

he will play the pass. Versus the pass we are a route reading team. The FS is free and will back peddle to a depth of

(20 yards) while reading the QB’s eyes and shoulders. The FS will be ready to break on the ball when the QB’s front hand

comes off the ball. The FS will always be reading inside/out on the #2 or #1 Receiver. The inside receivers pose the fastest

threat to the FS’s deep middle 1/3 of the field. If no inside receiver threatens his area the FS will then look for any

#1 Receiver to come into his area. The FS “ MUST ” not jump any shallow (15-20 yard) underneath routes, because nearly

100% of the time when there is a shallow route in middle of the field there is a deeper route behind it. Remember, it is the

FS’s ultimate responsibility to protect the deep middle 1/3 of the field.

NO ADJUSTMENT RULES


4/33

N EE

M BB DD

C

FS

CCURL/FLAT

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

FINAL 3

EX. BOB STRONG GRAY (4 MAN PRESSURE)

1

3 HOLE

GRAY VS. PRO I

EX. BOB STRONG GRAY (4 MAN PRESSURE)

GRAY VS. 3 WIDES GUN SPLIT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM DD

FS

CC

1

2

3

1

2

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

CURL/FLATFINAL 3

3 HOLE

BE OVER THE TOP

OF THE POST INTERCEPT THE

CORNER ROUTE


5/33

N EE

M BB DD

C

FS

CCURL/FLAT

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

FINAL 3

EX. MIKE STRONG GRAY (4 MAN PRESSURE)

1

FINAL 2

GRAY VS. JACK GUN STRONG

EX. MIKE STRONG GRAY (4 MAN PRESSURE)

GRAY VS. QUEEN GUN LEFT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM DD

FS

CC

1

2

3

1

2

OUTSIDE 1/3’s MIDDLE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

FINAL 3 FINAL 2

SPLIT #1 AND #2 SPLIT #1 AND #2


6/33


7/33

GREEN COVERAGEGreen Coverage is a 3 Under 3 Deep Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There will be

only 3 underneath defenders playing zone. We will use our 5 man pressure packages with this coverage.

COVERAGE RULES:

FS:

ALIGNMENT:

The alignment of the FS will look just the same as he does in our man free Cover 1 package. The FS will always align orposition himself depending on the offense’s formation. For example, if there is a 2 Back offensive formation, the FS will

align over the Tackle to the 2 Receiver side. If there is a 1 Back offensive formation, the FS will cheat his alignment towards

the passing strength of the formation. If there are 3 Receivers to one side he will cheat his alignment to the 3 Receiver side.

The FS’s depth will be (10-12) yards deep.

RESPONSIBILITY:





primary read is the QB. The FS has to see and read only two items when the ball is snapped. He has to see if the QB is “ ON ”

or “ OFF ” the line of scrimmage. If the QB is “ ON ” the line of scrimmage (does not drop back), then the FS knows that it will

probably be a run. The two types of runs that occur when the QB is on the line of scrimmage is a toss sweep or an option.The FS will always fit inside/out on any toss sweep or option. Versus the option the FS will help on the QB first and Pitch




he will play the pass. Versus the pass we are a route reading team. The FS is free and will back peddle to a depth of

(20 yards) while reading the QB’s eyes and shoulders. The FS will be ready to break on the ball when the QB’s front hand

comes off the ball. The FS will always be reading inside/out on the #2 or #1 Receiver. The inside receivers pose the fastest

threat to the FS’s deep middle 1/3 of the field. If no inside receiver threatens his area the FS will then look for any

#1 Receiver to come into his area. The FS “ MUST ” not jump any shallow (15-20 yard) underneath routes, because nearly

100% of the time when there is a shallow route in middle of the field there is a deeper route behind it. Remember, it is the

FS’s ultimate responsibility to protect the deep middle 1/3 of the field.

ADJUSTMENT RULES:The formations that make us adjust our Green Coverage responsibilities are one back/double sets. These formations are

usually created in any 11 or 10 personnel groupings. The threat of 2 Receivers on each side of the formation to the defense

are four vertical routes by each Receiver. We will make an “I’M BIG” call in order to adjust to these formations. The

“I’M BIG” call alerts our FS that Dog away from the TE or RB will run with the #2 Receiver to his side if both Receivers run

vertical routes. The Dog to the TE or RB will play his normal technique. The “I’M BIG” call also alerts our FS that he can

cheat away from the call on the snap and help on the vertical routes away from the call.


8/33

N EE

M BB DD

C

FS

CCURL/FLAT

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

FINAL 3

EX. FALCON STRONG GREEN (5 MAN PRESSURE)

1

GREEN VS. PRO I

EX. FALCON STRONG GREEN (5 MAN PRESSURE)

GREEN VS. 3 WIDES GUN SPLIT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM DD

FS

CC

1

2

3

1

2

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

FINAL 3

BE OVER THE TOP

OF THE POSTINTERCEPT THE

CORNER ROUTE


9/33

N EE

M BB DD

C

FS

C

CURL/FLAT

“I’M BIG” CALL CURL/FLAT


MIDDLE 1/3’s

FINAL 3

EX. BLAST GREEN (5 MAN PRESSURE) WITH AN “I’M BIG” CALL

1

GREEN VS. JACK GUN STRONG

EX. BLAST GREEN (5 MAN PRESSURE) WITH AN “I’M BIG” CALL

GREEN VS. QUEEN GUN LEFT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM DD

FS

CC

1

2

3

1

2


CURL/FLAT

“I’M BIG” CALL

RUN WITH #2

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

FINAL 3



10/33

GOLD COVERAGEGold Coverage is a 3 Under 3 Deep Rotating Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There

will be only 3 underneath defenders playing zone. However, we will be showing a 2 Deep shell with the secondary. Gold

Coverage will played just like our Green Coverage package. We will use our 5 man pressure packages with this coverage.

COVERAGE RULES:

CORNERS:

ALIGNMENT:The alignment of the Corners will look similar to their alignment rules when they are playing their man coverage techniques.

The Corner will be slightly inside (1 yard) of the #1 Receiver on his pre-snap alignment. However, because we are playing a






RESPONSIBILITY:





Receivers to his side. The Corner’s primary read is the #2 Receiver to his side. The #2 Receiver will tell him exactly what

depth and route combinations he will need to defend. The Corner’s primary rule is: When the #2 Receiver to his side is





thrown to.

DOGS:

ALIGNMENT: NOTE: THE DOG AWAY FROM THE “ ROGER/LUCY ” CALL IS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOLD &

GREEN COVERAGE! THE DOG AWAY FROM THE FS WILL GIVE A “I’M BACK” CALL TO THE BAT ON HIS SIDE.

The Dog to the FS will be aligned at a depth of (5 yards). His pre-snap width alignment will be determined by the

formation the offense presents. When a Dog is aligned on a TE or a Tackle, and there is only 1 Receiver outside, then he will

be (5 yards) outside the TE’s or Tackle’s outside foot. When there are 2 Receivers outside, then he will split the difference

between the #2 Receiver and the end man on the line of scrimmage. Lastly, if there are 3 Receivers to his side, then he will

have to split the difference between the #2 and #3 Receivers. The Dog’s inside foot will always be up and his shoulders

parallel to the line of scrimmage. The Dog away from the FS “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call will line up at a depth of (10-12 yards) and

(4 yards) outside the end man on the line of scrimmage and play his responsibilities from there.

RESPONSIBILITY: NOTE: THE DOG THAT IS AWAY FROM THE FS WILL COME DOWN HILL ON THE SNAP.

The Dog’s first responsibility in Green Coverage is to be a “Run First” player. The Dog on each side will key the end man on

the line of scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He is responsible for being a contain/cutback run force player to

his side. Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch. Versus the pass, the Dogs are a curl/flat

defender. We are a route reading defense. Our Dogs will not play the flat areas as aggressively as they do in Gray Coverage

because we only have 3 players in the underneath zones. The Dogs will play three different techniques depending on the

number of receivers to his side. One: If the Dog only has 1 Receiver outside the end man (Tackle) on the line of scrimmage

he will play the route of the #1 Receiver aggressively. Once the Dog gets his pass read he will physically look at the#1 Receiver and see what route he is running. If the #1 Receiver runs a hitch he will drive on that route in the flat. If the

#1 Receiver runs a curl he will get underneath the curl and take that route away. If the #1 Receiver runs any other type of

route the Dog will get his eyes back on the QB and play the ball. Two: If the Dog has a TE and a Receiver to his side he must

read the route of the TE. He cannot play the route of the #1 Receiver aggressively. The Dog will play soft in case the TE runs

a vertical route. If the TE does run a vertical route, the Dog will be waiting to help on the TE’s route from an outside/in

position. Third: If the Dog has 2 Receivers outside the end man on the line of scrimmage (Tackle or TE), he will get a

physical jam on the #2 Receiver if he runs a vertical route. Once the Dog gets his pass read he will physically look at the #2

Receiver and see what route he is running. If the #2 Receiver runs a vertical route he will get a physical jam while looking at

him. When he is jamming the #2 Receiver he will physically look at the #1 Receiver to see if he is running a hitch route.

While jamming the #2 Receiver, and the #1 Receiver runs a hitch route, he will come off of the #2 Receiver and drive to the

flat area where the #1 Receiver is running the hitch route. If the #1 Receiver does not run a hitch route then the Dog will

get his eyes back on the QB and play the ball.


11/33

GOLD COVERAGEGold Coverage is a 3 Under 3 Deep Rotating Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There

will be only 3 underneath defenders playing zone. However, we will be showing a 2 Deep shell with the secondary. Gold

Coverage will played just like our Green Coverage package. We will use our 5 man pressure packages with this coverage.

COVERAGE RULES:

FS:

ALIGNMENT: NOTE: THE FS WILL GIVE A “ ROGER/LUCY ” CALL IN ORDER TO DETERMINE HOW WE WILL SHOW OUR2 DEEP SHELL LOOK PRIOR TO THE SNAP.

The FS will be (10-12 yards) deep to the side he gives the “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call. The FS will make his call depending on the

offense’s formation. If there is a 2 Back formation he will make the call to the 2 Receiver side. If there is a 1 Back formation

he will make the call to the passing strength of the formation. The alignment of the FS to the “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call side will

be (3-4 yards) outside the TE if there is only 1 Receiver split out wide. He will split the difference between the end man on

the line of scrimmage and the #2 Receiver if there are 2 Receivers split out wide.

RESPONSIBILITY:





primary read is the QB. The FS has to see and read only two items when the ball is snapped. He has to see if the QB is “ ON ” or “ OFF ” the line of scrimmage. If the QB is “ ON ” the line of scrimmage (does not drop back), then the FS knows that it will

probably be a run. The two types of runs that occur when the QB is on the line of scrimmage is a toss sweep or an option.

The FS will always fit inside/out on any toss sweep or option. Versus the option the FS will help on the QB first and Pitch




he will play the pass. Versus the pass we are a route reading team. The FS is free and will use a buzz/back peddle technique

in order to get to a depth of (20 yards) in the middle of the field while reading the QB’s eyes and shoulders. The FS must get

to the middle of the field in order to play his coverage responsibility effectively. The FS will be ready to break on the ball

when the QB’s front hand comes off the ball. The FS will always be reading inside/out on the #2 or #1 Receiver. The inside

receivers pose the fastest threat to the FS’s deep middle 1/3 of the field. If no inside receiver threatens his area the FS will

then look for any #1 Receiver to come into his area. The FS “ MUST ” not jump any shallow (15-20 yard) underneath routes,

because nearly 100% of the time when there is a shallow route in middle of the field there is a deeper route behind it.

Remember, it is the FS’s ultimate responsibility to protect the deep middle 1/3 of the field.

ADJUSTMENT RULES:

The formations that make us adjust our Green Coverage responsibilities are one back/double sets. These formations are

usually created in any 11 or 10 personnel groupings. The threat of 2 Receivers on each side of the formation to the defense

are four vertical routes by each Receiver. We will make an “I’M BIG” call in order to adjust to these formations. The

“I’M BIG” call alerts our FS that Dog away from the TE or RB will run with the #2 Receiver to his side if both Receivers run

vertical routes. The Dog to the TE or RB will play his normal technique. The “I’M BIG” call also alerts our FS that he can

cheat away from the call on the snap and help on the vertical routes away from the call.


12/33

N EE

M BB D

D

C

FS

C

CURL/FLAT

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

FINAL 3

EX. FALCON STRONG GOLD (5 MAN PRESSURE)

1

GOLD VS. PRO I

EX. FALCON STRONG GOLD (5 MAN PRESSURE)

GOLD VS. 3 WIDES GUN SPLIT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM D

D FS

CC

1

2

3

1

2

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

FINAL 3

“ROGER CALL” “I’M BACK CALL”

“ROGER CALL” “I’M BACK CALL”

BE OVER THE TOP


CORNER ROUTE


13/33

N EE

M BB

D

D

C

FS

C

CURL/FLAT


CURL/FLAT


MIDDLE 1/3’s

FINAL 3

EX. BLAST GOLD (5 MAN PRESSURE) WITH AN “I’M BIG” CALL

1

GOLD VS. JACK GUN STRONG

EX. BLAST GOLD (5 MAN PRESSURE) WITH AN “I’M BIG” CALL

GOLD VS. QUEEN GUN LEFT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM

D

D

FS

CC

1

2

3

1

2


CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

FINAL 3

“LUCY CALL” “I’M BACK CALL”

“I’M BACK CALL”


RUN WITH #2



14/33

RED COVERAGERed Coverage is a 3/4 Under 3 Deep Rotating Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There

will be only 3/4 underneath defenders playing zone. We will be showing a 2 Deep shell with the secondary. We will use

our 5 man Storm Package with this coverage. All of the calls will be a check. For example: Cyclone Check Cover Red.

COVERAGE RULES:

CORNERS:

ALIGNMENT:

The alignment of the Corners will look similar to their alignment rules when they are playing their man coverage techniques.







RESPONSIBILITY:





Receivers to his side. The Corner’s primary read is the #2 Receiver to his side. The #2 Receiver will tell him exactly what depth and route combinations he will need to defend. The Corner’s primary rule is: When the #2 Receiver to his side is





thrown to.

DOGS:

ALIGNMENT:




between the #2 Receiver and the end man on the line of scrimmage. Lastly, if there are 3 Receivers to his side, then he willhave to split the difference between the #2 and #3 Receivers. The Dog’s inside foot will always be up and his shoulders


(4 yards) outside the end man on the line of scrimmage and play his responsibilities from there. If the Dog is away from the

FS on the hash he will not get any wider than (4 yards) outside the hash.

RESPONSIBILITY: NOTE: THE DOG AWAY FROM THE FS’s SIDE WILL GIVE AN “I’M GONE” CALL TO THE BAT.

RUN ASSIGNMENT:

TO THE FS SIDE: The Dog to the FS’s “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call will always be the designated blitzer. The Dog will execute the

blitz that is called. He will be a contain blitzer. Verses the option he will take the pitch player.

AWAY FROM THE FS SIDE: The Dog away from the FS’s “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call will still key the end man on the line of

scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read even though he is aligned at (10 -12 yards) deep. He is responsible for being a

contain/cutback run force player to his side. Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch.

PASS ASSIGNMENT:

TO THE FS SIDE: The Dog to the FS’s “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call will always be the designated blitzer. The Dog will execute the

blitz that is called. He will be a contain blitzer. His aiming point will always be the QB’s upfield shoulder when he blitzes.

The QB should “ NEVER” get outside of the Dog when he blitzes.

AWAY FROM THE FS SIDE: The Dog away from the “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call will be responsible for getting to and defending the

deep middle 1/3 of the field. The Dog will use a buzz/back peddle technique when getting to the middle of the field. The

Dog will always be reading inside/out on the #2 or #1 Receiver. The inside receivers pose the fastest threat to the Dog’s

deep middle 1/3 of the field. If no inside receiver threatens his area the Dog will then look for any #1 Receiver to come into

his area. The Dog “ MUST ” not jump any shallow (15-20 yard) underneath routes, because nearly 100% of the time when

there is a shallow route in middle of the field there is a deeper route behind it. Remember, it is the Dog’s ultimate

responsibility to protect the deep middle 1/3 of the field.


15/33

RED COVERAGERed Coverage is a 3/4 Under 3 Deep Rotating Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There


our 5 man Storm Package with this coverage. All of the calls will be a check. For example: Cyclone Check Cover Red.

COVERAGE RULES:

FS:

ALIGNMENT: NOTE: THE FS WILL GIVE A “ ROGER/LUCY ” CALL IN ORDER TO DETERMINE HOW WE WILL SHOW OUR2 DEEP SHELL LOOK PRIOR TO THE SNAP. THIS WILL ALSO ALERT THE DOG TO THE FS SIDE THAT HE IS THE BLITZER.






RESPONSIBILITY:

The FS’s primary responsibility is to replace the Dog that is blitzing in the curl/flat area. Verses the run the FS will fit where

needed. The Dog to his side will be a contain player, so this allows the FS to fit inside the Dog. The Dog should turn all runs

back in to the FS and LB’s. Against the option the FS will be responsible for the QB until told otherwise. Against the pass,

the FS is a curl/flat defender. The FS will always come down hill on the snap of the ball. The FS will play the curl/flat area

two ways. One: If the FS has a TE and a Receiver to his side he must read the route of the TE. He cannot play the route ofthe #1 Receiver aggressively. The FS will play soft in case the TE runs a vertical route. If the TE runs a vertical route, the FS

will be waiting to help on the TE’s route from an outside/in position. Secondly: If the FS has 2 Receivers outside the end

man on the line of scrimmage (Tackle or TE), he will get a physical jam on the #2 Receiver if he runs a vertical route. The FS

will physically look at the #2 Receiver and see what route he is running. If the #2 Receiver runs a vertical route he will get a

physical jam while looking at him. When he is jamming the #2 Receiver he will physically look at the #1 Receiver to see if he

is running a hitch route. While jamming the #2 Receiver, and the #1 Receiver runs a hitch route, he will come off of the

#2 Receiver and drive to the flat area where the #1 Receiver is running the hitch route. If the #1 Receiver does not run a

hitch route then the FS will get his eyes back on the QB and play the ball.

NO ADJUSTMENT RULES


16/33

N EE

M BB D

D

C

FS

C

CURL/FLAT

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

FINAL 3

EX. CYCLONE CHECK (LEFT) RED (5 MAN PRESSURE)

1

RED VS. PRO I

EX. CYCLONE CHECK (RIGHT) RED (5 MAN PRESSURE)

RED VS. JACK GUN STRONG

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BMD

DFS

CC

12

3

1

2

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

FINAL 3

“ROGER CALL” “I’M GONE CALL”

“LUCY CALL” “I’M GONE CALL”

INTERCEPT THE

CORNER ROUTE


17/33

RED X COVERAGERed X Coverage is a 3 Under 3 Deep Rotating Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There

will be only 3 underneath defenders playing zone. We will be showing a 2 Deep shell with the secondary. We will use

our 5 man Bird Package with this coverage. All of the calls will be a check. For example: Eagle Check Cover Red X.

COVERAGE RULES:

CORNERS:








RESPONSIBILITY:




shuffle technique on the snap, working for a depth of (15 yards). He will have is butt to the side line reading the #2 to #1Receivers to his side. The Corner’s primary read is the #2 Receiver to his side. The #2 Receiver will tell him exactly what

depth and route combinations he will need to defend. The Corner’s primary rule is: When the #2 Receiver to his side is





thrown to.

DOGS:

ALIGNMENT:



be (5 yards) outside the TE’s or Tackle’s outside foot. When there are 2 Receivers outside, then he will split the differencebetween the #2 Receiver and the end man on the line of scrimmage. Lastly, if there are 3 Receivers to his side, then he will






RUN ASSIGNMENT:

TO THE FS SIDE: The Dog’s first responsibility in Red X Coverage is to be a “Run First” player. The Dog will key the end man

on the line of scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He is responsible for being a contain/cutback run force player

to his side. Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch.

AWAY FROM THE FS SIDE: The Dog away from the FS’s “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call will still key the end man on the line ofscrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read even though he is aligned at (10 -12 yards) deep. He is responsible for being a


SEE THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE DOG’S PASS ASSIGNMENTS


18/33

RED X COVERAGERed X Coverage is a 3/4 Under 3 Deep Rotating Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There


our 5 man Storm Package with this coverage. All of the calls will be a check. For example: Eagle Check Cover Red X.

COVERAGE RULES:

DOG’S PASS ASSIGNMENTS:

PASS ASSIGNMENT: NOTE: THE DOG AWAY FROM THE FS’s SIDE WILL GIVE AN “I’M GONE” CALL TO THE BAT.

TO THE FS SIDE: The Dog will play two different techniques depending on the number of receivers to his side. One: If the

Dog has a TE and a Receiver to his side he must read the route of the TE. He cannot play the route of the #1 Receiver

aggressively. The Dog will play soft in case the TE runs a vertical route. If the TE runs a vertical route, the Dog will be

waiting to help on the TE’s route from an outside/in position. Secondly: If the Dog has 2 Receivers outside the end man on

the line of scrimmage (Tackle or TE), he will get a physical jam on the #2 Receiver if he runs a vertical route. Once the Dog

gets his pass read he will physically look at the #2 Receiver and see what route he is running. If the #2 Receiver runs a

vertical route he will get a physical jam while looking at him. When he is jamming the #2 Receiver he will physically look at

the #1 Receiver to see if he is running a hitch route. While jamming the #2 Receiver, and the #1 Receiver runs a hitch route,

he will come off of the #2 Receiver and drive to the flat area where the #1 Receiver is running the hitch route. If the

#1 Receiver does not run a hitch route then the Dog will get his eyes back on the QB and play the ball.








FS:

ALIGNMENT: NOTE: THE FS WILL GIVE A “ ROGER/LUCY ” CALL IN ORDER TO DETERMINE HOW WE WILL SHOW OUR

2 DEEP SHELL LOOK PRIOR TO THE SNAP. THIS ALSO ALERTS OUR LB’S AS TO WHO IS BLITZING.






RESPONSIBILITY:

The FS’s primary responsibility is to replace the LB’s that are blitzing in the hook area. He will wait for any leakage in the

A, B, C, gap area. Verses the run the FS will fit where needed. Against the option the FS will be responsible for the QB until

told otherwise. Against the pass, the FS is a middle hook/Final 3 defender. The FS will always come down hill on the snap of

the ball. The FS will look for any crossing routes from the outside receivers. If a receiver crosses the FS’s face he will knock

the receiver off of his route.

NO ADJUSTMENT RULES


19/33

N EE

M BB D

D

C

FS

C

CURL/FLAT

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

FINAL 3

EX. EAGLE CHECK (LEFT) RED X (5 MAN PRESSURE)

1

RED X VS. PRO I

EX. EAGLE CHECK (RIGHT) RED X (5 MAN PRESSURE)

RED X VS. JACK GUN STRONG

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BMD

DFS

CC

12

3

1

2

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

FINAL 3

“ROGER CALL” “I’M GONE CALL”


INTERCEPT THE

CORNER ROUTE


20/33

RED CLOUD COVERAGERed Cloud Coverage is a 3/4 Under 3 Deep Rotating Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field.

There will be only 3/4 underneath defenders playing zone. We will be showing a 2 Deep shell with the secondary. We

will use our 4 man and 5 man Bird Package with this coverage. All of the calls will be a check. For example: Buck Check

Red Cloud.

COVERAGE RULES:

CORNERS:

ALIGNMENT:

The alignment of the Corners will look similar to their alignment rules when they are playing their man coverage techniques.







RESPONSIBILITY: NOTE: THE CORNER TO THE FS “ROGER/LUCY” CALL WILL ALWAYS BE THE CORNER IN THE FLAT AREA.

TO THE FS SIDE: The Corner to the FS’s “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call side will be the Corner that is down in the flat area. The Corner

will sit at (7 yards) and get a physical jam on the #1 Receiver. He wants to slow down the route of the #1 Receiver so the FS

can get to the outside 1/3. He will then look for any receiver coming into the flat area.

AWAY FROM THE FS SIDE: The Corner that is away from the FS and to the side of the Dog that is back has the

responsibility of protecting the deep outside 1/3’s of the field. A Corner should “NEVER” get beat deep playing a 3 Deep

coverage concept. A Corner should be “ DEEPER THAN THE DEEPEST ” . The Corner should eliminate any fade or corner

routes by any receiver in his area. We are a route reading defense. The Corner will execute a back peddle/shuffle

technique on the snap, working for a depth of (15 yards). He will have is butt to the side line reading the #2 to #1 Receivers

to his side. The Corner’s primary read is the #2 Receiver to his side. The #2 Receiver will tell him exactly what depth and

route combinations he will need to defend. The Corner’s primary rule is: When the #2 Receiver to his side is vertical and

deep, he must maintain his depth and wait for the receiver to come into his deep outside 1/3 area. However, if the

#2 Receiver is not deep then he can play aggressively on the #1 Receiver to his side. When the #2 Receiver is not



thrown to.

DOGS:

ALIGNMENT:




between the #2 Receiver and the end man on the line of scrimmage. Lastly, if there are 3 Receivers to his side, then he will





RESPONSIBILITY: NOTE: THE DOG AWAY FROM THE FS’s SIDE WILL GIVE AN “I’M GONE” CALL TO THE BAT.RUN ASSIGNMENT:

TO THE FS SIDE: The Dog’s first responsibility in Red Cloud Coverage is to be a “Run First” player. The Dog will key the end

man on the line of scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He is responsible for being a contain/cutback run force

player to his side. Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch.


scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read even though he is aligned at (10 -12 yards) deep. He is responsible for being a




21/33

RED CLOUD COVERAGERed Cloud Coverage is a 3/4 Under 3 Deep Rotating Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field.

There will be only 3/4 underneath defenders playing zone. We will be showing a 2 Deep shell with the secondary. We

will use our 4 man and 5 man Bird Package with this coverage. All of the calls will be a check. For example: Buck Check

Red Cloud.

COVERAGE RULES:



TO THE FS SIDE: The Dog to the FS side and the Corner that is defending the flat area will strictly be a curl defender. The

Dog “ CANNOT ” get width because the Corner is sitting in the flat area. We do not want to have two people playing the

flats. The Dog must get a physical jam on the #2 Receiver if he runs a vertical route. He must slow the #2 Receiver down so

the FS has time to get to the outside 1/3.








FS:








RESPONSIBILITY:

The FS’s primary responsibility is to replace the voided outside 1/3 area that the Corner has vacated. The FS will use a buzz

technique to ensure that he gets to the outside 1/3 area. It is the FS’s job to eliminate any fade route by the #1 Receiver. If

the #1 and #2 Receivers run a “Smash” route combination he will take away the corner route of the #2 Receiver. Finally, if

both the #1 and #2 Receivers run vertical routes he must split both and make a play.

NO ADJUSTMENT RULES


22/33

N EE

M BB D

D

C

FS

C

CURL/FLAT

CURL

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

FINAL 3

EX. BUCK CHECK (LEFT) RED CLOUD (4 MAN PRESSURE)

1

RED CLOUD VS. PRO I

EX. BUCK CHECK (RIGHT) RED CLOUD (5 MAN PRESSURE)

RED CLOUD VS. JACK GUN STRONG

2

32

1

E N E

B BMD

DFS

CC

12

3

1

2

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

MIDDLE 1/3’s

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/3’s

CURL

FINAL 3

“ROGER CALL”

“I’M GONE CALL”


FLAT

FLAT

INTERCEPT THE

CORNER ROUTE

SPLIT #1 AND #2


23/33

TAMPA 3 COVERAGETampa 3 Coverage is a 5 Under 3 Deep Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There will be

5 underneath defenders playing zone. We will be showing a 2 Deep shell with the secondary. We will only blitz the Mike

with this coverage. Tampa 3 is a 2nd, 3rd Down and long call.

COVERAGE RULES:

CORNERS:








RESPONSIBILITY: NOTE: BOTH CORNERS WILL ALWAYS BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FLAT AREAS TO THEIR SIDE.

Both Corners will be in the flat area to their side. The Corner will sit at (7 yards) and get a physical jam on the #1 Receiver.

He wants to slow down the route of the #1 Receiver so the Dog can get to the outside 1/3. He will then look for any

receiver coming into the flat area.

DOGS:

ALIGNMENT:

Both Dogs will be aligned at a depth of (10 yards). His pre-snap width alignment will be determined by the formation the

offense presents. When a Dog is aligned on a TE or a Tackle, and there is only 1 Receiver outside, then he will be (4 yards)

outside the TE’s or Tackle’s outside foot. When there are 2 Receivers outside, then he will split the difference between the

#2 Receiver and the end man on the line of scrimmage. Lastly, if there are 3 Receivers to his side, then he will have to spl it

the difference between the #2 and #3 Receivers. The Dog’s inside foot will always be up and his shoulders parallel to the

line of scrimmage. If the Dogs find themselves lined up on the hash they will not get any wider than (4 yards) outside the

hash.

RESPONSIBILITY: NOTE: BOTH DOGS WILL GIVE AN “I’M GONE” CALL TO THE BAT ON THEIR SIDE.

The Dog’s first responsibility in Tampa 3 Coverage is to be a “Run First” player. The Dogs will key the end man on the line of

scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He is responsible for being a contain/cutback run force player to his side.

Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch. The Dog’s primary responsibility verses the pass is

to protect the deep outside 1/3’s of the field. A Dog should “NEVER” get beat deep playing a 3 Deep coverage concept. A

Dog should be “ DEEPER THAN THE DEEPEST ” . The Dogs should eliminate any fade or corner routes by any receiver in his

area. We are a route reading defense. After the Dogs get their “Run/Pass” read they will execute a buzz/back peddle

technique on the snap, working for a depth of (15 yards). The Dog’s primary read is the #2 Receiver to his side. The

#2 Receiver will tell him exactly what depth and route combinations he will need to defend. The Dog’s primary rule is:

When the #2 Receiver to his side is vertical and deep, he must maintain his depth and wait for the receiver to come into his

deep outside 1/3 area. However, if the #2 Receiver is not deep then he can play aggressively on the #1 Receiver to his side.

When the #2 Receiver is not vertical then the Dog is basically only concerned about the #1 Receiver’s route. Lastly, when

the Dog gets a vertical out of the #1 and #2 Receivers, he must split both receivers and be able to make a play on either

individual that the ball is thrown to.


24/33

TAMPA 3 COVERAGETampa 3 Coverage is a 5 Under 3 Deep Coverage. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the field. There will be

5 underneath defenders playing zone. We will be showing a 2 Deep shell with the secondary. We will only blitz the Mike

with this coverage. Tampa 3 is a 2nd, 3rd Down and long call.

COVERAGE RULES:

FS:

ALIGNMENT:The FS will align himself at a depth of (10 yards) deep. The FS will make sure that he has positioned himself in the middle of

the field regardless of where the ball is placed on the field.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The FS will be an alley player verses the run. He will fit inside/out on any run play. Verses the option he will fit inside/out

on the QB to the pitch. If the QB keeps the ball he will tackle the him. If the QB pitches it he will run to the pitch. The FS’s

primary responsibility verses the pass is to protect the deep middle 1/3 of the field. The FS should “NEVER” get beat deep

playing a 3 Deep coverage concept. The FS should be “ DEEPER THAN THE DEEPEST ” . It is the FS’s ultimate responsibility to

eliminate any (25 yards or more) deep routes in his middle 1/3 of the field. For example, any post, deep dig, or vertical

routes in his zone.


25/33

N EE

M BB

DD

C

FS

CCURL

CURL

OUTSIDE 1/3’s


FINAL 3

EX. JACKS TAMPA 3 (3 MAN PRESSURE)

1

TAMPA 3 VS. JACK GUN STRONG

EX. JACKS TAMPA 3 (3 MAN PRESSURE)

TAMPA 3 VS. QUEEN GUN LEFT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM

DD

FS

CC

1

2

3

1

2


OUTSIDE 1/3’s

FINAL 3


FLAT

FLAT

CURLFLAT

FLATCURL

“I’M GONE CALL” “I’M GONE CALL”

“I’M GONE CALL” “I’M GONE CALL”


26/33

ORANGE COVERAGEOrange Coverage is a 3 Under 4 Deep Coverage. Orange Coverage is a true 1/4’s Coverage. There will be 4 defenders in

the 4 quarters of the field. There will be 3 underneath defenders playing zone. We will only use our 4 man pressure

package with this coverage. All of our calls will be a check. For example: Buck Check Orange.

COVERAGE RULES:

CORNERS:



1/4’s coverage concept, the Corner may also adjust his pre-snap alignment depending on the split of the #1 Receiver. For





RESPONSIBILITY:


on any route that comes into his outside 1/4 area. A Corner should be “ DEEPER THAN THE DEEPEST ” than any deep route

in his area. The Corner should eliminate any fade or corner routes by any receiver in his area. We are a route reading

defense. The Corner will execute a back peddle/shuffle technique on the snap, working for a depth of (15 yards). He willhave is butt to the side line reading the #2 to #1 Receivers to his side. The Corner’s primary read is the #2 Receiver to his

side. The #2 Receiver will tell him exactly what depth and route combinations he will need to defend. The Corner’s primary

rule is: When the #2 Receiver to his side is vertical and deep, he must maintain his depth and wait for the receiver to come

into his deep outside 1/4 area. However, if the #2 Receiver is not deep then he can play aggressively on the #1 Receiver to

his side. When the #2 Receiver is not vertical then the Corner is basically only concerned about the #1 Receiver’s route.

Lastly, when the Corner gets a vertical out of the #1 and #2 Receivers, he will play the #1 Receiver man to man.

DOGS:

ALIGNMENT:









RUN ASSIGNMENT:

TO THE FS SIDE: The Dog’s first responsibility in Orange Coverage is to be a “Run First” player. The Dog will key the end

man on the line of scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He is responsible for being a contain/cutback run force

player to his side. Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch.


scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read even though he is aligned at (8 -10 yards) deep. He is responsible for being acontain/cutback run force player to his side. Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch.



27/33

ORANGE COVERAGEOrange Coverage is a 3 Under 4 Deep Coverage. Orange Coverage is a true 1/4’s Coverage. There will be 4 defenders in

the 4 quarters of the field. There will be 3 underneath defenders playing zone. We will only use our 4 man pressure

package with this coverage. All of our calls will be a check. For example: Buck Check Orange.

COVERAGE RULES:




Dog has a TE and Receiver to his side he can play the route of the #1 Receiver aggressively . The Dog will be allowed to play

the flat area to his side extremely tough because the FS is behind him reading the TE. Secondly: If the Dog has 2 Receivers

outside the end man on the line of scrimmage (Tackle or TE), he will get a physical jam on the #2 Receiver if he runs a

vertical route. Once the Dog gets his pass read he will physically look at the #2 Receiver and see what route he is running. If

the #2 Receiver runs a vertical route he will get a physical jam while looking at him. When he is jamming the #2 Receiver he

will physically look at the #1 Receiver to see if he is running a hitch route. While jamming the #2 Receiver, and the

#1 Receiver runs a hitch route, he will come off of the #2 Receiver and drive to the flat area where the #1 Receiver is

running the hitch route. If the #1 Receiver does not run a hitch route then the Dog will get his eyes back on the QB and play

the ball.

AWAY FROM THE FS SIDE: The Dog away from the “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call will be responsible for defending his middle 1/4 of

the field. The Dog will buzz his feet on the snap in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He will not back up on the snap of the

ball. The Dog will always read the #2 Receiver to his side. The Dog only has to read three different releases of the #2 Re-

ceiver. The release of the #2 Receiver will tell him exactly what to do in regards to defending his middle 1/4 area. The Dog

will play two different techniques verses the pass to his side. One: If the #2 Receiver’s release is in or out, then the Dog will

physically look at the #1 Receiver and double cover him with the Corner and eliminate any route that comes into his area.

Secondly: If the #2 Receiver runs a vertical route the Dog will cover him man to man. Lastly, if there is only 1 Receiver to

the Dog’s side then he can double cover that receiver with the Corner.

FS:








RESPONSIBILITY:

The FS’s first responsibility in Orange Coverage is to be a “Run First” player. The FS will key the end man on the line of


Versus the option the FS will fit inside/out from the QB to the pitch. Verses the pass the FS will be responsible for

defending his middle 1/4 of the field. The FS will buzz his feet on the snap in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He will not

back up on the snap of the ball. The FS will always read #2 Receiver to his side. The FS only has to read three different

releases of the #2 Receiver. The release of the #2 Receiver will tell him exactly what to do in regards to defending his

middle 1/4 area. The FS will play two different techniques verses the pass to his side. One: If the #2 Receiver’s release is in

or out, then the FS will physically look at the #1 Receiver and double cover him with the Corner and eliminate any route that

comes into his area. Secondly: If the #2 Receiver runs a vertical route the FS will cover him man to man. Lastly, if there is

only 1 Receiver to the FS’s side then he can double cover that receiver with the Corner. The only time the FS will have

1 Receiver to his side is if the #2 Receiver motions away from the FS’s side.

ADJUSTMENT RULES

There are two adjustments that we will make in Orange Coverage, and these adjustments are determined by two

formations the offense can present. One: If we get a 2 Back Twins formation we will check “ COVER GRAY ” and play that

coverage’s responsibilities. Secondly: If we get a 1 Back Trips formation we will have the Dog that is away from the FS’s

“ ROGER/LUCY ” Call key the #3 Receiver to the Trips side of the formation. If the #3 runs a vertical route the Dog will cover

him man to man. If the #3 Receiver does not run a vertical route then the Dog will look to double cover the #1 Receiver to

his side with the Corner. Lastly, the FS and Corner to the FS’s/ 3 Receiver side will play their base Orange Coverage

techniques.


28/33

N EE

M BB D

D

C

FS

C

CURL/FLAT

CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/4’s


FINAL 3

EX. BUCK CHECK (LEFT) ORANGE (4 MAN PRESSURE)

1

ORANGE VS. PRO I


ORANGE VS. 3 WIDES GUN SPLIT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM D

D FS

CC

1

2

3

1

2


CURL/FLAT

OUTSIDE 1/4’s

CURL/FLAT

FINAL 3

BE OVER THE TOP


CORNER ROUTE

MIDDLE 1/4’s

“I’M GONE CALL” “ROGER CALL”


MIDDLE 1/4’s

“ROGER CALL”


29/33

N EE

M BB

D

D

C

FS

C

OUTSIDE 1/4’s

OUTSIDE 1/4’s

MIDDLE 1/4’s

FINAL 3

EX. BUCK CHECK (RIGHT) ORANGE (4 MAN PRESSURE)

1

ORANGE VS. JACK GUN STRONG


ORANGE VS. MIAMI GUN WEAK

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM D

D FS

CC

1

2

2

1

3

OUTSIDE 1/4’s

MIDDLE 1/4’s

OUTSIDE 1/4’s

FINAL 3

CURL/FLAT

CURL/FLATCURL/FLAT



CURL/FLAT

MIDDLE 1/4’s

MAN ON #2

MAN ON #1

KEY #3HAVE MAN

IF VERTICAL

MAN ON #1

MAN ON #2


30/33

YELLOW COVERAGEYellow Coverage is a 3 Under 2 Deep Coverage. Yellow Coverage is a true 1/2’s Coverage. There will be 2 defenders in

the deep 1/2’s of the field. There will be 3 underneath defenders playing zone. We will only use our 4 man pressure

package with this coverage. All of our calls will be a check. For example: Buck Check Yellow.

COVERAGE RULES:

CORNERS:



1/2 coverage concept, the Corner may also adjust his pre-snap alignment depending on the split of the #1 Receiver. For





RESPONSIBILITY:

The Corner’s primary responsibility is to protect the underneath 1/2 zones. The Corner will play a soft corner technique.

We are a route reading defense. The Corner will execute a back peddle/shuffle technique on the snap, working for a depth

of (15 yards). He will have is butt to the side line reading the #2 to #1 Receivers to his side. The Corner’s primary read is the

#2 Receiver to his side. The #2 Receiver will tell him exactly what depth and route combinations he will need to defend. Ifthe #2 Receiver is vertical the Corner will be soft and settle at a depth of (15 yards). He will either help from a shallow to

deep angle on the corner route of the #2 Receiver, or, he will drive on the hitch route of the #1 Receiver once the ball is

thrown. If the #2 Receiver’s release is in or out the Corner will get a physical jam on the #1 Receiver and drive on any route

in the flat area immediately. When the #2 Receiver is not vertical this release allows the Corner to play the flat area aggres-

sively. Lastly, when the Corner gets a vertical from the #1 and #2 Receivers, he will play the #1 Receiver man to man just

like he does in Orange Coverage.

DOGS:

ALIGNMENT:









RUN ASSIGNMENT:

TO THE FS SIDE: The Dog’s first responsibility in Yellow Coverage is to be a “Run First” player. The Dog will key the end man

on the line of scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He is responsible for being a contain/cutback run force player

to his side. Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch.


scrimmage in order to get his “Run/Pass” read even though he is aligned at (10 -12 yards) deep. He is responsible for being acontain/cutback run force player to his side. Versus the option the Dog will slow play the QB and take away the pitch.



31/33

YELLOW COVERAGEYellow Coverage is a 3 Under 2 Deep Coverage. Yellow Coverage is a true 1/2’s Coverage. There will be 2 defenders in

the deep 1/2’s of the field. There will be 3 underneath defenders playing zone. We will only use our 4 man pressure

package with this coverage. All of our calls will be a check. For example: Buck Check Yellow.

COVERAGE RULES:




Dog has a TE and Receiver to his side he can play the route of the #1 Receiver aggressively . The Dog will be allowed to play

the flat area to his side extremely tough because the FS is behind him reading the TE. Secondly: If the Dog has 2 Receivers

outside the end man on the line of scrimmage (Tackle or TE), he will get a physical jam on the #2 Receiver if he runs a

vertical route. Once the Dog gets his pass read he will physically look at the #2 Receiver and see what route he is running. If

the #2 Receiver runs a vertical route he will get a physical jam while looking at him. When he is jamming the #2 Receiver he

will physically look at the #1 Receiver to see if he is running a hitch route. While jamming the #2 Receiver, and the

#1 Receiver runs a hitch route, he will come off of the #2 Receiver and drive to the flat area where the #1 Receiver is

running the hitch route. If the #1 Receiver does not run a hitch route then the Dog will get his eyes back on the QB and play

the ball.

AWAY FROM THE FS SIDE: The Dog away from the “ ROGER/LUCY ” Call will be responsible for defending his 1/2 of the field.

The Dog will use a width/back peddle technique on the snap in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He has to get some width

on the snap of the ball so he can defend his 1/2 of the field if it is a pass. The Dog will always read #2 Receiver to his side.

The Dog only has to read three different releases of the #2 Receiver. The release of the #2 Receiver will tell him exactly

what to do in regards to defending his 1/2 of the field. The Dog will play two different techniques verses the pass to his

side. One: If the #2 Receiver’s release is in or out, then the Dog will physically look at the #1 Receiver and cover him on any

deep route in his 1/2 of the field. For example: If the #2 Receiver releases out and the #1 Receiver runs a fade route the

Dog “ MUST ” not let the Receiver catch the fade. Secondly: If the #2 Receiver runs a vertical route the Dog will cover him

on any route the Receiver runs in his 1/2 of the field. Lastly, if both the #1 and #2 Receivers run vertical routes the Dog will

cover the #2 Receiver man to man just like he does in Orange Coverage. The Corner will have the #1 Receiver man to man.

“ DO NOT ” attempt to help on the #1 Receiver when both Receivers are vertical.

FS:








RESPONSIBILITY:

The FS’s first responsibility in Yellow Coverage is to be a “Run First” player. The FS will key the end man on the line of


Versus the option the FS will fit inside/out from the QB to the pitch. Verses the pass the FS will be responsible for his 1/2 of

the field. The FS will use a width/back peddle technique on the snap in order to get his “Run/Pass” read. He has to get

some width on the snap of the ball so he can defend his 1/2 of the field if it is a pass. The FS will always read

#2 Receiver to his side. The FS only has to read three different releases of the #2 Receiver. The release of the #2 Receiver

will tell him exactly what to do in regards to defending his 1/2 of the field. The FS will play two different techniques versesthe pass to his side. One: If the #2 Receiver’s release is in or out, then the FS will physically look at the #1 Receiver and

cover him on any deep route in his 1/2 of the field. For example: If the #2 Receiver releases out and the #1 Receiver runs a

fade route the FS “ MUST ” not let the Receiver catch the fade. Secondly: If the #2 Receiver runs a vertical route the FS will

cover him on any route the Receiver runs in his 1/2 of the field. Lastly, if both the #1 and #2 Receivers run vertical routes

the FS will cover the #2 Receiver man to man just like he does in Orange Coverage. The Corner will have the #1 Receiver

man to man. “ DO NOT ” attempt to help on the #1 Receiver when both Receivers are vertical.

ADJUSTMENT RULES

The only adjustment that we will have is if we get a 1 Back Trips formation. We will have the Dog that is away from the FS’s

“ ROGER/LUCY ” Call key the #3 Receiver to the Trips side of the formation. If the #3 runs a vertical route the Dog will cover

him man to man. If the #3 Receiver does not run a vertical route then the Dog will look to double cover the #1 Receiver to

his side with the Corner. The Corner away from the Trips side will play the #1 Receiver like he does in Orange Coverage.

Lastly, the FS and Corner to the FS’s side will play their base Yellow Coverage techniques.


32/33

N EE

M BB D

D

C

FS

C

CURL/FLAT

CURL/FLAT

UNDERNEATH 1/2’s

TAKE AWAY

THE CURL ROUTE

DEEP 1/2’s

INTERCEPT THE

FADE ROUTE

FINAL 3

EX. BUCK CHECK (LEFT) YELLOW (4 MAN PRESSURE)

1

YELLOW VS. PRO I

EX. BUCK CHECK (LEFT) YELLOW (4 MAN PRESSURE)

YELLOW VS. 3 WIDES GUN SPLIT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM D

D FS

CC

1

2

3

1

2

UNDERNEATH 1/2’s

CURL/FLAT

DEEP 1/2’s

CURL/FLAT

FINAL 3

INTERCEPT THE

CORNER ROUTE

DEEP 1/2’s


“ROGER CALL”


DEEP 1/2’s

“ROGER CALL”

UNDERNEATH

1/2’s

TAKE AWAY

THE OUT ROUTE

UNDERNEATH

1/2’s

PLAY THE BALL


33/33

N EE

M BB

D

D

C

FS

C

OUTSIDE 1/4’s

DEEP 1/2’s

FINAL 3

EX. BUCK CHECK (RIGHT) YELLOW (4 MAN PRESSURE)

1

YELLOW VS. JACK GUN STRONG

YELLOW VS. QUEEN GUN LEFT

2

3

2

1

E N E

B BM D

D FS

CC

1

2

2

1

3

OUTSIDE 1/4’s

MIDDLE 1/4’s

OUTSIDE 1/4’s

FINAL 3

CURL/FLAT

CURL/FLATCURL/FLAT



CURL/FLAT

MIDDLE 1/4’s

MAN ON #2

MAN ON #1

KEY #3HAVE MAN

IF VERTICAL

MAN ON #1

MAN ON #2

NOTE: IF BOTH #1 AND #2

ARE VERTICAL PLAY LIKE

ORANGE COVERAGE

NOTE: IF BOTH #1 AND #2

ARE VERTICAL PLAY LIKE

UNDERNEATH 1/2’s

TAKE AWAY

THE OUT ROUTE

Documents

2008 GMC Fall DB Coverage Handout