COVER 2

Cover 2 is a two-high zone coverage with both safeties responsible for the deep halves of the field. Corners play underneath in the flats, allowing the defense to keep two safeties over the top while forcing offenses to complete shorter throws.

Common Variations

Cover 2 (Base)

Two safeties split the deep field while corners defend the flats. Linebackers are responsible for the hook and middle zones.

WEAKNESS:

Hole shot between the corner and safety

Deep middle behind the linebackers

Pipe Seams

High-low on the flat defender

Tampa 2

The middle linebacker opens and runs the deep middle, creating three deep defenders while maintaining the Cover 2 shell.

WEAKNESS:

Outside hole shot

Intermediate sideline

Running back checkdowns

Underneath curl windows

Cover 2 Trap (Sink / Invert)

Corners initially show soft coverage before aggressively driving on short routes, attempting to bait the quarterback into throws outside.

WEAKNESS:

Double moves

Corner routes

Verticals after the corner squats

Post routes behind the linebackers

2-Man Under

Two safeties stay deep while underneath defenders play man coverage.

WEAKNESS:

Quarterback scramble lanes

Crossing routes

Rub concepts

Running back option routes

Back shoulder fades

How to Attack Cover 2

Attack the seams between the safeties.

Throw the hole shot before the safety can overlap.

High-low the flat defender with concepts like Scissors, Smash and China.

Stretch the middle linebacker vertically.

Use play action to influence underneath defenders.