Get Back To Fundamentals: Cover 2

Cover 2 becomes a great way to even up a defense and provide a pseudo-9 man run front (with corners as force) and discourage intermediate passing with so many shallow zone defenders.
Great versus any even formation, like cover 4, it can bottle up and discourage two-man receiver routes. The main point of stress becomes the open hole (MOFO), but provides clear, distinct reads for both safeties.


Cover 2
Mike
You are responsible for middle hook. Your cover down is #3 strong. If TE releases inside you will “you me” with Sam and the TE is now #3. If the TE releases INSIDE and vertical you need to carry him.
Sam
You are responsible for weak side curl. Your cover down is 2 weak. If 2 goes vertical you need to reroute/collision his stem.
Will
You are responsible for weak side curl. Your cover down is 2 weak. If 2 goes vertical you need to reroute/collision his stem.

Strong Safety
You will wall TE. If TE releases inside fall to curl and your cover down will be #3. If TE releases OUTSIDE and vertical you will carry him..

Weak Safety

Align 15 yards deep, on top of #2 weak side or EMOL; your horizontal alignment will vary according to the spit of the receiver in relationship to the hash. You are secondary run support. You will play deep ½ off of #1’s release, post, post corner, dig. On float technique you will play deep ½ off of #2.

Free Safety
Align 15 yards deep, on top of #2 strong side; your horizontal alignment will vary according to the spit of the receiver in relationship to the hash. You are secondary run support. You will play deep ½ off of #2’s release

Corners
Align in press position with inside foot to outside foot of the receiver or neutral, balanced stance – you cannot allow the receiver to get outside you. You are primary run support on the perimeter. You are a collision / funnel player with flat responsibility vs. pass. If you have 2 quick receivers to your side (twins) use the float technique.