One thing is when we blitz the SAM out of a Cover 2 the SS has to adjust FIRST to see if the TE is coming out and trying to hit a seam and SECOND, if that's not the case he needs to help cover the flats. The whole goal of a SAM blitz is to create quick pressure and force the QB to make hurried decisions - which often means hitting a quick TE seam or flat route.
And the second strength of the Cover 2 defense is that it allows for solid run support. It allows the linebackers to stay close to the line of scrimmage.
Basically, the Cover 2 is a zone coverage scheme. It divides the DEEP part of the field into two halves, with each safety responsible for one half. The cornerbacks usually play zone coverage, covering short to intermediate routes.
I hope this helps newer fans who may not be familiar just yet with what they're trying to look at when they watch their team (the Huskers, of course) play defense. Cover 2 is something all teams run at some point during the game and often mostly throughout the game.
And don't be afraid to line that SAM backer up on the line and show a 5 man front when you blitz him because you can show that same 5 man front other times and drop him back into coverage - by doing this the QB can't read what you're going to do just by observing the front (it messes with his eyes, so to speak).
The second weakness of the Cover 2 defense is the middle of the field. If the offense can effectively stretch the field, the middle can become a soft spot.
The MAIN thing, though, is the SS had to FIRST check the TE to see if he's coming out on a route and, if so, help with coverage on him and, if not then help in the flats. This is because, by sending the SAM you become vulnerable in those areas (middle of the field and the flats) if not properly covered.
So, I'm going to talk about the Cover 2 defense for newer fans to help them know what they're looking at. Cover 2 is a popular defense and, yes, Nebraska runs it fairly often, too.
D-line responsibilities in Cover 2: Pass rush. A strong pass rush is CRITICAL because Cover 2 RELIES ON quick pressure to limit the QB's time to find open receivers.
Basically, coaches will call a SAM blitz (or other blitz) in obvious passing situations or when they want to increase pressure WITHOUT compromising the overall integrity of the Cover 2 defense. But proper timing and EXECUTION are CRUCIAL to maximize its effectiveness.
The first weakness of the Cover 2 is that it's vulnerable to short routes. Quick, short passes can exploit the space between the linebackers and safeties.
One thing is when we blitz the SAM out of a Cover 2 the SS has to adjust FIRST to see if the TE is coming out and trying to hit a seam and SECOND, if that's not the case he needs to help cover the flats. The whole goal of a SAM blitz is to create quick pressure and force the QB to make hurried decisions - which often means hitting a quick TE seam or flat route.
Hey Jay, on the first defensive breakdown number 55 is not covered up so why is this not a penalty? 14:35
And the second strength of the Cover 2 defense is that it allows for solid run support. It allows the linebackers to stay close to the line of scrimmage.
Basically, the Cover 2 is a zone coverage scheme. It divides the DEEP part of the field into two halves, with each safety responsible for one half. The cornerbacks usually play zone coverage, covering short to intermediate routes.
I hope this helps newer fans who may not be familiar just yet with what they're trying to look at when they watch their team (the Huskers, of course) play defense. Cover 2 is something all teams run at some point during the game and often mostly throughout the game.
And don't be afraid to line that SAM backer up on the line and show a 5 man front when you blitz him because you can show that same 5 man front other times and drop him back into coverage - by doing this the QB can't read what you're going to do just by observing the front (it messes with his eyes, so to speak).
A variation of the Cover 2 defense is Cover 2 Man: In this variation, the corners play man on receivers while safeties still cover deep zones.
The SAM blitz falls into the category of "aggressive play" - it adds an element of surprise that can potentially catch the offense off guard.
Linebacker responsibilities in Cover 2: They typically cover intermediate routes and can assist in run support.
Now the strengths of the Cover 2 are twofold: 1. It prevents deep passes. It's effective against teams that rely on big plays (like Colorado).
The second weakness of the Cover 2 defense is the middle of the field. If the offense can effectively stretch the field, the middle can become a soft spot.
The MAIN thing, though, is the SS had to FIRST check the TE to see if he's coming out on a route and, if so, help with coverage on him and, if not then help in the flats. This is because, by sending the SAM you become vulnerable in those areas (middle of the field and the flats) if not properly covered.
Cornerback responsibilities in Cover 2: They cover the flat areas, often pressing receivers and then dropping back into a zone.
And another variation on the Cover 2 defense is the Tampa 2: This is a variation where one of the linebackers drops back into the deep middle zone.
Safety responsibilities in Cover 2: They cover the deep halves of the field, ensuring no deep passes can split the defense.
So, I'm going to talk about the Cover 2 defense for newer fans to help them know what they're looking at. Cover 2 is a popular defense and, yes, Nebraska runs it fairly often, too.
D-line responsibilities in Cover 2: Pass rush. A strong pass rush is CRITICAL because Cover 2 RELIES ON quick pressure to limit the QB's time to find open receivers.
Basically, coaches will call a SAM blitz (or other blitz) in obvious passing situations or when they want to increase pressure WITHOUT compromising the overall integrity of the Cover 2 defense. But proper timing and EXECUTION are CRUCIAL to maximize its effectiveness.
The first weakness of the Cover 2 is that it's vulnerable to short routes. Quick, short passes can exploit the space between the linebackers and safeties.
Cover 2 takes away the flats and quick outs.
The SAM blitz can disrupt the rhythm of the passing game and limit the QB's ability to scan the field.
If the Illinois DB doesn’t fall down on that first play it’s probably an interception.