4-3 Over Cover 2

Use when: Use against quick perimeter passing when your safeties can cover width and your linebackers can read run/pass. The corner must sink under vertical routes until a short threat declares. Run 4-3 Over Cover 2 — defenders read pre-snap formation and motion, then play their assignment below. Primary key: alignment first, eyes to keys at the snap.

Personnel: 11 defenders — 4 rushing, 0 in man, 7 in zones, 0 spying.

Before the snap: identify every eligible receiver, confirm strength and matchups after motion, and communicate who has deep help.

Run/pass key: linebackers read the line and backfield. Fill the assigned gap against run; gain the shown coverage depth against pass. Safeties confirm the read before stepping forward.

Assignments:

• : align 1 yards off the LOS, left; rush off the edge — attack the assigned lane, keep contain on the edge and close the pocket under control.
• : align 1 yards off the LOS, left; rush through the A-gap — attack the assigned lane, keep contain on the edge and close the pocket under control.
• : align 1 yards off the LOS, right; rush through the B-gap — attack the assigned lane, keep contain on the edge and close the pocket under control.
• : align 1 yards off the LOS, right; rush off the edge — attack the assigned lane, keep contain on the edge and close the pocket under control.
• : align 4.5 yards off the LOS, left; drops into Hook L (8-yard landmark) — read run/pass; gain hook depth on pass, see receivers entering the window, then rally forward on the throw.
• : align 4.5 yards off the LOS, middle; drops into Hook M (8-yard landmark) — read run/pass; gain hook depth on pass, see receivers entering the window, then rally forward on the throw.
• : align 4.5 yards off the LOS, right; drops into Hook R (8-yard landmark) — read run/pass; gain hook depth on pass, see receivers entering the window, then rally forward on the throw.
• : align 5 yards off the LOS, left; drops into Flat L (4-yard landmark) — cloud technique — hold the flat, sink under the outside vertical, then drive on the throw.
• : align 5 yards off the LOS, right; drops into Flat R (4-yard landmark) — cloud technique — hold the flat, sink under the outside vertical, then drive on the throw.
• : align 13 yards off the LOS, left; drops into Deep 1/2 L (17-yard landmark) — protect the deep half, stay over the deepest receiver and midpoint threats until the QB commits.
• : align 13 yards off the LOS, right; drops into Deep 1/2 R (17-yard landmark) — protect the deep half, stay over the deepest receiver and midpoint threats until the QB commits.

What it gives up:

• Smash stretches the corner and half-field safety with a low receiver and a corner route.
• Seams threaten the space between the safeties; the middle linebacker must gain depth while reading the QB.
• Play-action and delayed crossers can separate the underneath and deep coverage.

Teach it: walk the alignment first, then rehearse a vertical, a short outside throw and a crossing route on each side. Freeze after the first movement to check depth and leverage. Add a run or ball-exchange read, then finish under control.