2006 Linebacker Coverage Technique Manual

7/26/2019 2006 Linebacker Coverage Technique Manual

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NEW YORK JETS

EFENSE

Cover 2

Coverage Techniques


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A. Pass Responsibility

1. Defend all seam routes that end up between the hash marks (vs. 2x2 sets and 3x1

sets, there can be seam routes to either side, formation awareness)

2. Open and run to your landmark 18-20 yards deep between the hashes. You can lean to

the side of #3 as long as this does not carry you outside the hash

CP: Formation to sideline, work straight back to inside no more width

3. As your drop, keep your head on a swivel, you cannot level off on a QB set

CP: You have all double moves or shake routes that attack the middle seam area. You

must see the ball thrown

4. vs 2 Back sets and no vertical threat by #2, you become the middle seam dig route

defender (top of the diamond) 15-18 yards deep (Arrow 2 Stretch) Eyes back to see

QB's intentions

CP: When playing Tampa 2 (No low hole player) and no vertical threat by #2, game

plan will dictate whether you can clamp any middle sit or check down routes or play on top

to give help on dig routes

5. vs 2x2 formations open to the side of the slot receiver (most dangerous ? speed, this

will most likely be done by game plan)

* You must always be aware of the blind #2

6. vs 3x1 formations, open to the 3 man side and work to your landmark

CP: You must have vision thru #3 to #2

(ex: if #3 is short and #2 vertical, you must play run thru on #2)

CP: If both #2 and #3 are both vertical, stay true to your landmark (Middle of the field

18-20 yards deep)

B. Reactions to Release (2 Back Sets)

1. #2 Goes Vertical

a. Open to side of #2 and run to get depth (18-20 yards). Keep your head on a

swivel, but don't slow down.

b. Your depth should deter the QB from going down the middle or force him to put

air under his throw. This buys the safeties extra break time.

NEW YORK JETS DEFENSE

Arrow 2 / Tampa 2

Middle Run Thru Defender

B

B

(18-20)

#1

#2

#3

SS FS


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c. You can lean to the side of #3, but always be aware not to travel outside the

hash mark.

d. vs formation to sidelines, you must always be aware of your width. If ever in

doubt, get between the uprights at 18-20 yards deep.

B

B

(18-20)

#1

#2

#3

SS FS

SIDELINE

2. vs #2 Receiver ? Double Move (Y Shake)

a. You still have the responsibility for middle run thru. You cannot get fooled.

CP: You must always break on the release of the football, not the pump.

B

B

(18-20)

#1

#2

#3

SS FS


Arrow 2 / Tampa 2



4/38

3. vs 2 Back Sets - #2 is Short (inside or outside)

a. Level off your drop at 15-18 yards deep. Square your shoulders to the LOS

b. Your eyes can go to the QB. You can now break on ball when QB's front hand

comes off

CP: Slide to the side of the QB's intention.

B

(15-18)

#1

#2

(Arrow 2 Stretch)

B

(15-18)

#1

#2


Arrow 2 / Tampa 2



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A. Reactions to Releases ? 1 Back Sets

1. vs 2x2 Formations - #2 Goes Vertical

a. Open to the slot receiver (most dangerous by game plan), work to your landmark

18-20 yards deep.

b. Keep your head on a swivel (QB's intentions)

c. Always be alert to the blind #2, be able to flip your hips to play backside seam.


Arrow 2 / Tampa 2


2. vs 2x2 Formations ? Most Dangerous #2 is Short

a. Open to the slot receiver (most dangerous) if short inside or outside, flip your

hips still working with depth on blind #2 vertical route.

CP: Both #2's short settle in middle 15-18 yards deep, read the QB's intentions.

Look to drive dig routes to either side.

B

#1

#2

#1

Blind #2

B

#2

#1

Blind #2

Flip

B

#1

#2

Blind #2

(15-18)


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B. Reactions to Releases ? 3x1 Sets

1. Open to the 3 Man Side and Gain Depth to your Landmark (18-20 yards)

2. Your vision should be thru #3 to #2

3. If both #2 and #3 are vertical, you must hold true to your middle of the field landmark,

stay on top of both vertical routes.

CP: You cannot get locked on the vertical of #3 (know who the biggest threat is)


Arrow 2 / Tampa 2


4. If #3 is short and #2 goes vertical, work to your landmark (18-20 yards) and play the run thru

route of #2

CP: You cannot settle or hesitate if #3 is short and #2 vertical

CP: If #2 is short and #3 vertical, you must play the run thru route of #3 (18-20 yards deep

middle of the field)

B

#1

#2

B

#1

#2

#3

"Know who the

threat is"

18-20 yds


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Arrow 2 / Tampa 2

Reroute / Seam Defender

A. Pass Responsibility

1. Deny vertical entry of #2 receiver (physical reroute)

(Tight End, Slot Receiver, Possible Offset Back)

2. Once you have rerouted #2 out of the seam area, work to get vision on the QB as your

drop to 10 yards depth and 2 to 3 yards outside the hash (In most cases, you are aligned on

your drop point)

3. If no #2 receiver ? work seam drop straight back with hard read on the QB

CP: #2 flare or far crosser / and or the QB's intentions may expand your drop

4. To maximize your ability to cover ground in zone defense, you must do the following

a. After your reroute, work to a position square to the LOS in a good football position

b. Must work to get vision on the QB (hard read). Be able to expand or squeeze the

zone based on the QB's intentions.

c. Break when the QB takes this front hand off the ball to throw

d. Drive off foot opposite your break. Don't round your break by stepping in the bucket

e. Once you break, be at full speed and vice tackle to receiver

B. Reactions to Release (2 Back Sets)

1. #2 Goes Vertical

a. Deny vertical entry ? reroute by getting your hands on the eyes of the receiver

CP: This reroute must be done below 5 yards, use body position on the receiver

after 5 yards

b. After reroute, based on your alignment, work straight back to 10 yards depth. Try and

be square to the LOS

c. Hard read the QB (May expand or shrink zone based on his intentions)

d. May need to expand zone based on #3 or far crosser

B

#1

#2

B

#1

#2


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Arrow 2 / Tampa 2


2. #2 Goes Inside and Crosses

a. vs slot receiver, deny and flatten his release (do no chase)

b. vs TE, flatten him at the LOS (do not chase)

c. Work to get to 10 yards depth / 2 yards outside the hash, hard read the QB

d. #3 or far crosser may expand your drop

B

#1

#2

B

#1

#2

3. #2 Outside Releases to the Flat

a. vs. Slot receiver, flatten the receiver, do not chase or stay low. Work to gain 10

yards depth, 2 yards outside the hash

b. vs TE, flatten this route as he crosses your face, do not chase. Work to gain 10

yards depth, 2 yards outside the hash

c. Once you get to 10 yards depth, get square to LOS and hard read the QB #2

outside and QB's intention may expand you zone

B

#1

#2

B

#1

#2


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Arrow 2 / Tampa 2


4. vs No #2 Receiver

a. Work straight back with hard read on the QB (settle your drop when QB sets his feet) b.

May expand your drop vs #2 flare or crosser and QB's intentions

c. No #2 or crosser and QB intentions are away, squeeze the zone by looking high to

low

B

B

B

QB's Intentions are Away, Squeeze

the Zone Look from "Hi" to "Low"


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NEW YORK JETS

EFENSE

Cover 3

Coverage Techniques


11/38


3 Deep Coverages

Curl ? Flat Defender

I. Pass Responsibility

1. Hold off curl while controlling the flat (Buy time for hook defender to expand).

2. If wheel route your side, you must cover it (unless corner calls you off).

3. Always clear the 3 step ? before you drop.

4. If 3 step ? double slant, take the slant of #1. If 3 step ? D-Slant, take #2 to flat (to it and

through it). Key to 3 step passing is flat foot read ? Don't open up your hips.

5. The curl area, in general, is about 10-12 yards deep on the numbers. The most precise

way to drop is based on the split of the Wide Receiver on your side (pre-snap look). Your

angle of departure should take you on a course that would put you 10-12 yards deep and

2 yards inside the Wide Receiver's alignment.

6. Cover 3 is a vision coverage. See the Quarterback and the ball

II. Reactions to Releases

A. If #2 Goes to the Flat (or Swings)

1. Take a drop angle that takes you through the curl and still allows you to control

or leverage #2 in the flat.

2. Hold the curl as long as possible ? before driving the flat cut (you dictate who the

Quarterback throws to ? anticipate

3. You are attempting to buy time for your hook defender to expand to the curl

zone.

4. If #2 swings behind the line ? defend this from depth ? drive when the ball is

thrown.

5. If the flat route of #2 turns into a wheel, meet him at crossroads and cover him

up the sidelines (best way is to defend with depth first).

6. If playing versus slot formation, remember you already have width (10-12 yards

deep, 2 yards inside)

C.P. Alert Wheel

Curl / Flat TE Side

B

#

#

#

Curl / Flat Open Side

B

#

#


12/38


3 Deep Coverages


Curl / #3 Swings

B

#

Curl / Flat from Slot

(Depth is Key vs. Slot

Always Alert to Wheel)

B

Wheel Route by TE

B

Wheel Route by HB

B

3 Step DBL Slant

Work to #1

B

#1

#2

3 Step D-Slant

Take #2 to Flat (To It and Thru It)

B

#1

#2


13/38


3 Deep Coverages


B. If #2 Goes Vertical

1. Always know what #3 is doing.

2. If #2 is vertical (and #3 away), start to sink with vertical till you feel hook defender

working to you or a call from the corner. Know the Quarterback's intent.

2. Base reaction if #2 is a normal position (Tight End / Halfback) and #3 is away.

Start to sink with #2 vertical.

3. Listen for call by corner (Out ? Out )

4. If out cut, work to get in throwing lane and effect the Quarterback's throw.

5. By gameplan, we may tell you to hang on to #2 to protect the vertical game and jus

rally if they throw the out cut.

6. By gameplan, could call sloop and run the curl/flat defender under the #1

receiver.

7. Always alert to the Wide Receiver's splits. (Pre Snap)

8. Always alert to formations that the offense can run 4 verticals (2x2).

Out Call by the Corner ? Get in

Throwing Lane

B

#

Listen for "Out - Out" Call

B

C. If #2 is a Slot Receiver and Has a Vertical Release

1. Force him out of the seam area. The seam is from 3 yards inside the #'s to the top

of the #'s.

2. Re-route receiver to the outside. But the key is to not allow him in the seam area

? regardless of his release.

3. Sink with the vertical till you get call from the corner (12-14 yards deep) ("out -

out" or "smash") or if #3 or backside crosser threatens the flat area.

4. If #3 or crosser is in the flat, defend with depth as you leverage the receiver.


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3 Deep Coverages


D. If #2 is Vertical and #1 on Smash

1. Reroute #2 out of the seam area and then listen for "Smash" call (C.P. Alert to

the Split of Slot #2 / #1).

2. Once you hear Smash call, drive the #1 receiver hard. Never allow him to cross

your face inside.

Smash 6 (#1/ #2 on Curl / In Route)

B

Smash 7

B

B

C

Vertical ? Force #2 Out of Seam Area

B

#

Carry Vertical ? Reroute #2 Out of

Seam Area ? Leverage #3 or Crosser

B

Leverage Crosser

B

"Smas

Cal


15/38


3 Deep Coverages


E. If Load

1. Action is away, the curl / flat defender has the 1st crosser or back checking

through that works his side (#4) C.P.Check slant to #4.

2. If front side plays normal curl / flat responsibilities.

Load ? Y Cross

Load vs. Check Down

B

B


16/38


3 Deep Coverages

Hook ? Curl Defender


1. Hold off hook and be able to expand to curl if needed (based on route and

Quarterback's intention ).

2. Always know what #3 has done.

3. If #2 (or final #2) goes to the flat (swings) anticipate expanding to the curl.

4. Use a shuffle drop as you start (go to crossover if you expand to curl).

5. The hook area in general is 10-12 yards deep and 2 yards outside the hash.

6. The curl area if you must expand is 10-12 yards deep and 2 yards inside the Wide

Receiver (the #'s in general terms).

7. One of the two hook defenders has to be the overlap player on #3. This has to be

based on the route and most importantly, the Quarterback's intent.

8. Versus 3 step double slant ? take the slant of #2

Versus 3 step d-slant ? Take the slant of #1

Versus bullets ? Slide to this route (key to 3 step is flat foot read - don't open up hips).

9. Cover 3 is a vision coverage. See the Quarterback and the ball



1. Start to expand but you must know the Quarterback's intent.

2. If Quarterback is working your side ? expand to the curl.

3. As you expand (keep your head on a swivel) make sure you keep curl (dig) route

to your outside (don't over-run this).

4. If ball is not thrown when you arrive in this area, square up and slide with

Quarterback's eyes (and Receiver).

C.P.Remember the curl area is about 10-12 yards deep and 2 yards inside the

Wide Receiver's alignment (this will put you about on the #'s in most cases)

#2 Flat / Curl

(QB Working Left)

B

#3 Swings (Final #2) and curl

(QB Working Left)

B

#

Curl / Flat Open Side

(QB Working Right)

B


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6. If same routes and Quarterback is working opposite side of formation, the off

side hook defender has to be the over-lap player on #3.


3 Deep Coverages


(QB Working Right)

B

(QB Working Left)

B

7. Versus Slot set and Smash 6 route. Expand to #2 on Curl / Dig route. Work to

the Receiver but don't allow him to cross your face.

B

Smash 6

B

Smash 6


18/38

B. If #2 Takes Vertical Release and Runs Option Route

1. Your hook drop should put you in position to play this route.

2. Anticipate the Receiver will break away from your leverage.

3. Don't get too deep. Stay slightly underneath this route. This will make it more

difficult for Receiver to push off you and increase the separation between you and the

Receiver.

4. Play this route aggressively and if you get a jump, slide across the Receiver to

destroy the timing.

5. Remember to re-route the option route. You must get the job done down low.

Slide and get your hands on him.


3 Deep Coverages


C. If #2 Takes Vertical Release and Runs a Seam Route

1. If #2 runs seam route, you must be prepared to sink with this route or take it over

depending on the release or formation.

2. Don't allow Receiver to run his track. Force him out of the seam, make the

Quarterback lay the ball up. You may have to gain some width to accomplish this.

3. Always try to have a feel for the Quarterback's intent, so one of the hook

defenders can come back on check down.

4. Always alert to formations that all verticals can be run from.

B

Y Option Route Played with Normal Drop

Re-Route vs. Option Must Happen in the 5

Yard Area

B

B

B

(QB Working Right)


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D. If #2 Runs a Vertical (Slot Set) and #1 Runs a Dig

1. Versus slot always alert to potential Indigo route.

2. In most cases, #2 will take an outside release on the seam to clear out the zone.

3. As you widen, keep your head on a swivel and look for dig route by #1.

4. Expand to it, but don't allow it back inside.


3 Deep Coverages


E. Versus Level Type Routes

1. Drop to your hook area. Level off and get squared up so you can drive the

Quarterback's intent.

2. Your drops should force the Quarterback to throw to low crosser (no cover

zone). Anticipate and drive this cut. This is a Hi / Low concept route.

3. The key is to take the proper angle as your drive the route. (Adjust to the speed

of the receiver)

4. Always alert formations that this concept can be used from.

5. Could match this route by game plan.

B

Indigo Route

B

Level Concept

B

QB Working Left


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F. Versus 3 Step Double Slant

1. Take away the slants of #2.

2. Flat foot read ? Clear the 3 step first.

3. Don't allow slant inside.


3 Deep Coverages


G. Versus 3 Step D-Slant

1. Take away the slant of #1. (Radar the slant)

2. Flat foot read ? Clear the 3 step first.

3. Work through the face of the Receiver.

4. Don't allow the slant inside of you.

B

vs. All Slants

B

B

vs. D-Slant

Radar the Slant

B


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H. Versus Load ? Y Cross

1. Off side hook defender must take away dig route.

2. Robot this route, turn and match.

3. Must be ready to slide inside with dig if it continues inside.

4. Front side hook player sit on top of check down.

C.P.Z can run the dig but would need to be in close split or Zing motion (off

Linebacker, look up Z).


3 Deep Coverages


B

Load Y Cross (NCAA Route)

B

B

Load Z Dig

B


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NEW YORK JETS

EFENSE

Cover 4

Coverage Techniques


23/38


1. Jam and reroute the #2 receiver (be physical). Don't be concerned with #1 unless you

get a smash call.

2. Always relate to the final #2.

3. Sink with #2 on any vertical. Turn him over to Safety at about 10-12 yards deep.

4. Stay square and match any Receiver who threatens your flat area.

5. You have any wheel route.

6. If 3 step double slant ? take slant of #2.

If 3 step d-slant ? take #2 to the flat.

7. If #3 goes away, always squeeze #2.



1. Take drop angle that allows you to leverage #2 to the flat, but through the curl

area.

2. You can close to the #2 in the flat faster than a curl flat defender because your

safety will help on #1 on all inside cuts.

3. If flat cut turns into a wheel, you have it (know the split of #1).


Cover 4

Flat Defender

B

vs. Curl / Flat Cut

B

B

vs. Slot ? Curl / Flat

B


24/38


Cover 4

Flat Defender

C. If #2 Take a Vertical Release (#3 inside or away)

1. Be physical on #2. Don't allow easy release. Get your hands on him.

(Remember safety will take him vertical).

2. Stay square and sink with #2 to about 10-12 yards deep.

3. Must always know what #3 did. Always alert for crosser from opposite side.

4. If #2 hooks at 10-12 yards, this is your cut (If he goes vertical, safety will take

him).

5. Remember if #3 is away, there will be a void to your inside.

B. If #2 Releases Inside and #3 Goes to the Flat and Swing

1. Treat this the same as #2 to the flat.

2. If swing, hold the curl as you leverage this route (You have time to rally).

3. Always relate to the final #2.

S

Always Relate to Final #2

B

S

B

B

10-12 Yards


25/38


Cover 4

Flat Defender

D. If Slot Formation and #2 Goes Vertical (#3 is Away or Inside)

1. Take 2x1 alignment off Wide Receiver.

2. Be physical ? get your hands on him (Safety is over the top).

3. Stay square and sink to about 10-12 yards deep.

4. Force #2 outside (this helps the Safety).

5. Always know what #3 has done. Always alert for crosser from the opposite side.

E. If #2 Releases Across the Formation

1. Start to squeeze with #2. Stay on top and square.

2. Always alert to crosser from the opposite side (level concept).

3. If no crosser, you have to continue to squeeze (always relate to final #2).

4. If level pass (opposite crosser) play this like zone and pass this.

5. Stay square and have good eyes.

vs. Slot Option Route

B

Squeeze and Relate to Final #2

B

vs. Level Concept, Pass These Routes

B

B

B

B


26/38


Cover 4

Flat Defender

F. Versus 3 Step Double Slant

1. Take the Slant of #2.

2. Flat foot read, clear the 3 step (don't back out).

3. Don't allow #2 inside of you (make the receiver go over the top of you).

G. Versus 3 Step D-Slant

1. Take the #2 Receiver to the flat.

2. Flat foot read ? clear the 3 step.

H. Versus Load Pass

1. Match your final #2 if to the load side, match #4 is you are away from load.

2. Playside: if Y Cross then you have one of the backs.

3. Backside: if Y Cross take it. If not match the check down.

Double Slant

B

vs. D-Slant

B

B

vs. Slot ? D-Slant

Load Y Cross

B

B

Load Y Vertical

B

B

4

2

#4

#2


27/38

Pass Responsibility

1. Drop off #3 (Always relate to final #3).

2. Always stay square and have vision.

3. If #3 goes to the flat / swings, be ready to work with flat defender (Talk )

4. Both backs through the Line of Scrimmage, have patience till they disperse.

5. Any boot you have 1st crosser (might get Safety help).

6. Versus 3 step, squeeze #3. If bullets, don't open up your hips, slide to him

7. Versus trips, always look through #3 to #2 so you can know who to relate to as final #3.

8. If #3 goes vertical, carry to 10 / 12 yards then Safety will take it.

9. If both #2/#3 goes vertical, carry #3 till the FS takes over

Reactions to Releases

A. If #3 Steps Up Inside

1. Work to final #3. By game plan, we can defend #3 with depth. (Sit on top of him

2. If the Tight End is a big time threat, may keep you high to give the Tight End


Cover 4

3 Receiver Hook Defender

B. If #3 Goes to the Flat (Swings)

1. Work to the final #3 (Tight End or Slot) with some depth.

2. Stay square and talk with your flat defender.

3. You have to take any hook / option type routes in the 10 / 12 yard area.

4. If sail pass, push the 7 route out to the Safety.

#3 Inside ? Sit High / Clamp

B

#3 Inside ? Work to Final #3

B

Y Option Route

B

B

B

Sail Route Push 7 Cut

B

Slot Option Route

B


28/38


Cover 4


C. If Level Concept Route

1. Stay square, have vision and patience.

2. Sort out who the final #3 is.

3. Talk it out with your flat defenders.

4. If single crosser, relate to final #3.

D. Versus Trips Always See #2 / #3 (Look Through)

1. If #3 goes vertical and #2 comes under.

2. Start to drop with the TE, then drive this cut (Final #3).

3. flat defender should make it difficult for #2 to get in clean.

4. If #2 goes to flat or inside, the Safety will always take over vertical of #3.

S

B B

Swing With Double Cross (Pass It ? Talk)

B

Swing with Single Crosser

Leverage the Crosser

B

B

B

C

B


29/38


Cover 4


E. Versus Trips and #2 / #3 Go Vertical

1. Carry the vertical of #3 10 / 12 yards deep.

2. If #3 continues vertical, backside safety will help on him.

F. If Boot Pass

1. Take the 1st crosser.

2. Safety will be there to help.

3. Alert to nasty split by X as a potential crosser.

G. Versus 3 Step Bullet

1. Slide to #3, don't open up your hips.

2. Drive hard and slide in front or be in position to tackle Receiver.

B

B

S

B

S

Boot Take 1st Crosser

B

S

Nasty Split ? X is 1st Crosser


30/38

NEW YORK JETS

EFENSE

Cover 8

Coverage Techniques


31/38


Cover 8

Seam ? Flat Defender


1. Drop off #2 but must always be aware of #3.

2. Hold off the seam route of #2.

3. If #2 is a slot receiver, sink with the receiver on any vertical route and force him outside if

the split of #2 allows. Maintain vision on the Quarterback as you sink.

4. If #2 is a Tight End and goes vertical (force him inside), sink with the seam route till #3

(or far crosser) pulls you off. Maintain vision on the Quarterback and awareness of #3.

5. If #2 runs a sail, work to the outside with depth and play this route from hi to low.

6. If #2 goes to the flat, you must maintain leverage, you can't be outflanked. If possible,

try to control this route with some depth thus holding off the inside route of #1.

6. If #2 runs a wheel, you have it.

7. If #3 goes away (or is aligned away), squeeze #2 on any vertical or crossing route (alert

for opposite side receiver crossing).

8. Versus 3 step if #2 runs a slant, stay inside. If #2 runs D Slant, work through the #1

receiver (thru it ? to it).

II. Reactions

A. If #2 (Tight End) goes vertical

1. Sink with the seam until #3 pulls you off.

2. Must have vision on the Quarterback and awareness of #3.

3. Stay square.

4. Know if #3 is in a threatening position.

5. If #3 goes away, squeeze #2.

B

#3 To You ? Carry Seam

Until #3 Crosses Your Face

B

B

#3 Away ? Squeeze #2 an

Carry Seam (Unless Far

Crosser)

B

vs Sail ? Play Hi to Low,

Get Depth

B


32/38

B. If #2 is a Slot and goes vertical

1. Take an alignment based on split of the slot. Take inside alignment unless slot is

split 5 yards or wider from the hash.

2. Sink with the seam and force the receiver outside (unless your alignment is

outside). Stay square and keep vision on the Quarterback. Sink with #2 till #3 or far crosser

pulls you off.

3. If ball comes out fast to #3, drive it from outside-in.

4. If Sail pass, sink with #2, gain both depth and width. Play this hi to low.

#2 Seam Route ? Sink with It

Until #3 or Far Crosser Pulls

You Off

B


Cover 8


B

B

B

If Sail Route ? Sink with Depth

and Width. Play Hi to Low.

B

B

If Ball Comes Out to #3 Fast,

Drive it from Outside-In


33/38

C. If #2 (Tight End / Slot) Goes to Flat

1. Must maintain leverage on #2 (Can't be cut flanked) as #2 goes to the outside.

2. If possible, try to do it with some depth (Hold off the inside cut by #1).

3. If #2 runs a wheel, you buy it.

C.P.If #1 is a nasty split and runs a cross and #2 runs a wheel / trail, jam and cut off

the cross route. The corner will build high to protect the wheel or the double move.

C.P.By gameplan, we will tell you to stay with cross or zone that side after jamming

the cross route.

C.P.If slot and #1/#2 are close together (alert wheel) we may zone this. Seam flat

defender would not carry the wheel.

#2 To The Flat ? Buy Some

Time If Possible


Cover 8


B

B

#2 Wheel ? Run With It

B

Nasty Split ? Cut Off Cross

C

B

vs Tight Split of Slot, Could

Zone This and Seam Flat

Defender Does Not Carry the

Wheel (by gameplan)

#2

#33

#3


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D. 3 Step and #2 Runs a Slant

1. Flat foot and clear 3 step (critical if you have an outside alignment on #2).

2. If outside, drive this route. If inside alignment, deny it.


Cover 8


B

#2 Slant ? Drive This Route (if Outside)

E. 3 Step and #2 Runs to Flat (D Slant)

1. Work to #2 to flat. Go through #1 as you do this (to it and thru it).

2. Don't allow #2 to cross your face.

B

D Slant - #2 to Flat (To it and Thru it)

B

#2 Slant ? Deny This Route (if Inside)


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E. If #2 (Tight End / Slot) Crosses Low and #3 Steps Your Way

1. Stay square but now must take over #3 (the new #2).

2. Defend #3 with depth if you can, but you must maintain leverage (like #2 to the

flat).

3. If #3 runs the Ram Pass, treat it the same as #2 on slant. Maintain inside leverage

on this route.


Cover 8


B

#2 Low Crosser ? Square and

Leverage #2

F. If #2 crosses low and #3 goes away

1. Squeeze to #2 (keep some depth), keep vision on the Quarterback.

2. If no opposite crosser, squeeze #2 all the way.

3. If opposite crosser, you and the #3 Rec. Hook player can pass this (talk it out).

B

Ram Pass ? Stay Inside This Cut

B

#3 Away and #2 Crosses ? Squeeze

Unless Far Crosser

B

#3 Away With Far Crosser ? Zone It and

Pass This Along Underneath Coverage

(Talk )

B

B


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Cover 8

3 Receiver Hot Defender


1. Drop off #3. Know if #2 to that side is in tight or detached.

2. If working to Tight End side, be ready to push this with Seam / Flat defender.

3. Stay square and have vision.

4. Any boot pass, you have the 1st crosser.

5. Versus 3 step, always be inside of #3.

6. Versus bunch ? play the routes (ex: Snag 7 / Lion, push to the Wide Receiver).

II. Reactions

A. If #3 Steps Up Inside

1. Work to the final #3. By gameplan, we can defend #3 with depth or clamp him (if

difficult Tight End to handle, we may stay high to help on him).

B

#3 Inside ? Work to Final #3

B. If #3 Steps to the Tight End Side or goes to the Outside (Flat / Swing)

1. Check the hot. Start flat and key the Tight End's head. If he is looking back now, go flat

and take away hot throw by the Quarterback.

2. If the Tight End's head is down and he is pushing up field, push with the Seam/Flat

defender. Stay square and talk.

3. If Sail route, push hard to slice the bench route.

vs Hot ? Stay Flat and Run

Thru the Tight End

B

B

#3 to the Flat / Swings ? Build

High and Push to the Tight End

B

vs Sail ? Push and Slice Bench

Route

B

B

B


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Cover 8


C. If #3 Goes To The Flat (Swings) to the Slot Side

1. Work to the #2 with depth.

2. You must anticipate that if #2 (slot) goes vertical ? you will be responsible for #1 or #2.

3. If ball comes out fast, your Seam / Flat defender will drive on it.

#3 Swings and Slot Goes Vertical ?

Work to #1 or #2 on the In Cut

D. If #3 Goes to the Slot ? and Slot Crosses Low

1. Start to squeeze (stay square) with #2 crossing. Stay on top.

2. Anticipate double cross (level) type pass.

3. We can pass this route between the Seam / Flat defenders and 3 Receiver Hot player.

4. Must make sure #2 (away from #3) is crossing. If not, you must buy #2 on crossing

route.

See next page for il lustrations

B

INDIGO)


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Cover 8


B

#3 Swings and Double Cross (Level)

Pass It ? Talk

B

#3 to TE and Slot Vertical with Low

Crosser ? As You Leverage the

Crosser, Anticipate In-Cut From the

Slot Side (Slot Dig or Indigo)

B

Snag 7 ? Go To It Now

B

Z Cross ? Work Back to a High

Position (Between Y ? Check Down)

B

B

B

B

B

B

B

2006 Linebacker Coverage Technique Manual

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Transcript of 2006 Linebacker Coverage Technique Manual