The Cover 2 and Tampa 2 4-3 defenses
By Scott Carasik
Teams that use this defense: Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overview
The Cover 2 and Tampa 2 defenses are based around the one-gap 4-3 as explained here. The defense is used by many teams around the league including Chicago, Tampa and Indianapolis. The alignment is the same in the one-gap 43 and will be explained here:
The "Under" alignment is based around the defensive line shading towards the weakside. The Nose Tackle is in the 1-technique on the strongside A-gap, The DE's are both aligned on the outside shoulders of the OT's, and the Under Tackle is aligned in the B-gap on the weakside and playing a 3-tech. The strongside OLB is shaded over the TE while the weakside OLB is spread out wider than the strongside backer. The Middle Linebacker is lined up over the center and about 5 yards back. The secondary is in a traditional alignment with the FS-SS in their normal spots and the CB's lined up over the WR's.
The "Over" alignment is based around the defensive line shading towards the strongside. The Nose Tackle is playing the 1-tech in the weakside A-gap. The Under Tackle is lined up in the strongside B-gap and playing a 3-tech. Both DE's are lined up on the outside shoulders of the OT's like in the "Under" alignment. The strongside OLB is shaded over the TE while the weakside OLB is spread out wider than the strongside backer. The Middle Linebacker is lined up over the center and about 5 yards back. The secondary is in a traditional alignment with the FS-SS in their normal spots and the CB's lined up over the WR's.
Defensive Line Responsibilities
<- Under
Over->
The DE's are both aligned on the outside shoulders of the OT's. The strongside DE is responsible for the C-gap in the run game and creating pressure by getting through the gap in the passing game. The weakide DE is responsible for the outside runs and has to get around the OT in the passing game using a high variety of pass rushing moves. The Under Tackle is playing a 3-technique and has to control the B-gap while also putting a lot of pressure on the QB by shooting through that same B-gap. The Nose Tackle is lined up in a 1-tech. His job is to shoot through the A-gap on every running play. He is also supposed to collapse the pocket from the inside on every passing play. The over-under alignment switch up is only to help confuse the offensive lineman in their protection schemes. The Ideal players for this scheme based on the roles in the 2011 draft:
Strongside DE - Da'Quan Bowers, played 4-3 DE at Clemson University
Nose Tackle - Marcell Dareus, played 3-4 DE at the University of Alabama
Under Tackle - Nick Fairley, played 4-3 DT at Auburn University
Weakside DE - Robert Quinn, played 4-3 DE at University of North Carolina
Linebacker Responsibilities
< - Under..................Over V
The Linebackers in the cover 2 and Tampa 2 have very similar responsibilities. In the cover 2 and Tampa 2, the strongside OLB is in charge of the intermediate zone on the strongside in the passing game and the outside running game on the strong side. In the cover 2 and Tampa 2, the weakside OLB is in charge of the intermediate zone on the weakside in the passing game and the outside running game on the weakside. In the cover 2, the MLB in in charge of the intermediate zone in the middle in the passing game, but in the Tampa 2, the MLB is in charge of the deep 3rd of the field in the passing game. In both schemes, the MLB is in charge of the A-gap not covered by the NT in the running game. The Ideal players for this scheme based on the roles in the 2011 draft:
Strongside OLB "Sam" - Mason Foster, played 4-3 OLB and MLB at the University of Washington
Middle LB "Mike" - Quan Sturdivant, played 4-3 OLB at the University of North Carolina
Weakside OLB "Will" - Bruce Carter, played 4-3 OLB at the University of North Carolina
Secondary Responsibilities
In the cover and Tampa 2, they use a traditional alignment. There is very little, if any, bliting from the secondary. The corners in the cover 2 are primarily man cover corners with a knack for making plays and the ability to jump routes. The corners in a Tampa 2, however, are primarily zone corners and will cover short to intermediate zones and are also playmakers. The corners are normally bigger and more physical because they are asked to do a lot more in run support. The Safeties in both the cover and Tampa 2 are in charge of the deep half on each one of their sides. They are supposed to be some of the top all-around safeties because both are called upon to be able to play the run as well as cover their half of the field at the drop of a hat. The Ideal players for this scheme based on the roles in the 2011 draft:
#1 CB - Patrick Peterson, played CB at Louisiana State University
#2 CB - Aaron Williams, played CB at the University of Texas
Free Safety - Deunta Williams, played FS at the University of North Carolina
Strong Safety - Rahim Moore, played FS at the University of California-Los Angeles
