macbob
  • macbob
  • Veteran Member Topic Starter
14 years ago
Matt Bowen, National Football Post, had an intersting article on the Cover 2 defense. In the article he had a link to the cover 2 itself, and then to analysis on how to beat the cover 2.

I'd be interested in those more knowledgeable about the subject whether his analysis is any good or if he's full of stuffing.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Rodgers-vs-the-Bears-Cover-2-defense-4869.html 

Aaron Rodgers is going to see the Cover 2 defense from Lovie Smiths Bears this Sunday up at Lambeau Field. No matter what is said throughout this week about the Chicago zone pressure schemesor their cornerbacks in Cover 1the Packers will see plenty of the 2-deep shell.

What does that mean for the Green Bay QB? Lets look at five things that will have an impact in this crucial Sunday matchup.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Inside-the-playbook-the-Tampa-2.html  -- chalkboard breakdown of the Cover 2 defense.

1. Work for the deep ball: That is the theory behind the defense. Make Rodgers take the underneath throws. The Bears want to get a jam on No.1 and re-route the receiver on an inside release. Give the safety a cushion and play with enough depth to take away the deep 9 (fade), post and the 7 (flag) when the corner sinks at a 45-degree angle. If Rodgers wants to take the check downgive it to him. But make him work to fit the ball into tight holes down the field.

2. Targeting Urlacher: Cover 2 is a 3-deep, 4-under coverage in the NFL when the Mike Backer runs the inside vertical seam. The Packers can align in their empty sets with a WR at No.3 (think Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson) or in their pro sets with the TE to test the middle of the field. Urlacher will open his hips to the passing strength and carry that vertical route. Both safeties will drive on the throwbut the matchup can be ideal for Green Bay. Get Urlacher running down the field with his back to the QB. A tough play for any linebacker.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Inside-the-playbook-defeating-the-Tampa-2.html  Expect to see these basic Cover 2 beaters in the Packers game plan: 4 verticals, flat-7, the dagger (inside seam, dig combo), OVS (outside vertical stretch: 9, 7, flat combo) and the deep 15-yard dig. Every offense will carry these routes in their playbook when they play the Bears. My guess? Look for 4 verticals (4 go routes) early in the game near mid-field. The same route scheme that resulted in touchdowns for Tom Brady and Brett Favre this season vs. Lovies defense.

4. Long drives: This is what Chicago wants to see. Very similar to their first meeting on Monday night at Soldier Field. Force Rodgers to throw the short to intermediate route tree and put together 10-12 play drives. Why? More opportunity for the offense to make a mistake. Penalties, turnovers and the basic idea that offensive play callers get impatientand start to take too much risk. Every Cover 2 coach I played for in the NFL believed in this theory. Make the offense work the ball down the field and you will make a play on defense.

5. Moving the underneath coverage: This will come into play more in 3rd and medium situations. Rodgers has to use his eyes to move Bears LB Lance Briggs and nickel back D.J. Moore. They are coached to drop to their landmarks (between the numbers and the hash marks) and drive on the throw. Think of Derrick Brooks back in his playing days for the Bucs. An elite player for this reason. Read the QB and drive from the backside to cut off any route breaking to the middle of the field. Cant let Moore and Briggs make plays on Sunday.

NationalFootballPost.com wrote:

tonyagnese
14 years ago
Long drives, while difficult, are certainly achievable.
blank
zombieslayer
14 years ago

4. Long drives: This is what Chicago wants to see. Very similar to their first meeting on Monday night at Soldier Field. Force Rodgers to throw the short to intermediate route tree and put together 10-12 play drives. Why? More opportunity for the offense to make a mistake. Penalties, turnovers and the basic idea that offensive play callers get impatientand start to take too much risk. Every Cover 2 coach I played for in the NFL believed in this theory. Make the offense work the ball down the field and you will make a play on defense.



Funny, I always thought that the O was trying to get long drives. Yet here, they're saying Cover 2 Ds want long drives because it gives them a chance for a play.

Well, I guess don't make mistakes Packers O.
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macbob
  • macbob
  • Veteran Member Topic Starter
14 years ago

4. Long drives: This is what Chicago wants to see. Very similar to their first meeting on Monday night at Soldier Field. Force Rodgers to throw the short to intermediate route tree and put together 10-12 play drives. Why? More opportunity for the offense to make a mistake. Penalties, turnovers and the basic idea that offensive play callers get impatientand start to take too much risk. Every Cover 2 coach I played for in the NFL believed in this theory. Make the offense work the ball down the field and you will make a play on defense.

"zombieslayer" wrote:



Funny, I always thought that the O was trying to get long drives. Yet here, they're saying Cover 2 Ds want long drives because it gives them a chance for a play.

Well, I guess don't make mistakes Packers O.



Z-that's one part of his analysis that I thought was poorly worded, at best.

I would have worded it more along the lines...the goal is to prevent the deep strike, thus forcing the offense to drive down the field, with the defense hopefully being able to put pressure on the offense and force a mistake--dropped pass, penalty or turnover (INT or fumble).

Becuase I would agree with the statement (as a general principle) of driving down the field, keeping the opposing teams offense sitting on the sidelines for long periods. When they do get on thefield, they won't be in any kind of rhythm and hopefullly our D can force a 3-and-out, putting their offense back on their keisters on the sidelines.

That's exactly what we did to NE, and sidelines is exactlly where we wanted their offense. It led to a 40/20 time of possession advantage for the Pack. Unfortunately, due to breakdowns in other areas we weren't able to pull the game out, but came close.
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