In football, the Cover 1 defense is a popular strategy used by teams to defend against the pass.
It involves one deep safety responsible for covering the deep part of the field, while the remaining defenders play man-to-man coverage on the receivers.
While Cover 1 can be an effective defense, there are certain plays and strategies that can exploit its weaknesses and create opportunities for offensive success.
Here we’ll look at some of the most effective Cover 1 beaters in football.
The Weaknesses of Cover 1
Before diving into specific plays that beat Cover 1, it is important to understand the weaknesses of this defensive scheme.
By identifying these weaknesses, offensive coordinators can design plays that exploit them and create favorable matchups for their receivers.
- Isolation of Cornerbacks: In Cover 1, cornerbacks are often left in one-on-one matchups with wide receivers. This can be a disadvantage for the defense if the receiver has superior speed, agility, or route-running ability.
- Deep Middle Vulnerability: With only one deep safety, Cover 1 leaves the middle of the field vulnerable to deep passes. If the safety is occupied by another receiver or misreads the play, there can be a significant gap in coverage.
- Exploiting Mismatches: By identifying favorable matchups, offenses can exploit the weaknesses of individual defenders in Cover 1. This can be achieved through pre-snap motion, formation adjustments, or route combinations.
Effective Cover 1 Beaters
Now that we understand the weaknesses of Cover 1, let’s explore some of the most effective plays and strategies that can beat this defense.
1. Deep Post Routes
Deep post routes are a classic play that can exploit the vulnerability of Cover 1 in the deep middle.
By sending a receiver on a post route toward the middle of the field, the offense can force the safety to make a decision.
If the safety commits to covering the post route, it opens up opportunities for other receivers on the outside or in the intermediate zones.
2. Double Moves
Double moves are effective against man-to-man coverage, which is a key component of Cover 1.
By initially running a short or intermediate route and then suddenly changing direction with a second move, the receiver can create separation from the cornerback and gain a significant advantage.
This can be particularly effective when the cornerback is overly aggressive or susceptible to biting on fakes.
3. Flood Concepts
Flood concepts involve sending multiple receivers to one side of the field, creating an overload and forcing the defense to make difficult coverage decisions.
Against Cover 1, flood concepts can be highly effective as they stretch the defense horizontally and vertically, creating open passing lanes for the quarterback to exploit.
4. Mesh Routes
Mesh routes involve two receivers crossing paths at a shallow depth, creating confusion and traffic for the defenders.
Against Cover 1, mesh routes can be particularly effective as they force the defenders to navigate through traffic and communicate effectively to avoid leaving receivers open.
This can lead to breakdowns in coverage and create opportunities for big gains.
5. Wheel Routes
Wheel routes are designed to exploit the isolation of cornerbacks in Cover 1.
By sending a receiver on a vertical route toward the sideline and then breaking toward the sideline, the offense can create separation from the cornerback and force the safety to make a difficult decision.
If the safety commits to covering the wheel route, it opens up opportunities for other receivers on the inside or in the intermediate zones.
Video Breakdown How Quarterbacks Beat Cover 0 and Cover 1
Case Study: The “Sail” Concept
One of the most effective Cover 1 beaters in football is the “Sail” concept.
This concept involves sending three receivers to one side of the field, with one running a deep route, one running an intermediate route, and one running a flat route.
The purpose of this concept is to stretch the defense horizontally and vertically, creating open passing lanes for the quarterback to exploit.
According to a study conducted by Pro Football Focus, the “Sail” concept has a success rate of over 70% against Cover 1 defenses.
This high success rate can be attributed to the combination of deep, intermediate, and flat routes, which forces the defense to make difficult coverage decisions.
Furthermore, the study found that the most effective receiver in the “Sail” concept is the one running the intermediate route.
This receiver often finds himself in a one-on-one matchup with a linebacker or safety, creating a favorable matchup that can be exploited for significant gains.
Football 101: Sail Concept
FAQs – Cover 1 Beaters in Football (Plays That Beat Cover 1)
1. What is Cover 1 defense in football?
Cover 1 is a defensive strategy in football where one deep safety is responsible for covering the deep part of the field, while the remaining defenders play man-to-man coverage on the receivers.
2. Why is Cover 1 vulnerable to certain plays?
Cover 1 can be vulnerable to certain plays because it isolates cornerbacks in one-on-one matchups, leaves the deep middle vulnerable, and can be exploited through mismatches.
3. How can deep post routes beat Cover 1?
Deep post routes can beat Cover 1 by forcing the safety to make a decision, either committing to covering the post route or leaving other receivers open in the intermediate or outside zones.
4. What are double moves and how do they beat Cover 1?
Double moves involve initially running a short or intermediate route and then suddenly changing direction with a second move.
They can beat Cover 1 by creating separation from the cornerback and gaining an advantage in man-to-man coverage.
5. How do flood concepts exploit Cover 1?
Flood concepts exploit Cover 1 by stretching the defense horizontally and vertically, creating open passing lanes for the quarterback to exploit.
6. What are mesh routes and how do they beat Cover 1?
Mesh routes involve two receivers crossing paths at a shallow depth, creating confusion and traffic for the defenders.
They can beat Cover 1 by forcing defenders to navigate through traffic and communicate effectively, leading to breakdowns in coverage.
7. How do wheel routes exploit Cover 1?
Wheel routes exploit Cover 1 by creating separation from the cornerback and forcing the safety to make a difficult decision.
If the safety commits to covering the wheel route, it opens up opportunities for other receivers.
8. What is the “Sail” concept and why is it effective against Cover 1?
The “Sail” concept involves sending three receivers to one side of the field, with one running a deep route, one running an intermediate route, and one running a flat route.
It is effective against Cover 1 because it stretches the defense horizontally and vertically, creating open passing lanes for the quarterback to exploit.
9. What is the success rate of the “Sail” concept against Cover 1?
According to a study by Pro Football Focus, the “Sail” concept has a success rate of over 70% against Cover 1 defenses.
10. Which receiver is most effective in the “Sail” concept against Cover 1?
The receiver running the intermediate route in the “Sail” concept is often the most effective.
This receiver frequently finds himself in a favorable matchup with a linebacker or safety, creating opportunities for significant gains.
Summary
Cover 1 is a popular defensive strategy in football, but it has its weaknesses.
By understanding these weaknesses and implementing effective plays and strategies, offenses can beat Cover 1 and create opportunities for success.
Deep post routes, double moves, flood concepts, mesh routes, and wheel routes are just a few examples of plays that can exploit the vulnerabilities of Cover 1.
The “Sail” concept, in particular, has been proven to be highly effective against Cover 1 defenses.
By incorporating these strategies into their game plans, teams can gain an edge against Cover 1 and increase their chances of offensive success.
