In football, the Cover 4 defense is a popular defensive scheme used to defend against deep passing plays.
It involves four defensive backs splitting the deep part of the field into quarters, with each defender responsible for a specific zone.
While Cover 4 is effective in preventing big plays, there are certain plays and strategies that can exploit its weaknesses.
Here we look at some of the most effective Cover 4 beaters in football.
The Basics of Cover 4 Defense
Before diving into the specific plays that can beat Cover 4, it is important to understand the fundamentals of this defensive scheme.
Cover 4, also known as “quarters coverage,” is primarily used to defend against deep passing routes.
The defense is designed to prevent receivers from getting behind the secondary and making big plays.
Here are the key characteristics of Cover 4 defense:
- Four defensive backs split the deep part of the field into quarters.
- Each defensive back is responsible for a specific zone.
- The cornerbacks cover the outside quarters, while the safeties cover the inside quarters.
- The linebackers typically drop into short zones to defend against underneath routes.
- The goal is to prevent deep passes and force the offense to settle for short gains.
3 Plays That Beat Cover 4
Exploiting Cover 4: Plays That Beat the Defense
While Cover 4 is effective in limiting deep passing plays, there are several plays and strategies that can exploit its weaknesses.
Let’s explore some of the most common and effective Cover 4 beaters:
1. Four Verticals
The Four Verticals concept is a classic play that can be used to attack Cover 4.
It involves sending four receivers on vertical routes, stretching the defense vertically and horizontally.
This play forces the safeties to make a decision on which receiver to cover, creating potential mismatches and openings in the defense.
Example: The quarterback drops back and reads the safeties.
If one safety stays deep to defend against the vertical routes, the quarterback can target the open receiver in the intermediate zone.
If both safeties drop deep, the quarterback can hit the underneath crossing routes or check down to a running back.
2. Smash Concept
The Smash concept is another effective play against Cover 4. It involves a combination of a corner route and a hitch or curl route.
The corner route puts pressure on the cornerback responsible for the deep quarter, while the hitch or curl route exploits the space left by the cornerback.
Example: The outside receiver runs a corner route, forcing the cornerback to choose between defending the deep route or staying underneath.
Meanwhile, the inside receiver runs a hitch or curl route, finding the open space in the defense.
The quarterback reads the cornerback’s reaction and delivers the ball to the open receiver.
3. Post-Wheel Combination
The Post-Wheel combination is a play that can create confusion and mismatches against Cover 4.
It involves a post route by one receiver and a wheel route by another receiver.
The post route puts pressure on the safety responsible for the deep quarter, while the wheel route exploits the space left by the linebacker.
Example: The receiver on the outside runs a post route, forcing the safety to make a decision between defending the deep route or staying underneath.
Meanwhile, the running back or tight end runs a wheel route, targeting the space left by the linebacker.
The quarterback reads the defense and delivers the ball to the open receiver.
4. Flood Concept
The Flood concept is a play that can stretch the Cover 4 defense horizontally and create mismatches.
It involves sending multiple receivers to one side of the field, with each receiver running a different route at different depths.
This play forces the defenders to make quick decisions and can create openings in the defense.
Example: The outside receiver runs a deep route, occupying the cornerback responsible for the deep quarter.
The slot receiver runs a medium-depth out route, targeting the space left by the cornerback.
The running back or tight end runs a short flat route, providing a check-down option for the quarterback. The quarterback reads the defense and delivers the ball to the open receiver.
Case Studies: Successful Cover 4 Beaters in Action
To further illustrate the effectiveness of these Cover 4 beaters, let’s examine some real-life examples from professional football:
Case Study 1: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (Super Bowl XLIX)
In Super Bowl XLIX, the New England Patriots faced the Seattle Seahawks, who were known for their strong Cover 4 defense.
The Patriots utilized the Four Verticals concept to great effect, exploiting the weaknesses in the Seahawks’ defense.
On a crucial play in the fourth quarter, with the Patriots trailing by four points, quarterback Tom Brady executed a perfectly timed Four Verticals play.
The Seahawks’ safeties were forced to make a decision, and Brady found an open receiver in the intermediate zone, leading to a crucial touchdown and ultimately securing the victory for the Patriots.
Case Study 2: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl LIV)
In Super Bowl LIV, the Kansas City Chiefs faced the San Francisco 49ers, who employed a Cover 4 defense to limit big plays.
The Chiefs utilized the Smash concept effectively, exploiting the space left by the cornerbacks.
On a critical third-down play in the fourth quarter, with the Chiefs trailing by 10 points, quarterback Patrick Mahomes executed a well-timed Smash play.
The cornerback was forced to defend against the corner route, leaving the hitch route wide open.
Mahomes delivered a quick pass to the open receiver, extending the drive and leading to a comeback victory for the Chiefs.
FAQs – Cover 4 Beaters in Football
1. What is Cover 4 defense?
Cover 4 defense, also known as “quarters coverage,” is a defensive scheme in football where four defensive backs split the deep part of the field into quarters.
Each defensive back is responsible for a specific zone, with the goal of preventing deep passing plays.
2. How does Cover 4 defense work?
In Cover 4 defense, the cornerbacks cover the outside quarters, while the safeties cover the inside quarters.
The linebackers typically drop into short zones to defend against underneath routes. The defense aims to prevent receivers from getting behind the secondary and making big plays.
3. What are some common plays that beat Cover 4 defense?
Some common plays that can beat Cover 4 defense include Four Verticals, Smash Concept, Post-Wheel Combination, and Flood Concept.
These plays exploit the weaknesses in the defense by stretching the coverage vertically or horizontally and creating mismatches.
4. How can Four Verticals beat Cover 4 defense?
Four Verticals involves sending four receivers on vertical routes, stretching the defense vertically and horizontally.
This play forces the safeties to make a decision on which receiver to cover, creating potential mismatches and openings in the defense.
5. What is the Smash concept in football?
The Smash concept is a play that combines a corner route and a hitch or curl route.
The corner route puts pressure on the cornerback responsible for the deep quarter, while the hitch or curl route exploits the space left by the cornerback.
This play can be effective against Cover 4 defense.
6. How does the Post-Wheel Combination beat Cover 4 defense?
The Post-Wheel Combination involves a post route by one receiver and a wheel route by another receiver.
The post route puts pressure on the safety responsible for the deep quarter, while the wheel route exploits the space left by the linebacker.
This play can create confusion and mismatches against Cover 4.
7. What is the Flood concept in football?
The Flood concept is a play that stretches the Cover 4 defense horizontally by sending multiple receivers to one side of the field, each running a different route at different depths.
This play forces defenders to make quick decisions and can create openings in the defense.
8. Are there any real-life examples of successful Cover 4 beaters?
Yes, there are several examples of successful Cover 4 beaters in professional football.
One notable example is the New England Patriots’ execution of the Four Verticals concept against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
Another example is the Kansas City Chiefs’ effective use of the Smash concept against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.
9. How can teams defend against Cover 4 beaters?
To defend against Cover 4 beaters, teams can employ various strategies such as disguising coverages, using zone blitzes to create pressure on the quarterback, and implementing pattern matching techniques to confuse receivers.
It is crucial for defenders to communicate effectively and maintain discipline in their assignments.
10. Can Cover 4 defense be effective against other offensive strategies?
Yes, Cover 4 defense can be effective against many offensive strategies, particularly those that rely heavily on deep passing plays.
It is designed to limit big plays and force the offense to settle for short gains.
However, like any defensive scheme, it has its weaknesses and can be exploited by well-designed plays and strategies.
Summary
Cover 4 defense is a popular defensive scheme used to defend against deep passing plays in football.
While it is effective in preventing big plays, there are certain plays and strategies that can exploit its weaknesses.
The Four Verticals, Smash Concept, Post-Wheel Combination, and Flood Concept are some of the most effective Cover 4 beaters.
These plays stretch the defense vertically or horizontally, create mismatches, and exploit the space left by defenders.
Real-life examples from professional football, such as Super Bowl XLIX and Super Bowl LIV, demonstrate the effectiveness of these Cover 4 beaters.
To defend against these plays, teams can employ various strategies such as disguising coverages, using zone blitzes, and implementing pattern matching techniques.
Understanding these plays and strategies can give offenses an advantage against Cover 4 defenses.
