In football, the Cover 3 defense is a popular defensive scheme used by teams to defend against the pass.
It involves three deep defenders splitting the field into thirds, with four underneath defenders responsible for short and intermediate routes.
While Cover 3 can be effective in limiting big plays, there are specific plays and strategies that can exploit its weaknesses.
Here we look at some of the most effective Cover 3 beaters in football, backed by research, examples, and statistics.
The Weaknesses of Cover 3
Before diving into the specific plays that beat Cover 3, it is important to understand the weaknesses of this defensive scheme.
While Cover 3 provides solid deep coverage, it leaves vulnerabilities in the intermediate and short areas of the field.
Here are some key weaknesses:
- Cover 3 can struggle against crossing routes: The deep defenders in Cover 3 are responsible for their respective thirds of the field, which can leave them vulnerable to crossing routes that attack the voids between defenders.
- Seam routes can exploit the middle of the field: With only one deep safety in Cover 3, seam routes that attack the middle of the field can create mismatches and open up big play opportunities.
- Out-breaking routes can challenge the cornerbacks: Cover 3 relies on cornerbacks to defend the outside thirds of the field. Out-breaking routes, such as comebacks or out routes, can put stress on the cornerbacks’ ability to react quickly and make plays on the ball.
Effective Cover 3 Beaters
1. Four Verticals
The Four Verticals concept is a classic play that can exploit the weaknesses of Cover 3.
By sending four receivers deep down the field, the offense forces the deep defenders to make difficult decisions.
If the safeties stay deep to defend against the vertical routes, the intermediate areas become vulnerable to crossing routes or underneath routes.
If the safeties bite on the underneath routes, the offense can take advantage of the deep seams.
Example: In a game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots ran a Four Verticals play against the Seahawks’ Cover 3 defense.
The outside receivers ran deep vertical routes, while the inside receivers attacked the seams. The Patriots’ quarterback identified the safety biting on an underneath route and delivered a perfectly placed pass to the tight end running up the seam for a big gain.
2. Smash Concept
The Smash Concept is another effective play against Cover 3.
It involves a combination of a corner route and a hitch or curl route.
The corner route puts stress on the cornerback responsible for the deep third, while the hitch or curl route occupies the flat defender.
This creates a void in the intermediate area that can be exploited by a well-timed throw.
Example: The Green Bay Packers utilized the Smash Concept against the San Francisco 49ers’ Cover 3 defense.
The outside receiver ran a corner route, drawing the cornerback deep, while the slot receiver ran a hitch route.
The Packers’ quarterback recognized the void in the intermediate area and delivered a quick pass to the slot receiver for a significant gain.
3. Flood Concept
The Flood Concept is designed to attack the outside thirds of the field in Cover 3.
It involves sending multiple receivers to one side of the field at different depths, forcing the cornerback and flat defender to make difficult decisions.
The primary receiver runs a deep route, while the secondary receivers run intermediate and short routes to flood the zone and create open passing lanes.
Example: The Kansas City Chiefs effectively used the Flood Concept against the Baltimore Ravens’ Cover 3 defense.
The Chiefs sent three receivers to one side of the field, with the outside receiver running a deep route, the slot receiver running an intermediate route, and the running back releasing to the flat.
The Chiefs’ quarterback read the cornerback’s reaction and found the open receiver for a substantial gain.
One Play To Beat Them All! Cover 3 Beater (That Beats 4, 2 and 1 with little adjustments)
FAQs – Cover 3 Beaters in Football (Plays That Beat Cover 3)
1. What is Cover 3 defense in football?
Cover 3 is a defensive scheme in football where three deep defenders split the field into thirds, with four underneath defenders responsible for short and intermediate routes.
2. Why is Cover 3 vulnerable to crossing routes?
Cover 3 can struggle against crossing routes because the deep defenders are responsible for their respective thirds of the field, leaving voids between defenders that can be exploited by receivers running crossing routes.
3. How can seam routes exploit Cover 3?
With only one deep safety in Cover 3, seam routes that attack the middle of the field can create mismatches and open up big play opportunities.
4. What are some effective Cover 3 beaters?
Some effective Cover 3 beaters include the Four Verticals concept, Smash Concept, and Flood Concept.
5. How does the Four Verticals concept exploit Cover 3?
The Four Verticals concept forces the deep defenders in Cover 3 to make difficult decisions by sending four receivers deep down the field, creating vulnerabilities in the intermediate and underneath areas.
6. How does the Smash Concept attack Cover 3?
The Smash Concept puts stress on the cornerback responsible for the deep third by combining a corner route with a hitch or curl route, creating a void in the intermediate area that can be exploited.
7. What is the Flood Concept in football?
The Flood Concept is a play designed to attack the outside thirds of the field in Cover 3 by sending multiple receivers to one side of the field at different depths, creating open passing lanes.
8. How can teams effectively use the Flood Concept against Cover 3?
Teams can effectively use the Flood Concept by sending multiple receivers to one side of the field, with the primary receiver running a deep route and the secondary receivers running intermediate and short routes to flood the zone and create open passing lanes.
9. Are there any other effective Cover 3 beaters?
Yes, there are several other effective Cover 3 beaters, including the Post-Wheel concept, Mesh concept, and Dagger concept.
10. How can offenses exploit the weaknesses of Cover 3?
Offenses can exploit the weaknesses of Cover 3 by attacking the intermediate and short areas of the field with well-designed plays that create mismatches and force defenders to make difficult decisions.
Summary
Cover 3 is a popular defensive scheme in football, but it has its weaknesses that can be exploited by well-designed plays.
Crossing routes, seam routes, and out-breaking routes can challenge the deep defenders and cornerbacks in Cover 3.
Plays like Four Verticals, Smash Concept, and Flood Concept have proven to be effective in beating Cover 3 defenses.
By understanding the vulnerabilities of Cover 3 and utilizing these plays, offenses can gain an advantage and create big play opportunities.
However, it is important to note that defensive adjustments and individual player skills can also impact the success of these plays.
Coaches and players must continuously adapt and evolve their strategies to stay ahead in the game.
