An Intro to Two-Man
The Basics of Two Deep, Man Under
On the surface, the concept is simple:
Everyone is in Man-to-Man Coverage underneath, and there are two Deep Zone defenders over top.
Within this, however, there are a few variations when it comes to how you play your Cover 2 Man.
Here are some thoughts.
Man Technique
Whenever you’re playing Man-to-Man Coverage, it’s important to know where your help is located.
When playing Cover 2 Man, the help is over top.
This allows the Man Defenders to be very aggressive in their technique. They can Jam or Press the Receivers, knowing that it’s ok for them to end up in a Trail Position.
Deep Zone Technique
Each Deep Zone Defender is tasked with covering one half of the field. That’s a lot of area to cover.
Because of this, Deep Zone Defenders should be aware of THREATS in their zone.
If they are covering a Boundary Side with only two Receivers, for instance, those would be their immediate threats. As soon as one of those Receivers breaks off to run a shallow route, they only have one deep threat remaining. They should squeeze to that player.
Box Variation #1: LB on RB
As you can see in the picture above, we’ve had to lighten the Box to play this Coverage.
With only one Linebacker remaining in a four-down Front, that player will likely handle the Running Back in Coverage.
We are also a bit vulnerable to the Run here, especially when it comes to a Quarterback Draw.
Box Variation #2: Three Down Linemen
A substitution package can also be used to get to your Cover 2 Man.
By taking out a Defensive Lineman and adding an additional LB or DB, you might be playing a little more to your players’ strengths.
Also, the DEPTH of the extra LB could help your light Box.
Typically in this look, whichever way the RB releases, that LB will take them in Coverage. The remaining Linebacker can then Spy the QB.
Final Thoughts
This can be a solid Coverage on passing downs.
Weaknesses include the light Box, the Deep Middle Zone, and Crossing Routes underneath.
If you can get pressure rushing four (or even three), you can likely find some success with this.
All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
IG: @jonsvecx
Twitter: @jonsvecx
To read more check out the Canadian Football Chalk Talk e-books series, which includes: Defensive Basics, Linebacker Toolbox, and Modern Pressures.