Cover Two in the Forty Nickel

Coach,

I run a "Dallas 42" base (4-2-5) and have for the last 10 years with lots of good things happening for us defensively in that period of time. Semantics really, as we allude to twin SS's as DB's and not LB's, we are in a nickel 90% of the time. I run a cover 2 disguise that may, or may not appeal to you. We align with our corners rolled up hard and playing man under all the way, FS in the mof, SS's in there normal PSL look at three deep from LOS and 5 wide from the DE and BST. On the snap, the FS rolls to backside
hash, while at the same time frontside SS reverts to hash on his side at a distance of 12 yards, both looking to play deep halves. The corners stay locked up in man for a distance of 12 yards where they then turn their man to the FS on their side, break off and look for threats developing underneath. The Mike reverts to cover shallow mof (8-10 yds) and on the snap the backside SS has rotated into mof at a depth sufficient to cover medium to long pass in that area. Remaining LB free lances underneath ready for any threat that may develop. WE have gotten as high as 9 INT's in a season with this disguise coverage scheme. I know it does not answer your desire to play ZONE under, but just wanted to share an alternative with you.

Coach Easton

coach,

It would seem that you are giving up the flats in this disguised coverage. You said the backside(weakside) SS drops to the mof to cover all medium and long passes. Is he in some waying playing a pseudo robber coverage?

thanks,

coach em