Reading Defenses

One of the hardest things to do in football is read what the defense is doing. In this section we show you exactly how to determine what type of coverage the defense is playing.

5. Cover 4 Zone

4. Cover 3 Zone

3. Cover 2 Zone

2. 2 Man Under

1. Blitzing Defense

5. Cover 4 Zone

When facing a Cover 4 zone you will see that the safeties are split deep across the top of the screen. You will also see both CBs playing off coverage. This is your indicator that the defense is in a Cover 4 zone. Look to attack the flats and the short middle of the field. Don’t target downfield receivers because you will be throwing into the strength of the defense.

4. Cover 3 Zone

A standard defense for most teams is the Cover 3 zone. It can defend the run and pass and has solid coverage at all parts of the field. The defense breaks down as plays develop and can be attacked in the seams of the field as well with corner routes to the sideline. Cover 3 zone is one of the most popular defenses in the game, so expect to see it a lot.

3. Cover 2 Zone

When facing Cover 2 zone you will see both safeties split deep across the top of the screen. The CBs will be showing press coverage. This is your indicator that the defense could be in a Cover 2 zone. After the snap of the ball, read the outside CBs. If they press the WRs and let them release then you know the defense is in a Cover 2 zone. Anticipate Cover 2 zone in the red zone as well in short-yardage situations. The best players online use Cover 2 zone as a base to blitz from, so be ready to get the ball out quickly.

2. 2 Man Under

The best defenses each season are directly related to being able to play effective man-to-man defense. When facing 2 Man Under you will see the safeties split deep across the top of the screen. The CBs show press coverage. This is your indicator that the defense could be in 2 Man Under coverage. This look is similar to Cover 2 zone, so be sharp with your post-snap reads.

1. Blitzing Defenses

We can’t always tell when our opponent is blitzing, but the best available tell is to key in on the deep safeties. If they appear to be out of position from the typical Cover 4 zone, 2 Man Under, etc., then you should anticipate some type of blitz. Note if defenders appear to be out of position on each play, and if they are make sure to get the ball out quickly.