Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Tampa 2 out of the Even 6-1 4-3 shows a five man drop with both outside corners jumping the flats while the middle linebacker sinks vertically to split the deep middle between the two deep safeties. The two deep safeties widen out to the numbers, giving you a true four deep, three under zone shell that erases the seams and deep outs. This is a zone coverage snap with no blitz shown, and the primary read progression starts by reading the flat defenders first since underneath throws will be there early, then working to the MLB's deep drop to see if he clears the middle for a late crosser or dig.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check both safeties are aligned deep and widened toward the numbers, which confirms the two deep, three under Tampa shell instead of a single high look. Watch the corners' depth off the line, if they are playing off you can anticipate the flat drops shown in the diagram jumping quick outs and hitches. Post-snap, key the MLB's vertical sink, since a slow or shallow drop from him opens the exact deep middle window that Tampa 2 is designed to close. This shell is vulnerable to skinny posts and deep crossers that split the two deep safeties before the MLB fully gets to depth, so watch for user controlled MLB getting baited by a shallow crosser first. Beats four verticals and standard Cover 2 beaters like corner routes since the MLB covers the traditional Tampa hole, but can be attacked by quick game underneath if the flat defenders bite on run action.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or obvious passing situations where you expect a vertical shot down the seams so the MLB drop can bracket it.
Pre-snap, check if the offense is stacking receivers to the boundary or running four verticals, since that stresses your MLB drop and the deep half safeties the most.
If the MLB you control can consistently hit his deep zone drop before contact, this play snuffs out the classic Tampa 2 hole shot that beats regular Cover 2.
Pair this with Cover 2 Man in the same set to disguise your shell, since both start with a similar safety alignment but diverge in coverage type after the snap.
Use it on third and medium to third and long when you want to sit on curls and outs while still protecting the deep middle that a single high safety usually leaves open.
