Playbooks
Cover 4 Quarters out of the 3-3 Will Nickel set is a zone coverage shell that splits the deep field into four vertical quarters, with both safeties and both outside corners reading number two to their side before committing. It is a zone beater against four vertical stems and switch releases, since the underneath linebackers and nickel defender squeeze inside breaking routes while the deep four zone off any true vertical threat. The primary read for the defense is number two strength: if number two releases vertically, the safety on that side stays deep and locks him in the quarter, and if number two runs a shallow or drag, the safety can rob any post or dig from the boundary receiver.
Read the safety alignment pre-snap, if both safeties are aligned at depth of ten to twelve yards with corners playing off, the offense is likely sniffing out quarters coverage and may attack with quick hitters underneath. Post-snap, key number two on both sides simultaneously, since a vertical release from number two forces the safety to stay deep while a short or drag release lets the safety help on the boundary receiver's post or dig. Watch for user controlled lurk defenders sitting in the middle of the field, they can jump any deep crosser or dig route that tries to split the two safeties before the ball arrives. This shell gets beat by mesh concepts and shallow crossers underneath the four deep defenders, so keep your linebackers disciplined in their zone drops rather than biting on the first man in their area. Identify hard play-action or RPO looks from the offense, since Cover 4 Quarters is vulnerable to run fits if the linebackers and nickel flow too aggressively toward the line and open passing lanes behind them.
Call this on early downs and second and long when you expect four verticals or play-action shot plays, since the four deep defenders take away any single explosive vertical throw.
Check the offensive personnel pre-snap for stacked or bunch formations, then adjust your corners to press or bail depending on whether you need to disrupt the release or protect against double moves.
User the strong side safety and spy the number two receiver's release, this lets you jump any seam or post route the moment you read a vertical stem instead of staying flat footed in your drop.
Combine this call with Cover 3 Cloud or Cover 3 Sky on the next snap so the offense cannot key your safety depth from split alignment alone, keeping the quarterback guessing between three deep and four deep shells.
Avoid this call on third and short or against heavy run personnel, since the underneath defenders sit deeper than in man coverage and are vulnerable to inside zone runs and quick game concepts before the flat defenders can react.