Cover 3 Match

Watch for number two receivers running vertical seams, since match rules require the underneath defender to carry them up before passing off to the deep third defender. This coverage is strong against quick game and shallow crossers because the underneath zone defenders sit in passing lanes and can jump hitches, curls, and drags. It is vulnerable to fast flooding concepts to one side, especially if the offense overloads a single deep third with two vertical routes at once. Presnap, identify if the offense is running four verticals or a deep post-wheel combo, since those concepts stress the seams between the deep third defenders. Postsnap, watch the user controlled defender at the second level since a well timed lurk into the shallow crosser or drag route can bait quarterbacks into a turnover.