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Breakdown
Man Up 3 Deep KO is a defensive play out of the Quarter 1-3-7 set that combines press man coverage underneath with three deep defenders splitting the field into thirds. The seven defenders in coverage lock up receivers man to man at the line while the deep third defenders sit over the top to eliminate explosive plays, making this a hybrid man beater and zone beater killer. The primary read progression for the defense starts with identifying the number one and two receivers to set your man match assignments, then working from the deep middle defender out to the numbers to make sure no receiver runs free behind the underneath coverage.
Defensive Reads
Watch the safety alignment before the snap, if both safeties are deep and outside cornerbacks are pressed up you are likely seeing a Cover 3 or quarter shell that this play mirrors well. Post-snap, key the number two receiver's release since man beaters like slants and option routes attack the underneath man defenders immediately off the line. Identify twin or bunch formations pre-snap since rub routes and pick concepts are the main threat to this man coverage shell, adjust your defenders manually if you see stacked receivers. This play struggles against quick game concepts and hitches thrown to the flat before your press defenders can get a jam, so be ready to user a linebacker into a shallow zone drop if you see quick out patterns developing. Deep crossing routes and dig combinations that attack the seams between your three deep defenders are the biggest threat, so keep your deep middle defender's eyes on the quarterback to close passing lanes late.
Usage Tips
Call this on third and long or in two minute drill situations where you expect the offense to take a shot deep since the three deep defenders erase big plays over the top.
Use the pre-snap alignment to identify if the offense is running four verticals or double moves, since the man coverage underneath combined with deep help is designed to shut both down.
Motion your linebackers or hot route your slot corner into a tighter man alignment against bunch or stack formations to avoid pick plays and rub routes beating your press technique.
Pair this play with Cover 1 Thief or Cover 2 Man Spy in your play-calling sequence so the offense cannot key on your leverage or spy tendencies based on personnel alone.
Avoid calling this against heavy run personnel since the man coverage locks defenders on receivers and leaves fewer bodies in the box to fill run lanes.
