Cover 4 is a defensive scheme with 4 defensive lineman, 3 linebackers, 2 cornerbacks, and 2 safeties. In cover 4, the three linebackers are responsible for splitting the underneath section of the field into threes.[1]The secondary is supposed to split the deep section of the field into fourths.
Strengths and Weaknesses[]
Strengths:[]
- Cover 4 is very versatile, so you can bend it to cover the run, send an extra blitz, or have linebackers run contain.
- Cover 4 is considered a four-deep defense, but it generally covers short passes as well.
- While running cover 4, no one is left by themselves. There is always someone nearby to provide extra assistance.
Weaknesses:[]
- Can be fooled by play action, because the safeties read the play before reacting.
- While being decent at covering short passes, stop routes usually get yards against cover 4.
- Cover 4 is weak if there is a particularly speedy person.
- ↑ Cover 4 Defense Football Coaching Guide (Includes Images) - Football Advantage