Originally Posted by Help File
1-Deep, Loose Man - This is a basic man-to-man coverage with only the free safety in a deep zone. This is generally called when a run is expected, as it is very vulnerable to any kind of passing attack, particularly to short passes.
1-Deep, Bump and Run - This is the traditional "46" defense, and like the 1-Deep, Loose Man, gets eight men in the box, possibly nine when playing the run aggressively. It is a man-to-man coverage with only the free safety in a deep zone. Pass defenders play much closer to the receivers, trying to keep them from breaking free. This is also vulnerable to a passing attack, particularly to deep passes.
2-Deep, Loose Man - This is one of the most basic coverages. Both safeties drop into deep zones, and the other defenders play a man-to-man defense. It has no major strengths or weaknesses.
2-Deep, Bump and Run - This is the "Cover-2" defense that so many teams use today. Both safeties drop into deep zones, and the other pass defenders play much closer to the receivers, often bumping them within the legal five-yard limit. This defense has no major weaknesses, and is a little stronger against a short passing attack.
Strong-Side Man Cover - This is a combination zone/man-to-man defense with the safeties in two deep zones. On the strong side of the field, defenders are in a man-to-man coverage scheme. On the weak side, the cornerback plays in a short zone along with linebackers, if necessary. This coverage gives you a little variety and is slightly worse against teams with a good receiving tight end.
Weak-Side Man Cover - This is a combination zone/man-to-man defense with the safeties in two deep zones. On the weak side of the field, defenders are in a man-to-man coverage scheme. On the strong side, the cornerback plays in a short zone along with linebackers, if necessary. This coverage gives you a little variety and is slightly better against teams with a good receiving tight end.
3-Deep Zone - This coverage places both safeties and a cornerback (often the nickel) in deep zones. It gives you a more effective pass defense, but leaves you vulnerable to the run.
4-Deep Zone - This coverage places both safeties and two extra defensive backs in deep zones. This is a prevent defense and should never be used when expecting a run. Even short passes are more likely completed against this defense, but it is very effective against deep passes.
Double Coverage:
You may assign double coverage based on the cornerbacks. One cornerback is always assigned to the flanker, and one to the tight end. Your choice affects which side each cornerback covers. If you choose to orient the cornerbacks left and right, then they stay on the left or right side regardless of which sides the flanker and split ends choose. If you choose to orient the cornerbacks based on their abilities, then your top cornerback will always cover the opposing team's best wide receiver.
In double-coverage, a safety (usually the free safety first) automatically joins one of the cornerbacks. This doesn't mean there won't be double coverage elsewhere, just that it's automatic in this case. This is also what the game reports in the play-by-play. When the cornerbacks stay on one side or the other, your choices are to double-cover either the split end or the flanker. When they cover based on ability, your choices are to double-cover either the top or the second-best receiver.
Double-coverage percentages indicate what percentage of all plays a safety is in automatic double coverage.
Select the Recommend button to have your coach set the values on the screen.
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