[Starter]

Here is my tip:
I use 3-3-5 Okie cover 3 as my base defense. To the untrained eye it looks like your basic 3-4, but has SS#2 as the weak side OLB.

The play is cover3. This cover 3 is special because the defenders responsible for the flats actually play the purple “buzz” zone. It’s the old “Buzz Dou” from years ago. The defenders in the purple buzz zones defend against the deep out, comebacks, curl/flat concepts…. but concede to flats. So if the pass is completed in the flats you will need to come up and make the tackle. If you can make the tackle, it’s usually for a small (less the 5 yards) gain.

Also you will need to play as the boundary ILB when the ball is on the hash. The hook zone logic is messed up to you will need to manually correct it. Most players are aware of this as it’s been an issue for years.

Lastly, make sure you are solid on your run fits. This thread is about coverage so I will not go into run fits, but the extract DB can make the defense a little weak against the run if he is not a stud. Also 3-3-5 Okie Cover3 give a single high pre-snap read so you will need to set the force (the SS) to the correct side so you don’t get out flanked.

3-3-5 Okie cover3 isn’t the end-all-be-all defense but talks away many of the money plays (deep out, comebacks, curl/flat concepts….) and only concedes the shallow flats, forcing the offence to dink and dunk down field.

PS….

4 verticals kills this defense so have the audible ready when you get a 2x2 look.