Cover 4 Defense Explained

Coach Nana explains the Cover 4 defense, a zone scheme where the number 'four' indicates four deep defenders, dividing the field into four deep "quarters". In this coverage, both safeties and both corners are responsible for a deep quarter of the field. The corners will likely start a little deeper, similar to a Cover 3 alignment. This scheme leaves the outside linebackers, or the linebackers in general, covering more of the flat zones. Cover 4 is a very common coverage used against deep passing teams because it provides more help and gives the defense smaller areas to cover deep down the field.