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3 Cover 3 Variations to Shut Down RPOs and WR Screens

May 26, 2024 by

This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.

Take a look at these 3 variations of cover 3 to allow you to better defend the pass, RPO’s, & WR screen game out of the 3-4 defense.

The presenter in the video is The Defensive Coordinator at Susquehanna University (PA)–Pat Ruley.

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The video shows Coach Ruley discussing their cover 3 variations on a chalk talk.  You can see his entire Glazier Drive presentation, including game application video here: Cover 3 Variations to Defend the Pass, RPO’s, & WR Screen Game out of the 3-4 Defense

Zone Definitions

Zone Coverage Philosophy

  • Susquehana plays a decent amount of man to man
  • When they do play zone, they are a pattern match team–no spot dropping.
  • Goal is to create tight windows.
  • Want to create contested catches.
  • Force low percentage throws that have the lowest yield–throws in the flats, throws to the sideline and then rally to the ball.
  • Push underneath coverage zones.
  • Be multiple in checks and shells to keep the offense off balance.

Coverage Types–from the video above. (What it’s great against)

  • 3 Cloud–Chicago (Sprint–Clear/Out–Bubble)
  • 3 Sky–STR/WK & Houston/Fresno (Glance, Run Support)
  • 3 Buzz–Hofstra (RPO, Sprint, Naked)

Filed Under: Defense

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