The 4.2.5 gets its name from the four man front, two inside linebackers and the five cover defenders which includes two corners, one free safety, and two outside linebackers.
The 3.3.5 has 3 a three man front, three inside linebackers and five cover defenders. That includes two corners, one free safety, and two outside linebackers.
How the Defense is Called:
Even or 31 Defense:
Give defense a number alert
1. First tag or number tells the call side tackle where to align
2. Second number tells backside tackle where to align in the 4.2.5
3. Third tag gives Blitz, Dog, or Stunt alert if needed
4. Fourth tag or digit gives the coverage.
Base Defense is known as an Even or 31 Front
This means based upon a four man front as our base defense;
Linebacker gives Right or Left call according to the strength or Tight End
The 4.2.5 base scheme provides 4 down linemen, 2 inside Linebackers, 2 outside linebackers also known as over hang players with a 3 deep coverage as our base alignment.
Defensive Base Front Alignment for the 3.3.5 is: 44 Stack Cover 35
Your base for the 3.3.5 is 44 Cover 3 which means a 6 man box with an 8 man front just like the 4.2.5 the only difference now is that you are playing with 3 down linemen and 3 linebackers.
Must Be Able to Combine the 4.2.5 and 3.3.5 Defenses With a Base Alignment
31 Cover 34 = Even Front
The Even defense is also known as a 31 front which provides an automatic 6i technique towards the Tight End and an automatic 5 technique to the backside of the “Right” or “Left” call made in the huddle.
Stack 44 Cover 35 = Stack Front
The base Stack front is two four techniques with a “0” technique aligned head up on the center
Coverage Alignment Responsibility In The 3.3.5 & 4.2.5 vs Pro Set
Base 4.2.5 Equals: 31 Cover 34
The Corners are always responsible in zone coverages for the number one receiver to their side. Sam and Rover both in the Even and Stack defensive schemes have the number two receiver their side. Fre Safety has the number three receiver.
Base 3.3.5 Equals: 44 Cover 35
The Corners are always responsible in zone coverages for the number one receiver to their side. Sam and Rover both in the Even and Stack defensive schemes have the number two receiver their side. Fre Safety has the number three receiver.
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.