How to Defend That: Seam Routes in Cover 3

As a coach, you want to get six guys in the box to stop your opponent’s run game but you are afraid to go 1 high because those seam routes by the slot WRs and TE’s can be a killer.

I know many coaches who rack their brains over this but I have two simple solutions for you. Let’s take a look.

1. Get Physical

   Have your apex defenders (2nd defender inside over the slot) jam the receiver. When I played Cover 3, I aligned the apex defenders outside shade of the #2 WR and played catch technique looking to re-reroute them inside. From there, they had the slot WR man to man if he went up or out. If he went inside, they zoned off to the curl area. The catch technique stopped the slot WRs momentum into the seam and then came with a trailing defender afterwards. Two things happened. (a) the WR was not ready to receive the throw at the top of the QB’s drop and (b) the QB had to put air on the throw if he wanted to go to the seam allowing the post defender a chance to get there.

2. Drop 8

   This may not be popular for the hardcore rush the passer guys and might be a problem for teams that run a 4 man front defense. However, it is a solution if you want to make it work. Another form of Cover 3 that I used was something I called 3 Flats. This had the Apex defenders spot drop to the flat and climb if there was no threat. The corners aligned inside of 1 and were responsible for playing between 1 and 2 in their deep 3rd. This allowed them to rob any throws to the #2 receiver in the seam. They are free from worrying about throws like comebacks to #1 since the apex defender is underneath it. The two LB’s dropped to the hooks. Yes, QB has more time to throw if you don’t get creative with the rush or don’t have a least one bully on the defensive line. However, there’s the chance you can get a QB to make a mistake and throw into coverage.

I go more in depth on this topic in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area. Get in there and check It out. Not a member yet? You’re missing out but you don’t have to. Click here for more info.

MOST Interceptions by a DB In a single season since 2000

The NFL single season interception record still stands at 14 by Dick Night Train Lane from the year 1952. Over the last 20+ years we have had some pretty good DBs playing the game. Here are the top single season interceptors since 2000.

Have a Powerful day and share our newsletter with your friends

Chad Wilson
All Eyes DB Camp
“Play Defense”