NEW YORK JETS

DEFENSE

Cover 2
Coverage Techniques
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Arrow 2 / Tampa 2
Middle Run Thru Defender

A. Pass Responsibility
1. Defend all seam routes that end up between the hash marks (vs. 2x2 sets and 3x1
sets, there can be seam routes to either side, formation awareness)
2. Open and run to your landmark 18-20 yards deep between the hashes. You can lean to
the side of #3 as long as this does not carry you outside the hash
CP: Formation to sideline, work straight back to inside "no more width"
3. As your drop, keep your head on a swivel, you cannot level off on a QB set
CP: You have all double moves or shake routes that attack the middle seam area. You
must see the ball thrown
4. vs 2 Back sets and no vertical threat by #2, you become the middle seam dig route
defender (top of the diamond) 15-18 yards deep (Arrow 2 Stretch) Eyes back to see
QB's intentions
CP: When playing Tampa 2 (No low hole player) and no vertical threat by #2, game
plan will dictate whether you can clamp any middle sit or check down routes or play on top
to give help on dig routes
5. vs 2x2 formations open to the side of the slot receiver (most dangerous ? speed, this
will most likely be done by game plan)
* You must always be aware of the blind #2
6. vs 3x1 formations, open to the 3 man side and work to your landmark
CP: You must have vision thru #3 to #2
(ex: if #3 is short and #2 vertical, you must play run thru on #2)
CP: If both #2 and #3 are both vertical, stay true to your landmark (Middle of the field
18-20 yards deep)
B. Reactions to Release (2 Back Sets)
1. #2 Goes Vertical
a. Open to side of #2 and run to get depth (18-20 yards). Keep your head on a
swivel, but don't slow down.
#3
b. Your depth should deter the QB from going down the middle or force him to put
air under his throw. This buys the safeties extra break time.
#1
#2

B
B

SS (18-20) FS
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Arrow 2 / Tampa 2
Middle Run Thru Defender

c. You can lean to the side of #3, but always be aware not to travel outside the
hash mark.
d. vs formation to sidelines, you must always be aware of your width. If ever in
doubt, get between the uprights at 18-20 yards deep.

#3

#1
#2

SIDELINE
B
B

SS (18-20) FS

2. vs #2 Receiver ? Double Move (Y Shake)

a. You still have the responsibility for middle run thru. You cannot get fooled.
CP: You must always break on the release of the football, not the pump.

#3

#1
#2

B
B

SS (18-20) FS
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Arrow 2 / Tampa 2
Middle Run Thru Defender

3. vs 2 Back Sets - #2 is Short (inside or outside)

a. Level off your drop at 15-18 yards deep. Square your shoulders to the LOS
b. Your eyes can go to the QB. You can now break on ball when QB's front hand
comes off
CP: Slide to the side of the QB's intention.

(Arrow 2 Stretch)

#1
#2

(15-18)

#2
#1

(15-18)
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Arrow 2 / Tampa 2
Middle Run Thru Defender

A. Reactions to Releases ? 1 Back Sets

1. vs 2x2 Formations - #2 Goes Vertical
a. Open to the slot receiver (most dangerous by game plan), work to your landmark
18-20 yards deep.
b. Keep your head on a swivel (QB's intentions)
c. Always be alert to the blind #2, be able to flip your hips to play backside seam.

#2 #1
Blind #2
#1

2. vs 2x2 Formations ? Most Dangerous #2 is Short

a. Open to the slot receiver (most dangerous) if short inside or outside, flip your
hips still working with depth on blind #2 vertical route.
CP: Both #2's short settle in middle 15-18 yards deep, read the QB's intentions.
Look to drive dig routes to either side.

#2 #2 #1
#1
Blind #2 Blind #2
#1 #1

B B

Flip

(15-18)
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Arrow 2 / Tampa 2
Middle Run Thru Defender

B. Reactions to Releases ? 3x1 Sets

1. Open to the 3 Man Side and Gain Depth to your Landmark (18-20 yards)
2. Your vision should be thru #3 to #2
3. If both #2 and #3 are vertical, you must hold true to your middle of the field landmark,
stay on top of both vertical routes.
CP: You cannot get locked on the vertical of #3 (know who the biggest threat is)

#1 #2

18-20 yds

4. If #3 is short and #2 goes vertical, work to your landmark (18-20 yards) and play the run thru
route of #2
CP: You cannot settle or hesitate if #3 is short and #2 vertical
CP: If #2 is short and #3 vertical, you must play the run thru route of #3 (18-20 yards deep
middle of the field)

#1 #2
#3

B
"Know who the
threat is"
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Arrow 2 / Tampa 2
Reroute / Seam Defender

A. Pass Responsibility
1. Deny vertical entry of #2 receiver (physical reroute)
(Tight End, Slot Receiver, Possible Offset Back)
2. Once you have rerouted #2 out of the seam area, work to get vision on the QB as your
drop to 10 yards depth and 2 to 3 yards outside the hash! (In most cases, you are aligned on
your drop point)
3. If no #2 receiver ? work seam drop straight back with hard read on the QB
CP: #2 flare or far crosser / and or the QB's intentions may expand your drop
4. To maximize your ability to cover ground in zone defense, you must do the following
a. After your reroute, work to a position square to the LOS in a good football position
b. Must work to get vision on the QB (hard read). Be able to expand or squeeze the
zone based on the QB's intentions.
c. Break when the QB takes this front hand off the ball to throw
d. Drive off foot opposite your break. Don't round your break by stepping in the bucket
e. Once you break, be at full speed and vice tackle to receiver
B. Reactions to Release (2 Back Sets)
1. #2 Goes Vertical
a. Deny vertical entry ? reroute by getting your hands on the eyes of the receiver
CP: This reroute must be done below 5 yards, use body position on the receiver
after 5 yards
b. After reroute, based on your alignment, work straight back to 10 yards depth. Try and
be square to the LOS
c. Hard read the QB (May expand or shrink zone based on his intentions)
d. May need to expand zone based on #3 or far crosser

#2
#1
#1 #2

B B
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Arrow 2 / Tampa 2
Reroute / Seam Defender

2. #2 Goes Inside and Crosses

a. vs slot receiver, deny and flatten his release (do no chase)
b. vs TE, flatten him at the LOS (do not chase)
c. Work to get to 10 yards depth / 2 yards outside the hash, hard read the QB
d. #3 or far crosser may expand your drop

#2 #1
#1 #2

B B

3. #2 Outside Releases to the Flat

a. vs. Slot receiver, flatten the receiver, do not chase or stay low. Work to gain 10
yards depth, 2 yards outside the hash
b. vs TE, flatten this route as he crosses your face, do not chase. Work to gain 10
yards depth, 2 yards outside the hash
c. Once you get to 10 yards depth, get square to LOS and hard read the QB #2
outside and QB's intention may expand you zone

#2
#1
#1 #2

B B
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Arrow 2 / Tampa 2
Reroute / Seam Defender

4. vs No #2 Receiver
a. Work straight back with hard read on the QB (settle your drop when QB sets his feet) b.
May expand your drop vs #2 flare or crosser and QB's intentions
c. No #2 or crosser and QB intentions are away, squeeze the zone by looking high to
low

B B

QB's Intentions are Away, Squeeze

the Zone Look from "Hi" to "Low"
NEW YORK JETS
DEFENSE

Cover 3
Coverage Techniques
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Curl ? Flat Defender

I. Pass Responsibility
1. Hold off curl while controlling the flat (Buy time for hook defender to expand).
2. If wheel route your side, you must cover it (unless corner calls you off).
3. Always clear the 3 step ? before you drop.
4. If 3 step ? double slant, take the slant of #1. If 3 step ? D-Slant, take #2 to flat (to it and
through it). Key to 3 step passing is flat foot read ? Don't open up your hips.
5. The curl area, in general, is about 10-12 yards deep on the numbers. The most precise
way to drop is based on the split of the Wide Receiver on your side (pre-snap look). Your
angle of departure should take you on a course that would put you 10-12 yards deep and
2 yards inside the Wide Receiver's alignment.
6. Cover 3 is a vision coverage. See the Quarterback and the ball!!

II. Reactions to Releases

A. If #2 Goes to the Flat (or Swings)
1. Take a drop angle that takes you through the curl and still allows you to control
or leverage #2 in the flat.
2. Hold the curl as long as possible ? before driving the flat cut (you dictate who the
Quarterback throws to ? anticipate!!
3. You are attempting to buy time for your hook defender to expand to the curl
zone.
4. If #2 swings behind the line ? defend this from depth ? drive when the ball is
thrown.
5. If the flat route of #2 turns into a wheel, meet him at crossroads and cover him
up the sidelines (best way is to defend with depth first).
6. If playing versus slot formation, remember you already have width (10-12 yards
deep, 2 yards inside)
C.P. Alert Wheel

# #

# B #
B

Curl / Flat TE Side Curl / Flat Open Side

#
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Curl ? Flat Defender

B B

Curl / #3 Swings Curl / Flat from Slot

(Depth is Key vs. Slot
Always Alert to Wheel)

B B

Wheel Route by TE Wheel Route by HB

#2
#1 #1
#2

B
B

3 Step DBL Slant 3 Step D-Slant

Work to #1 Take #2 to Flat (To It and Thru It)
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Curl ? Flat Defender

B. If #2 Goes Vertical
1. Always know what #3 is doing.
2. If #2 is vertical (and #3 away), start to sink with vertical till you feel hook defender
working to you or a call from the corner. Know the Quarterback's intent.
2. Base reaction if #2 is a normal position (Tight End / Halfback) and #3 is away.
Start to sink with #2 vertical.
3. Listen for call by corner (Out ? Out!!!)
4. If out cut, work to get in throwing lane and effect the Quarterback's throw.
5. By gameplan, we may tell you to hang on to #2 to protect the vertical game and just
rally if they throw the out cut.
6. By gameplan, could call sloop and run the curl/flat defender under the #1
receiver.
7. Always alert to the Wide Receiver's splits. (Pre Snap)
8. Always alert to formations that the offense can run 4 verticals (2x2).

B B

Out Call by the Corner ? Get in Listen for "Out - Out" Call
Throwing Lane

C. If #2 is a Slot Receiver and Has a Vertical Release

1. Force him out of the seam area. The seam is from 3 yards inside the #'s to the top
of the #'s.
2. Re-route receiver to the outside. But the key is to not allow him in the seam area
? regardless of his release.
3. Sink with the vertical till you get call from the corner (12-14 yards deep) ("out -
out" or "smash") or if #3 or backside crosser threatens the flat area.
4. If #3 or crosser is in the flat, defend with depth as you leverage the receiver.
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Curl ? Flat Defender

B
Vertical ? Force #2 Out of Seam Area

B
B

Carry Vertical ? Reroute #2 Out of Leverage Crosser

Seam Area ? Leverage #3 or Crosser

D. If #2 is Vertical and #1 on Smash

1. Reroute #2 out of the seam area and then listen for "Smash" call (C.P. Alert to
the Split of Slot #2 / #1).
2. Once you hear Smash call, drive the #1 receiver hard. Never allow him to cross
your face inside.

B B
B "Smash"
C Call

Smash 6 (#1/ #2 on Curl / In Route) Smash 7

 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Curl ? Flat Defender
E. If Load
1. Action is away, the curl / flat defender has the 1st crosser or back checking
through that works his side (#4) C.P. Check slant to #4.
2. If front side plays normal curl / flat responsibilities.

B
Load ? Y Cross

Load vs. Check Down

 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Hook ? Curl Defender
I. Pass Responsibility
1. Hold off hook and be able to expand to curl if needed (based on route and
Quarterback's intention!).
2. Always know what #3 has done.
3. If #2 (or final #2) goes to the flat (swings) anticipate expanding to the curl.
4. Use a shuffle drop as you start (go to crossover if you expand to curl).
5. The hook area in general is 10-12 yards deep and 2 yards outside the hash.
6. The curl area if you must expand is 10-12 yards deep and 2 yards inside the Wide
Receiver (the #'s in general terms).
7. One of the two hook defenders has to be the overlap player on #3. This has to be
based on the route and most importantly, the Quarterback's intent.
8. Versus 3 step double slant ? take the slant of #2
Versus 3 step d-slant ? Take the slant of #1
Versus bullets ? Slide to this route (key to 3 step is flat foot read - don't open up hips).
9. Cover 3 is a vision coverage. See the Quarterback and the ball!!

II. Reactions to Releases

A. If #2 Goes to the Flat (or Swings)
1. Start to expand but you must know the Quarterback's intent.
2. If Quarterback is working your side ? expand to the curl.
3. As you expand (keep your head on a swivel) make sure you keep curl (dig) route
to your outside (don't over-run this).
4. If ball is not thrown when you arrive in this area, square up and slide with
Quarterback's eyes (and Receiver).
C.P. Remember the curl area is about 10-12 yards deep and 2 yards inside the
Wide Receiver's alignment (this will put you about on the #'s in most cases)

B B
#3 Swings (Final #2) and curl
# #2 Flat / Curl (QB Working Left)
(QB Working Left)

Curl / Flat Open Side

(QB Working Right)
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Hook ? Curl Defender
6. If same routes and Quarterback is working opposite side of formation, the off
side hook defender has to be the over-lap player on #3.

B B

(QB Working Right)

B B

(QB Working Left)

7. Versus Slot set and Smash 6 route. Expand to #2 on Curl / Dig route. Work to
the Receiver but don't allow him to cross your face.

B B

Smash 6 Smash 6
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Hook ? Curl Defender
B. If #2 Takes Vertical Release and Runs Option Route
1. Your hook drop should put you in position to play this route.
2. Anticipate the Receiver will break away from your leverage.
3. Don't get too deep. Stay slightly underneath this route. This will make it more
difficult for Receiver to push off you and increase the separation between you and the
Receiver.
4. Play this route aggressively and if you get a jump, slide across the Receiver to
destroy the timing.
5. Remember to re-route the option route. You must get the job done down low.
Slide and get your hands on him.

B B
Y Option Route Played with Normal Drop Re-Route vs. Option Must Happen in the 5
Yard Area

C. If #2 Takes Vertical Release and Runs a Seam Route

1. If #2 runs seam route, you must be prepared to sink with this route or take it over
depending on the release or formation.
2. Don't allow Receiver to run his track. Force him out of the seam, make the
Quarterback lay the ball up. You may have to gain some width to accomplish this.
3. Always try to have a feel for the Quarterback's intent, so one of the hook
defenders can come back on check down.
4. Always alert to formations that all verticals can be run from.

B B

B B
(QB Working Right)
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Hook ? Curl Defender

D. If #2 Runs a Vertical (Slot Set) and #1 Runs a Dig

1. Versus slot always alert to potential Indigo route.
2. In most cases, #2 will take an outside release on the seam to clear out the zone.
3. As you widen, keep your head on a swivel and look for dig route by #1.
4. Expand to it, but don't allow it back inside.

B
Indigo Route

E. Versus Level Type Routes

1. Drop to your hook area. Level off and get squared up so you can drive the
Quarterback's intent.
2. Your drops should force the Quarterback to throw to low crosser (no cover
zone). Anticipate and drive this cut. This is a Hi / Low concept route.
3. The key is to take the proper angle as your drive the route. (Adjust to the speed
of the receiver)
4. Always alert formations that this concept can be used from.
5. Could match this route by game plan.

B B

Level Concept
QB Working Left
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Hook ? Curl Defender

F. Versus 3 Step Double Slant

1. Take away the slants of #2.
2. Flat foot read ? Clear the 3 step first.
3. Don't allow slant inside.

B B

vs. All Slants

G. Versus 3 Step D-Slant

1. Take away the slant of #1. (Radar the slant)
2. Flat foot read ? Clear the 3 step first.
3. Work through the face of the Receiver.
4. Don't allow the slant inside of you.

B B

vs. D-Slant
Radar the Slant
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
3 Deep Coverages
Hook ? Curl Defender

H. Versus Load ? Y Cross

1. Off side hook defender must take away dig route.
2. Robot this route, turn and match.
3. Must be ready to slide inside with dig if it continues inside.
4. Front side hook player sit on top of check down.
C.P. Z can run the dig but would need to be in close split or Zing motion (off
Linebacker, look up Z).

B B

Load Y Cross (NCAA Route)

B B

Load Z Dig
NEW YORK JETS
DEFENSE

Cover 4
Coverage Techniques
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 4
¼Flat Defender

I. Pass Responsibility
1. Jam and reroute the #2 receiver (be physical). Don't be concerned with #1 unless you
get a smash call.
2. Always relate to the final #2.
3. Sink with #2 on any vertical. Turn him over to Safety at about 10-12 yards deep.
4. Stay square and match any Receiver who threatens your flat area.
5. You have any wheel route.
6. If 3 step double slant ? take slant of #2.
If 3 step d-slant ? take #2 to the flat.
7. If #3 goes away, always squeeze #2.

II. Reactions to Releases

A. If #2 Goes to the Flat (or Swings)
1. Take drop angle that allows you to leverage #2 to the flat, but through the curl
area.
2. You can close to the #2 in the flat faster than a curl flat defender because your
safety will help on #1 on all inside cuts.
3. If flat cut turns into a wheel, you have it (know the split of #1).

B B B B

vs. Curl / Flat Cut vs. Slot ? Curl / Flat

 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 4
¼Flat Defender

B. If #2 Releases Inside and #3 Goes to the Flat and Swing

1. Treat this the same as #2 to the flat.
2. If swing, hold the curl as you leverage this route (You have time to rally).
3. Always relate to the final #2.

Always Relate to Final #2

C. If #2 Take a Vertical Release (#3 inside or away)

1. Be physical on #2. Don't allow easy release. Get your hands on him.
(Remember safety will take him vertical).
2. Stay square and sink with #2 to about 10-12 yards deep.
3. Must always know what #3 did. Always alert for crosser from opposite side.
4. If #2 hooks at 10-12 yards, this is your cut (If he goes vertical, safety will take
him).
5. Remember if #3 is away, there will be a void to your inside.

B
B

S 10-12 Yards
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 4
¼Flat Defender

D. If Slot Formation and #2 Goes Vertical (#3 is Away or Inside)

1. Take 2x1 alignment off Wide Receiver.
2. Be physical ? get your hands on him (Safety is over the top).
3. Stay square and sink to about 10-12 yards deep.
4. Force #2 outside (this helps the Safety).
5. Always know what #3 has done. Always alert for crosser from the opposite side.

vs. Slot Option Route

E. If #2 Releases Across the Formation

1. Start to squeeze with #2. Stay on top and square.
2. Always alert to crosser from the opposite side (level concept).
3. If no crosser, you have to continue to squeeze (always relate to final #2).
4. If level pass (opposite crosser) play this like zone and pass this.
5. Stay square and have good eyes.

B B
B B B
Squeeze and Relate to Final #2 vs. Level Concept, Pass These Routes
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 4
¼Flat Defender
F. Versus 3 Step Double Slant
1. Take the Slant of #2.
2. Flat foot read, clear the 3 step (don't back out).
3. Don't allow #2 inside of you (make the receiver go over the top of you).

B
Double Slant

G. Versus 3 Step D-Slant

1. Take the #2 Receiver to the flat.
2. Flat foot read ? clear the 3 step.

B B
vs. D-Slant vs. Slot ? D-Slant

H. Versus Load Pass

1. Match your final #2 if to the load side, match #4 is you are away from load.
2. Playside: if Y Cross then you have one of the backs.
3. Backside: if Y Cross take it. If not match the check down.

#2

B #2 B #4
B
#4 B
Load Y Cross Load Y Vertical
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 4
3 Receiver Hook Defender
I. Pass Responsibility
1. Drop off #3 (Always relate to final #3).
2. Always stay square and have vision.
3. If #3 goes to the flat / swings, be ready to work with ¼ flat defender (Talk!)
4. Both backs through the Line of Scrimmage, have patience till they disperse.
5. Any boot you have 1st crosser (might get Safety help).
6. Versus 3 step, squeeze #3. If bullets, don't open up your hips, slide to him!
7. Versus trips, always look through #3 to #2 so you can know who to relate to as final #3.
8. If #3 goes vertical, carry to 10 / 12 yards then Safety will take it.
9. If both #2/#3 goes vertical, carry #3 till the FS takes over

II. Reactions to Releases

A. If #3 Steps Up Inside
1. Work to final #3. By game plan, we can defend #3 with depth. (Sit on top of him
or go down and clamp him).
2. If the Tight End is a big time threat, may keep you high to give the Tight End
some body presence.

B
B
#3 Inside ? Sit High / Clamp #3 Inside ? Work to Final #3

B. If #3 Goes to the Flat (Swings)

1. Work to the final #3 (Tight End or Slot) with some depth.
2. Stay square and talk with your ¼ flat defender.
3. You have to take any hook / option type routes in the 10 / 12 yard area.
4. If sail pass, push the 7 route out to the Safety.

B B
B
B B
Y Option Route Slot Option Route Sail Route Push 7 Cut
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 4
3 Receiver Hook Defender

C. If Level Concept Route

1. Stay square, have vision and patience.
2. Sort out who the final #3 is.
3. Talk it out with your ¼ flat defenders.
4. If single crosser, relate to final #3.

B
B B B
B

Swing With Double Cross (Pass It ? Talk) Swing with Single Crosser
Leverage the Crosser

D. Versus Trips Always See #2 / #3 (Look Through)

1. If #3 goes vertical and #2 comes under.
2. Start to drop with the TE, then drive this cut (Final #3).
3. ¼ flat defender should make it difficult for #2 to get in clean.
4. If #2 goes to flat or inside, the Safety will always take over vertical of #3.

B B B
C

S
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 4
3 Receiver Hook Defender
E. Versus Trips and #2 / #3 Go Vertical
1. Carry the vertical of #3 10 / 12 yards deep.
2. If #3 continues vertical, backside safety will help on him.

B
S S
F. If Boot Pass
1. Take the 1st crosser.
2. Safety will be there to help.
3. Alert to nasty split by X as a potential crosser.

B B

S S

Boot Take 1st Crosser Nasty Split ? X is 1st Crosser

G. Versus 3 Step Bullet

1. Slide to #3, don't open up your hips.
2. Drive hard and slide in front or be in position to tackle Receiver.

B
NEW YORK JETS
DEFENSE

Cover 8
Coverage Techniques
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 8
Seam ? Flat Defender

I. Pass Responsibility
1. Drop off #2 but must always be aware of #3.
2. Hold off the seam route of #2.
3. If #2 is a slot receiver, sink with the receiver on any vertical route and force him outside if
the split of #2 allows. Maintain vision on the Quarterback as you sink.
4. If #2 is a Tight End and goes vertical (force him inside), sink with the seam route till #3
(or far crosser) pulls you off. Maintain vision on the Quarterback and awareness of #3.
5. If #2 runs a sail, work to the outside with depth and play this route from hi to low.
6. If #2 goes to the flat, you must maintain leverage, you can't be outflanked. If possible,
try to control this route with some depth thus holding off the inside route of #1.
6. If #2 runs a wheel, you have it.
7. If #3 goes away (or is aligned away), squeeze #2 on any vertical or crossing route (alert
for opposite side receiver crossing).
8. Versus 3 step if #2 runs a slant, stay inside. If #2 runs D Slant, work through the #1
receiver (thru it ? to it).

II. Reactions
A. If #2 (Tight End) goes vertical
1. Sink with the seam until #3 pulls you off.
2. Must have vision on the Quarterback and awareness of #3.
3. Stay square.
4. Know if #3 is in a threatening position.
5. If #3 goes away, squeeze #2.

B B

B B
#3 Away ? Squeeze #2 and
#3 To You ? Carry Seam Carry Seam (Unless Far
Until #3 Crosses Your Face Crosser)

vs Sail ? Play Hi to Low,

Get Depth
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 8
Seam ? Flat Defender

B. If #2 is a Slot and goes vertical

1. Take an alignment based on split of the slot. Take inside alignment unless slot is
split 5 yards or wider from the hash.
2. Sink with the seam and force the receiver outside (unless your alignment is
outside). Stay square and keep vision on the Quarterback. Sink with #2 till #3 or far crosser
pulls you off.
3. If ball comes out fast to #3, drive it from outside-in.
4. If Sail pass, sink with #2, gain both depth and width. Play this hi to low.

B
B

#2 Seam Route ? Sink with It

Until #3 or Far Crosser Pulls
You Off

B B
B B

If Sail Route ? Sink with Depth If Ball Comes Out to #3 Fast,

and Width. Play Hi to Low. Drive it from Outside-In
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 8
Seam ? Flat Defender

C. If #2 (Tight End / Slot) Goes to Flat

1. Must maintain leverage on #2 (Can't be cut flanked) as #2 goes to the outside.
2. If possible, try to do it with some depth (Hold off the inside cut by #1).
3. If #2 runs a wheel, you buy it.
C.P. If #1 is a nasty split and runs a cross and #2 runs a wheel / trail, jam and cut off
the cross route. The corner will build high to protect the wheel or the double move.
C.P. By gameplan, we will tell you to stay with cross or zone that side after jamming
the cross route.
C.P. If slot and #1/#2 are close together (alert wheel) we may zone this. Seam flat
defender would not carry the wheel.
#3 #3

B B

#2 To The Flat ? Buy Some #2 Wheel ? Run With It

Time If Possible

#3
#2

B C B

Nasty Split ? Cut Off Cross vs Tight Split of Slot, Could

Zone This and Seam Flat
Defender Does Not Carry the
Wheel (by gameplan)
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 8
Seam ? Flat Defender

D. 3 Step and #2 Runs a Slant

1. Flat foot and clear 3 step (critical if you have an outside alignment on #2).
2. If outside, drive this route. If inside alignment, deny it.

B
B
#2 Slant ? Drive This Route (if Outside) #2 Slant ? Deny This Route (if Inside)

E. 3 Step and #2 Runs to Flat (D Slant)

1. Work to #2 to flat. Go through #1 as you do this (to it and thru it).
2. Don't allow #2 to cross your face.

D Slant - #2 to Flat (To it and Thru it)

 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 8
Seam ? Flat Defender
E. If #2 (Tight End / Slot) Crosses Low and #3 Steps Your Way
1. Stay square but now must take over #3 (the new #2).
2. Defend #3 with depth if you can, but you must maintain leverage (like #2 to the
flat).
3. If #3 runs the Ram Pass, treat it the same as #2 on slant. Maintain inside leverage
on this route.

B B

#2 Low Crosser ? Square and Ram Pass ? Stay Inside This Cut
Leverage #2

F. If #2 crosses low and #3 goes away

1. Squeeze to #2 (keep some depth), keep vision on the Quarterback.
2. If no opposite crosser, squeeze #2 all the way.
3. If opposite crosser, you and the #3 Rec. Hook player can pass this (talk it out).

B B B
B

#3 Away and #2 Crosses ? Squeeze #3 Away With Far Crosser ? Zone It and
Unless Far Crosser Pass This Along Underneath Coverage
(Talk!)
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 8
3 Receiver Hot Defender

I. Pass Responsibility
1. Drop off #3. Know if #2 to that side is in tight or detached.
2. If working to Tight End side, be ready to push this with Seam / Flat defender.
3. Stay square and have vision.
4. Any boot pass, you have the 1st crosser.
5. Versus 3 step, always be inside of #3.
6. Versus bunch ? play the routes (ex: Snag 7 / Lion, push to the Wide Receiver).

II. Reactions
A. If #3 Steps Up Inside
1. Work to the final #3. By gameplan, we can defend #3 with depth or clamp him (if
difficult Tight End to handle, we may stay high to help on him).

B
B

#3 Inside ? Work to Final #3

B. If #3 Steps to the Tight End Side or goes to the Outside (Flat / Swing)
1. Check the hot. Start flat and key the Tight End's head. If he is looking back now, go flat
and take away hot throw by the Quarterback.
2. If the Tight End's head is down and he is pushing up field, push with the Seam/Flat
defender. Stay square and talk.
3. If Sail route, push hard to slice the bench route.

B B
B B B

vs Hot ? Stay Flat and Run #3 to the Flat / Swings ? Build vs Sail ? Push and Slice Bench
Thru the Tight End High and Push to the Tight End Route
 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 8
3 Receiver Hot Defender

C. If #3 Goes To The Flat (Swings) to the Slot Side

1. Work to the #2 with depth.
2. You must anticipate that if #2 (slot) goes vertical ? you will be responsible for #1 or #2.
3. If ball comes out fast, your Seam / Flat defender will drive on it.

(INDIGO)

B B

#3 Swings and Slot Goes Vertical ?

Work to #1 or #2 on the In Cut

D. If #3 Goes to the Slot ? and Slot Crosses Low

1. Start to squeeze (stay square) with #2 crossing. Stay on top.
2. Anticipate double cross (level) type pass.
3. We can pass this route between the Seam / Flat defenders and 3 Receiver Hot player.
4. Must make sure #2 (away from #3) is crossing. If not, you must buy #2 on crossing
route.

See next page for illustrations

 NEW YORK JETSDEFENSE
Cover 8
3 Receiver Hot Defender

B B
B

#3 Swings and Double Cross (Level)

Pass It ? Talk!!

B
B

Z Cross ? Work Back to a High

Position (Between Y ? Check Down)

B
B

#3 to TE and Slot Vertical with Low

Crosser ? As You Leverage the
Crosser, Anticipate In-Cut From the
Slot Side (Slot Dig or Indigo)

B
B
Snag 7 ? Go To It Now!

B
B

Lion Pass ? Go To It Now!