In keeping with tradition, the NFL remains a copycat league. To exploit defenses, or vice versa, teams must adopt successful schemes and plays from their peers across the country.
The latest trend among NFL defensive coordinators is Gus Bradley’s signature Cover-3 scheme. In 2023, Cover-3 was the most used defensive alignment in the league, with a 36.1 percent usage rate.
The popularity of Cover-3 is due to its exceptional versatility. Beyond its base form, coordinators have been using variations like Cover-3 press, Cover-3 man, Cover-3 bail, and Cover-3 buzz to capitalize on this versatility.
Cover-3 man and press share principles with Cover-1 and Cover-1 press. In both Cover-3 press and Cover-1 press, outside cornerbacks jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, but the strong safety’s role differs. In Cover-3 press, the strong safety usually covers a tight end, while in Cover-1 press, he focuses on run defense or blitzing.
Cover-3 man resembles Cover-1 pre-snap but reverts to zone coverage after the snap unless the corners are threatened deep, turning into man-to-man coverage.
Cover-3 buzz mimics Cover-2 pre-snap, with two deep safeties. Post-snap, the free safety covers the deep third, while the strong safety drops into the box to cover the intermediate area.
Gus Bradley popularized Cover-3 bail in the early 2010s with Seattle. This variation has corners suggest press coverage but then “bail” back at the snap, covering their zones as if in base Cover-3.
Bradley led the league in Cover-3 usage at 55.5%, with Panthers DC Ejiro Evero close behind at 55.1%. NFL scoring averages have declined since 2017, coinciding with the increased use of Cover-3.
Since joining the Colts, Bradley has increased his Cover-3 usage from his time with the Chargers. Despite some criticism, his defense has shown solid progression. With the continuity of retaining his entire defense and potential veteran additions, Bradley is poised for his best defensive season yet in Indianapolis.
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