Cover 2 is one of the most well-known coverage shells in football. It’s been around for almost forever. For much of the 90’s and early 2000’s it was ubiquitous at every level of football from high school all the way up to the NFL. However, its popularity has plummeted over the years, as offenses have found multiple ways to exploit it.
Cover 2 requires the outside cornerbacks to play the flats and pass off any deeper routes to the safeties. Unfortunately, receivers have been getting bigger and faster every year, and safeties haven’t been able to keep up.