Cover0

The coverage schemes are the most spectacular and important part of the game in American football. The field is divided into several defensive zones with specific tactics called cover with numbers 0 to 4 and 6.

Cover0 is a man-to-man coverage which requires no defenders.

Advantages

Cover0 is an aggressive kind of protection. It gives the quarterback a little time for decision and cadence regularities similar to cover1 scheme. The scheme opens perfect opportunities for blitzes from different pre-snap formations together with post-snap man-to-man coverage.

Disadvantages

The main weakness of Cover0 is that defenders can’t cover the large space. They also can’t control deep threats. So it’s rarely used in the matches.

The tactics aim is quick collapse the pocket. It may be the extra defensive measure to the ACE block. However, it requires extra rusher to the expense of this coverage. Cover0 often becomes a basis for spectacular blitzes.