2023 Dennis Allen New Orlean Saints 3x1 Combination Coverage Concepts

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This post didn’t get to everyone so I am resending***

Dennis Allen has always been an outstanding defensive mind with the Saints. He has had numerous top 10 defenses and plays different concepts that he utilizes in the passing game.

Some impressive stats from the 2023 season:
6th in points allowed: 19 points per game

4th in 3rd down efficiency: 34.51%

5th in opponents completions per game:19.6

9th in opponents passing yards per game: 207 yards per game

10th in opponents yards per attempt: 6.3

In this article we will look at some of his 3x1 defenses. Coach Dennis Allen likes to play combination coverages, playing zone to the trips side and man to the single side.

The 2 for the sake of this article are:
4 robber or lock
Special

4 robber or 4 lock

4 robber is one of those combination concepts. Some people call it 4 lock and build this in to their system vs 3x1. It is a simple 5 over 3 to the trips side, while locking the single side in man to man. The CB has #1 to the single side and the LB has #2.

As you see it start to develop, the point defender is playing off the point man to the flat. The safety and CB to the t rips side are playing quarters with the fs reading 3 to 2.

Vs the Texans they used the concept a few times. Again, they are trying to get 5 over 3 and lock the single side in coverage.

The same rules but they rush 4 with an inside game from the mug look

analysis

The pass rush game is below

Another 3x1 clip of the Texans playing 4 robber vs the Texans.

The other concept he plays is special:
Special Rules are #1 locks on to the trips side. The sam has all of 2 unless he goes inside then he plays #3.

You can do different things on the backside of special, playing zone or man. Some teams can lock with this special concept or play cover 2 on the weakside to give help to the #1 wr.

The Saints lock the backside, the CB does a great job and they get the interception. You see the sam #1 reading 2/3. The will is helping on the Te and looking to jump any deep crossing route.

Here are 2 additional clips of the Saints running Special. I hope you enjoyed this analysis of the Saints and some of the 3x1 checks that makes them efficient on the defensive side.