Split Field Fire Zone Pressures at the College and NFL Level

This article looks at some cover 2 pressures used in both the NFL and college football. We will take a look at effective 4 and 5 man pass rush pressures utilizing traditional and Tampa cover 2. 

We look at some concepts from both even and odd fronts, and how teams incorporate 4 and 5 man pressure concepts. Some are simulated pressures and others are pure 5 man pressures and 4 under 2 deep.

Let’s take a look at some schemes used by some NFL Teams. The Chiefs under Spagnuolo use the scheme quite often. Below they run cover 2 with a 5 man pressure vs Jaguars Playoffs 2022. The thing I like about Spags scheme is they bring 2 edge rushers quite a bit when they run their cover 2 fire zones. They usually drop a de out into coverage.

4-2 front

They bring the CB and the mike and play cover 42.

The scheme is good but the corner hesitates and it allows the qb more time to get the pass off. He ends up hitting the dig but the scheme was sound and they were able to get the free rusher.

Example #2

They bring double edge pressure vs the Broncos. They drop the 2 DT into pass coverage and go with a cover 2 structure.