Patriots Belichick 3 safety Defense vs the Dolphins

I wanted to go back and study the Patriots defense under Belichick in 2023 and I found that they played some 3 safety defensive schemes in their game vs the Miami Dolphins.

They were very effective using it and had some good snaps in the defense.

It’s a very simple concept. They play a penny type 5-1 front with their LB and DL and play 3 safeties deep. They played 2 coverages with it, cover 3 and cover 2.

They play the 3 safety look and it can become cover 3 or cover 2 depending on the call.

Front

They shade the Mike depending on the formation. The first one is 20 personnel with the FB to the defensive right.

The 2nd picture is 21 personnel with the TE going in motion, The Mike shifts over the guard with the motion.

Another look vs 21 Personnel in which they shade away from the trips side with the 2 TE/HB off the ball.

They motion the other way with the HB who is really a fullback.

Here’s a good look a their run fits. They box everything with the OLB and force it back inside to the safety and Mike.

Cover 3

The OLB set the edge and the safeties have alley support in the run game.

Film Clips