Cover 3 defense

Cover 3 is a defensive strategy in football where the field is divided into three deep zones, each covered by a different defensive back—two safeties and a cornerback. These players focus on preventing long passes down the field, leaving the underneath areas (closer to the line of scrimmage) open for shorter plays. The linebackers and other defenders primarily guard the short and intermediate routes, making the defense well-suited to stopping deep passes while still providing coverage against shorter throws. Overall, it balances pass coverage across the field, aiming to force opponents into making riskier, longer throws.