In this defensive strategy, the pitch is divided into five underneath zones and two deep zones. That means coaches will usually play five secondaries and two linebackers, each covering their own zones. Here are the players a coach would typically play in a Cover 2 defense: x2 defensive tackles; x2 defensive ends; x2 cornerbacks;

The cover two defensive line will include two defensive ends and two defensive tackles. These players need to get pressure on the quarterback in order to force him to throw.

The Cover 2 Zone is a defensive scheme that is implemented by many high school, college, and NFL teams. The "2" in cover 2 comes from the two safeties that are responsible for the two deep zones, or "halves," starting at about 13 yards from the line of scrimmage.

The Cover 2 Defense is a zone defensive scheme that teams can run both out of a base package and out of sub-packages such as the nickel and the dime. Four defenders will be rushing the quarterback, while the remaining seven will drop back into coverage -- with the exception of blitzing plays.