Cover 2 is a two-deep, five-under zone defense run out of both base and sub-package personnel (dime, nickel) at the pro level. By rushing four, and dropping seven into coverage (with eyes on the quarterback), the defense can take away vertical concepts while forcing the ball underneath to the flat or check-down option.

The Cover 2 defense gets its name from the two safeties who play deep over the top, serving as the last line of defense between the offense and the end zone. With seven players dropping back in coverage, the pressure on the offense is generated only by the defensive line, and blitzes are rare out of the Cover 2 formation.

Cover 2 gets its name the same way the majority of other coverages are named — based on the number of defensive backs covering the 3rd level of the field. Cover 2 utilizes two defensive backs on the third level “splitting the field,” with each safety (the primary DBs used on the third level for this coverage) responsible for half.

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 philosophy behind the Cover 2 is to reduce the number of defenders that are needed to stop the deep pass threat, thus leaving more defenders closer to the line of scrimmage.

Cover 2 in football is a popular coverage played by almost all teams that need to defend both the run and the pass. Teams will use this coverage to protect themselves against underneath coverage. Cover 2 in football means the defense has two deep defenders and five underneath the defenders.