Typically, a Cover 2 splits the deep part of the field into two halves, and the two safeties provide deep help for the outside corners. Underneath, the corners and linebackers split the fields into five short zones. The defensive line is responsible for generating pass rush.

Cover 2 is a zone coverage, with two deep defenders each responsible for a deep half of the field, while five more defenders split the underneath parts of the field into fifths. The two outside cornerbacks are tasked with jamming the outside receivers, forcing them to take an inside release before peeling off to their flat zone responsibility.