Down the Tunnel

Lesson 2 of 3

Read the defensive picture

Before the snap, look for the deepest defenders. One deep safety near the middle and two safeties split across the field give you different starting pictures.

Start with the safeties

Defensive backfield

One deep safety near the middleSchematic of safety depth above the line of scrimmage. Other players are omitted so the safety structure is easy to identify. This does not show coverage assignments.SLine of scrimmage

Offense looking upfield ↑

One high: a safety near the middle

A single deep safety gives you an initial picture of the defensive structure. Notice the corners and the other defenders before drawing a conclusion.

S marks a safety. Coverage assignments are not shown.

Check again after the snap

A safety can move after the ball is snapped. The starting picture is a clue; it does not establish who will cover a receiver or an area. Watch the safeties and the defenders underneath them before naming the coverage.