GMC’s 3-Deep Coverage Structures to Defend Perimeter RPO Concepts

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

Introduction

The following research was conducted as part of XandOLabs.com special report on “Defending RPO and Triple Option Concepts.”

Much of what Coach Manchester does is out of a three-deep shell. “We want those outside linebackers to bounce, bounce and get a run/pass key on the end man on the line of scrimmage,” said Coach Manchester. “He won’t shuffle inside because teams will throw the bubble right away and it’s a pitch and catch. When we play three deep zone the Dog will be over number two five yards from the line of scrimmage and six yards from the receiver. They will bounce, bounce to get their run/pass key and then if it’s pass their eyes go straight to number two to reroute him. We read pass routes.”