4-3 Cover 2, for example, would feature 4 defensive linemen, 3 linebackers, and 2 safeties covering deep zones (with 2 cornerbacks covering “flat” zones underneath the deep coverage).
The combination of the Front and the Coverage creates the standard way of calling a defense. 4-3 Cover 2, for example, would feature 4 defensive linemen, 3 linebackers, and 2 safeties covering deep zones (with 2 cornerbacks covering “flat” zones underneath the deep coverage). Fronts and coverages have to be sound. Once they are, defensive coordinators can get creative and begin attacking an offense.