Cover 0 Plug
0 Deep, 6 Rush, 5 Man
Cover 0 Plug sends a designated 'plugger', usually the MIKE linebacker, through the A-gap while the remaining five coverage defenders play strict man-to-man. With six rushers and zero deep help, it is the most aggressive pressure look a defense can dial up. The SS absorbs the MIKE's vacated coverage responsibility (typically the TE or RB), giving the defense a sixth rusher without leaving a receiver uncovered. If the A-gap blitz gets home, it's a sack or a fumble. If the QB identifies the plug pre-snap and hits the hot route, the defense is exposed with no safety net.
Defender Responsibilities
Locked in press-man on #1 with zero safety help. Must win at the line of scrimmage, there is no eraser behind this coverage. Typically uses inside leverage to funnel the receiver toward the middle where the rush should collapse the pocket.
Mirror press-man technique. No deep help, if beaten, it is a touchdown. The CB must be physical at the release point and stay in phase through the route.
No deep responsibility. Picks up a man assignment on the TE or RB, or blitzes as a seventh rusher if the offense keeps fewer than five eligible receivers in the route. In some looks the FS fires off the edge.
Takes the man assignment the MIKE would normally cover, usually the TE or the back out of the backfield. The SS must diagnose the release quickly because the blitzing MIKE vacates the A-gap area, and any hesitation leaves a window for the hot route.
Either picks up the RB man-to-man or adds to the pressure as a seventh rusher. If the back stays in to block, the WILL can rush through the weakside gap.
The plugger. Threatens the A-gap pre-snap from walked-up LB depth, then fires through at the snap with no coverage responsibility. His job is to split the center and guard and disrupt the pocket before the QB can get through his progression. The entire coverage depends on this pressure arriving fast enough to beat the hot route.
Responsible for the TE man-to-man or blitzes if the TE stays in to block. With the MIKE committed to the A-gap, the SAM may need to expand his coverage responsibility to the strong side.
Vulnerabilities
- !! Hot routes over the vacated A-gap
- !! Any 1-on-1 mismatch with no safety help
- !! Quick slants into the void left by the MIKE
- ! RB screen or dump-off if the rush is slow
- ! Double moves, one miss = TD
Best Attacks
Hot routes over the A-gap (slant, quick seam), RB screens or dump-offs if the plug is picked up, any isolation route where the CB is beaten 1-on-1.