Quarters MEG
4 Deep Pattern-Match (MEG Rules)
Quarters MEG stands for 'Man Everywhere he Goes.' When #2 releases inside past the linebackers, the safety follows him in man coverage regardless of where he goes, even into the opposite side of the field. This is more aggressive than MOD: instead of the safety MODding to help the CB, the safety stays locked on #2 no matter what. The CB is left on an island against #1 with no safety help. MEG is called when the defense trusts its CBs to win 1-on-1 and wants to eliminate any underneath crossing threat from #2.
Defender Responsibilities
Man coverage on #1 with no safety help, the safety is locked on #2 regardless of his route. The CB must win his matchup 1-on-1. MEG demands elite CB play because there is no bracket, no MOD help, no safety net.
Mirror technique. Same island assignment, the CB is alone on #1 because the safety follows #2 everywhere. If the CB gets beat deep, there is nobody behind him.
Follows #2 to his side man-to-man, everywhere he goes. If #2 goes vertical, the FS carries him. If #2 goes inside across the formation, the FS follows. If #2 goes flat, the FS goes to the flat. There is no handing off, the safety is locked on #2. This is pure man coverage from a quarters shell.
Mirror of the FS. MEG on #2 strong, follows him everywhere. The SS must be athletic enough to match slot receivers and TEs in man coverage out of a two-high alignment. No passing off, no MOD, man everywhere he goes.
Underneath hook zone or matches #3. With the safeties locked on #2, the LBs handle everything underneath. The WILL must rally to the flat if #2 goes outside and the safety follows him there.
Anchors the middle. With safeties in MEG mode, the MIKE is the only true zone defender in the middle of the field. Must handle crossers and any #3 receiver releasing into his zone.
Strong-side curl or matches #3 strong. Must be alert for underneath routes from #3 since the safeties are occupied with #2. The LBs absorb the underneath coverage load in MEG.
Vulnerabilities
- !! CB isolated on #1 with no safety help
- !! Deep shots, one miss = TD
- !! Only 3 underneath with safeties in man
- ! Bunch/pick concepts vs man coverage
- ! Safeties drawn out of position by #2 routes
Best Attacks
Isolation routes on #1 against the soloed CB, deep fades and back-shoulders with no safety help, pick/rub concepts vs the man coverage, and trips formations that create traffic for the MEG safety.