I thought I might have to write a long post explaining how the Cover 2, or as the Vikings new defensive Coordinator Mike Tomlin might have it, the Tampa 2 defense works. Fortunately for me, I found a handful of superb, in-depth articles explaining the intricacies of our new defensive scheme, so I don’t have to do it.
For a quick description, read Ski’s post at his Best Bucs Blog. ESPN provides a bit more depth in their piece on the Tampa 2. If you really want to get your hands dirty, check out the St. Petersburg Times‘ breakdown of the Cover 2 or the superb piece at Football Outsiders, complete with graphs. Another ESPN piece–Football 101: Cover 2–includes explanations of how offenses can attack the Cover 2.
Ssssssswwwwwweeeeeeeeet.
Finally, the Orlando Sentinel has a very nicely illustrated piece on "the art of the Cover 2 defense."
UPDATED 9/8/07: This is an ESPN video that explains the Cover 2 defense:
Happy reading, Vikings fans. There will be a quiz next week.