As the NFL season progresses, scoring has dipped to its lowest level since 2006. Teams are averaging just 21.4 points per game, a decline from the peak of 24.8 points noted in 2020.

A significant factor in this scoring decline is the passing game. Currently, quarterbacks are completing an average of 19.8 passes per game, the lowest figure recorded since 2008 (19.7). The average yardage per game also stands at 193.6, the lowest since 1992 (187.6).

With 16 weeks remaining in the regular season, there’s still time for offenses to improve. However, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. proposed an intriguing idea: eliminating two-high coverage from the NFL.

This suggestion sparked varied reactions from former players.

Here’s a breakdown of two-high coverage, known as Cover 2, in the NFL:

What Exactly is Two-High Coverage in the NFL?

During NFL game commentary, you’ll often hear analysts discussing various defensive coverage strategies. One straightforward approach is man-to-man coverage, where a defender is assigned to follow a specific offensive player. In contrast, zone coverage assigns different areas of the field for players to defend.

Cover 2 consists of two players, typically the safeties, managing the deepest areas or “zones” of the field. The other defensive players then cover the parts beneath these two high safeties, which can involve either man-to-man, zone, or a combination of both tactics.

This defense isn’t a modern concept. Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy traced its roots back to the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s. It gained significant attention due to Dungy’s “Tampa-2” system in the late 1990s and early 2000s and has recently gained traction with Vic Fangio, the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Why is Cover 2 a Favored Defense?

Fangio’s use of Cover 2 saw an uptick in popularity during the late 2010s while he was with the Chicago Bears and as head coach of the Denver Broncos. The two-high strategy effectively reduced the risk of big plays from the opponent.

Despite its strengths, Cover 2 isn’t the predominant coverage style in the NFL. In 2023, Cover 3, where three defenders cover deep zones, was the most frequently used defense according to Pro Football Focus statistics. The combination of Cover 1 (one player in a deep zone) and Cover 3 accounted for over half of the coverage snaps during that season.

As per TruMedia, Cover 3 remains the most used coverage in 2024, making up 33.8% of all coverage snaps. Additionally, the data indicates a rise in disguised coverages in the middle of the field from 25% last year to 30% this season.

So far in 2024, NFL teams are averaging 2.5 sacks per game, marking a league-wide sack rate of 7.7%, which is the highest since 1992. Defenses are effectively putting pressure on quarterbacks, reminiscent of the greats like Reggie White, Bruce Smith, Chris Doleman, and John Randle.

Kiper’s theory is innovative, but the drop in team scoring in 2024 could stem from various factors beyond just one coverage style.