How to Defend Deep Crossers in Single-High Coverage

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» In this episode:

• Defending the “Wave”: We break down how offenses use Double Post concepts to attack single-high coverage and how to counter it.

• Cutting the Deep Cross: Why modern defenses are shifting from cutting crossers “low” with a rat to cutting them “high” with the Post Safety.

• Post Safety Mechanics: The specific techniques and footwork required for the Post Safety to identify and “cap” deep crossing routes.

• Identifying Max Protection: How to recognize “Max Protect” looks as an immediate alert for deep vertical shots.

• High and Low Mesh Analysis: A granular look at Texans vs. Bills film, showing how to cut both the low and high crossers simultaneously in the same rep.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Evolution of Cutting Crossers

01:09 Analyzing the Chiefs’ “Wave” Concept

01:57 Cowboys Coverage: Post Safety & Nickel Mechanics

02:37 Identifying Max Protection Alerts

03:26 Executing the “Cut” vs. Deep Speed

04:19 Texans vs. Bills: Defending High-Low Crossers

05:27 Cutting the Low Cross (The Rat)

05:54 Cutting the High Cross (The Post Safety)

06:40 Review: Killing the Mesh Concept

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» Other resources:

Cutting the Crosser

Defending the Wave

Coverage 101: Cover 1 tools - Rat, Lurk, Hole, & Cross

Third‑Down Clinic: The Lions’ Double‑Robber Blueprint

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© 2026 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

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