Even for the NFL’s best defenses, achieving consistent and successful pass coverage can be elusive. Injuries, assignment errors, improper technique or even breakdowns in communication are just a few of the contributing factors when it comes to coverage volatility from year to year. But despite the injuries — and at times inconsistent play — the Los Angeles Chargers and their Cover 3 scheme have earned a team coverage grade of 93.1 over the last three seasons, tops among teams in that span.
Here, we examine the stability of Gus Bradley’s system and the players’ ability to execute the tenets of its unique design.