In this weeks video we learn about pattern matching zones.
In short, a pattern matching zone is a type of zone defense where the defenders end up in either man or zone coverage depending on the rules of our zone and the combinations of receiver's routes. This kind of zone was specifically invented by Nick Saban while on Bill Belichek's staff on the Browns to help cover 3 combat four verticals. As we learned in the previous video, a normal cover 3 (with 3 deep defenders) has an impossible task defending four vertical receivers. In Saban's pattern matching cover 3, the defenders end up in man against multiple deep routes and the defense will look like cover 1 man against 4 verticals.