What it is

Cover 5 is a two-deep coverage in which the safeties each protect a deep half and everyone underneath plays man-to-man. It is also called two-man.

In a game

The cornerbacks cover #1, the apexes cover #2 and the hook covers #3 man-to-man, while two safeties sit over the top. It is used most on third-and-long, when the offense is likely to run deep routes, because the safeties give the underneath defenders help over the top.

More detail

Because the underneath defenders have their backs to the quarterback, a scrambling quarterback can hurt this coverage. For this reason, teams often pair it with stunts by the defensive line to keep the quarterback in the pocket. It is not good against the run, since a safety is usually needed to help stop it, so it is mainly a call for passing downs.

The diagram

1. Two safeties each play a deep half.
2. The cornerbacks, apexes and the hook play man-to-man underneath.
3. A scrambling quarterback is dangerous, because the defenders have their backs to him.