Mesh vs Cover-2
Mesh vs Cover-2 is a sit-route concept. Both crossers stop in the windows the underneath defenders vacate.
Mesh vs. cover-2 is a different concept than mesh vs. man. Vs. zone, the receivers don't try to rub — they cross and sit in the soft spots between the underneath defenders.
From the offense
Both receivers cross at 6 yards and sit in the void between the curl/flat and hook defenders. The QB reads the underneath defenders: whichever one is closest to a route gets thrown away from.
The checkdown is critical vs. cover-2 — if both crossers are covered, the back in the flat is the throw. Cover-2 corners are deep, so the flat is wide open.
From the defense
The hook defenders have to wall the crossers. If they let them sit free at 6 yards, the throw is open every time. Pattern matching the crossers (the closest defender takes whoever crosses his face) is the cleanest answer.
The blitz still works — if the QB has to deliver in 1.5 seconds, the receivers haven't found their sit yet.
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