Understanding Jeremy Pruitt’s split safety coverage: CONE, STUMP, SMASH, POSTER, FIT
Jeremy Pruitt is one of the best defensive minds within the game of football.
One of Pruitt’s most successful defensive looks is a split safety coverage. Vols Wire previously went over the role of CONE, STUMP, SMASH, POSTER and FIT within the split safety coverage.
Vols Wire now looks at the CONNIE role of the coverage.
The CONNIE role stems off CONE. CONE is the ability to take the X-receiver out of the game.
If the defense is playing an offense in which they cannot defend a wide receiver in man coverage, then the defense has to do something.
The cornerback lines up slightly in outside leverage on the X-receiver. If the X-receiver takes an outside release, the cornerback can then defend the X-receiver in man coverage.
If the X-receiver goes inside, then the cornerback and free safety will double team the X-receiver.
CONNIE protects the inside linebacker as he has the running back unless the X-receiver comes inside and is short. If a CONNIE call is made, the cornerback will get off 4-5 yards and will not be in press coverage. The cornerback needs to be able to see the X-receiver going inside and short, becoming responsible for covering the running back. If the X-receiver goes vertical, then a CONE is still on the receiver.
Communication is critical between the inside linebacker and the defensive backfield, and with the defensive backfield and the inside linebacker, as they work together in CONE turning into CONNIE.