also: rob · robber technique · Cover 1 Robber
A coverage role, usually filled by a safety, that instructs a defender to read inside routes and drive underneath them.
The Robber is a coverage player positioned behind the pass rush, usually in the low or intermediate middle of the field. He reads the quarterback or the routes in front of him, depending on the call, then drives on slants, digs and crossing routes. The assignment normally goes to a safety. A nickel or coverage linebacker can handle it when the coverage rotates or exchanges responsibilities. It is not a defensive-line assignment.
Cover 1 Robber is a single-high man coverage that rotates a safety into the low middle to help the defenders playing man. Quarters calls can use robber technique differently. In one version, a safety reads No. 2 and undercuts No. 1's slant, dig or post when No. 2 releases inside or outside. Robber names the assignment; Cover 1 Robber names a coverage that includes it.
robber technique