Football is a complex and strategic game that requires each player to have a specific role and responsibility.
One of the key positions on the defensive side of the ball is the safety.
The safety plays a crucial role in the overall defensive strategy, providing support to the cornerbacks and linebackers, and ensuring the team’s defense is strong and effective.
Below we look at the responsibilities and duties of a safety in football, as well as their impact on the game.
The Role of the Safety
The safety position in football is typically played by two players, known as the free safety and the strong safety.
While their roles may differ slightly, both safeties are responsible for defending against the pass, providing run support, and making crucial tackles.
Let’s take a closer look at the specific responsibilities of a safety:
1. Pass Coverage
One of the primary responsibilities of a safety is to provide pass coverage.
They are responsible for defending against deep passes and preventing big plays by intercepting or deflecting the ball.
Safeties need to have excellent speed, agility, and awareness to read the quarterback’s intentions and react accordingly.
They must be able to cover a large area of the field and quickly adjust their position based on the offensive formation.
2. Run Support
In addition to pass coverage, safeties also play a crucial role in run support.
They are responsible for filling gaps in the defense and stopping running backs from gaining significant yardage.
Safeties need to be strong tacklers and have good instincts to read the play and react quickly.
They often provide support to the linebackers by filling gaps or making tackles when the ball carrier breaks through the line of scrimmage.
3. Blitzing
Safeties are occasionally called upon to blitz the quarterback.
Blitzing involves rushing the quarterback to disrupt their timing and force quick decisions.
When a safety blitzes, it adds an element of surprise to the defense and can lead to sacks or hurried throws.
However, blitzing also leaves the defense vulnerable in the secondary, so it requires careful coordination and communication with the rest of the defensive unit.
4. Communication and Leadership
Safeties are often considered the quarterbacks of the defense.
They are responsible for making pre-snap adjustments, communicating coverage assignments to the rest of the defense, and ensuring everyone is in the right position.
Safeties need to have a deep understanding of the defensive scheme and be able to read the offense’s formations and tendencies.
Their ability to communicate effectively and provide leadership on the field is crucial to the success of the defense.
What Does A Safety Do In Football
How Does the Free Safety Differ From the Strong Safety? (FS vs. SS)
The free safety (FS) and strong safety (SS) are two distinct positions within the defensive secondary.
While both safeties play key roles in the defense, there are some fundamental differences between the two positions:
Coverage Responsibilities
The free safety typically has more coverage responsibilities, often being referred to as the “centerfielder” of the defense.
They are responsible for providing deep coverage and protecting against long passes.
Free safeties are known for their range and ball-hawking skills, as they need to cover a larger portion of the field.
On the other hand, the strong safety usually plays closer to the line of scrimmage and is more involved in run defense and short-to-intermediate pass coverage.
They are often tasked with covering tight ends, playing in the box to stop the run, or blitzing the quarterback.
Physicality and Tackling
Strong safeties are generally more physically imposing and are known for their tackling ability.
They often need to shed blocks and make tackles in the box, contributing to run defense.
Strong safeties are typically more involved in stopping the run game and delivering big hits on opposing players.
Free safeties, although still required to tackle effectively, often have a different focus.
They are more reliant on their coverage skills, agility, and ability to read the play.
While they need to make tackles when necessary, their primary role is to prevent deep passes and provide support to the cornerbacks.
Alignment and Positioning
The strong safety is typically aligned closer to the line of scrimmage, either next to or slightly behind the linebackers.
They may shift their position depending on the defensive scheme or play call, but their general area of operation is closer to the line.
Free safeties, on the other hand, usually align deeper in the secondary. They are often the last line of defense and have the responsibility to read the play, anticipate routes, and make plays on the ball in the air.
Their positioning allows them to react quickly to deep passes and help defend against long gains.
Overall
While these are some of the primary distinctions between the free safety and strong safety positions, it’s important to note that defensive schemes and coaching philosophies can vary across teams, leading to different responsibilities and roles for each safety.
However, the differences in coverage responsibilities, physicality, and alignment outlined above generally hold true in most defensive systems.
Examples of Great Safeties
Throughout the history of football, there have been several exceptional safeties who have made a significant impact on the game.
Let’s take a look at a few examples:
1. Ed Reed
Ed Reed is widely regarded as one of the greatest safeties to ever play the game.
He spent the majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens and was known for his exceptional ball-hawking skills and ability to read quarterbacks.
Reed holds the NFL record for the most interception return yards and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
2. Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was known for his aggressive playing style and exceptional instincts.
He was a key component of the Steelers’ dominant defenses in the 2000s and was a two-time Super Bowl champion.
Polamalu’s ability to make game-changing plays and disrupt opposing offenses made him one of the most feared safeties in the league.
3. Ronnie Lott
Ronnie Lott is a Hall of Fame safety who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders.
He was known for his hard-hitting style and exceptional tackling ability.
Lott was a key part of the 49ers’ dynasty in the 1980s, winning four Super Bowl championships. His leadership and playmaking ability made him one of the most respected safeties of his era.
FAQs – Safety (Football)
1. What is the main role of a safety in football?
The main role of a safety in football is to provide pass coverage, support the run defense, and make sometimes touchdown-saving tackles as the last line of defense.
They are responsible for defending against deep passes, filling gaps in the defense, and communicating with the rest of the defensive unit.
2. How does a safety defend against the pass?
A safety defends against the pass by reading the quarterback’s intentions, covering a large area of the field, and reacting quickly to the offensive formation.
They aim to prevent big plays by intercepting or deflecting the ball and providing support to the cornerbacks in coverage.
3. Can a safety blitz the quarterback?
Yes, safeties can blitz the quarterback.
When a safety blitzes, it adds an element of surprise to the defense and can lead to sacks or hurried throws.
However, it also leaves the defense vulnerable in the secondary, so it requires careful coordination and communication with the rest of the defensive unit.
4. What skills are important for a safety?
Important skills for a safety include speed, agility, awareness, tackling ability, and communication skills.
They need to be able to cover a large area of the field, read offensive formations, and react quickly to make plays.
Strong communication skills are also crucial for coordinating the defense and ensuring everyone is in the right position.
5. Can a safety play both pass coverage and run support?
Yes, a safety is responsible for both pass coverage and run support.
They need to be able to read the play and adjust their position accordingly.
Safeties provide support to the cornerbacks in coverage and fill gaps in the defense to stop running backs from gaining significant yardage.
6. Who are some of the greatest safeties in football history?
Some of the greatest safeties in football history include Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, and Ronnie Lott.
These players made a significant impact on the game with their exceptional skills, leadership, and ability to make game-changing plays.
7. How does a safety communicate with the rest of the defense?
A safety communicates with the rest of the defense through hand signals, verbal calls, and pre-snap adjustments.
They are responsible for ensuring everyone is in the right position and understanding their coverage assignments.
Effective communication is crucial for the success of the defense.
8. What is the difference between a free safety and a strong safety?
The main difference between a free safety and a strong safety is their positioning and responsibilities.
A free safety typically plays deeper in coverage and is responsible for defending against deep passes.
A strong safety, on the other hand, often plays closer to the line of scrimmage and provides more run support.
9. Can a safety intercept the ball?
Yes, a safety can intercept the ball. Intercepting the ball is one of the primary objectives of a safety in pass coverage.
By intercepting the ball, they can prevent the offense from completing a pass and potentially create a turnover for their team.
10. How does a safety read the quarterback’s intentions?
A safety reads the quarterback’s intentions by studying their body language, reading the offensive formation, and anticipating the play.
They need to have a deep understanding of the game and be able to recognize patterns and tendencies in order to react quickly and make plays.
11. What is the importance of leadership for a safety?
Leadership is crucial for a safety as they are often considered the quarterbacks of the defense.
They need to provide guidance, communicate effectively, and ensure everyone is in the right position.
Strong leadership skills help to coordinate the defense and maximize its effectiveness.
12. Can a safety play other positions on the defense?
While safeties primarily play the safety position, they can also be utilized in other positions depending on the defensive scheme.
Some safeties have the versatility to play cornerback or linebacker positions, depending on their skill set and the team’s needs.
13. How does a safety adjust their position based on the offensive formation?
A safety adjusts their position based on the offensive formation by reading the alignment of the wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs.
They need to be able to recognize potential routes and adjust their position accordingly to provide effective coverage or run support.
14. What are some key attributes of a successful safety?
Key attributes of a successful safety include speed, agility, awareness, tackling ability, communication skills, and football intelligence.
They need to have the physical tools to cover a large area of the field, as well as the mental acuity to read offensive formations and make quick decisions.
15. How does a safety contribute to the overall success of the defense?
A safety contributes to the overall success of the defense by providing pass coverage, run support, and leadership.
They help to prevent big plays in the passing game, stop running backs from gaining significant yardage, and ensure the defense is in the right position.
A strong safety can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game.
16. What is the average height and weight of an NFL free safety and strong safety?
The average height and weight of NFL players can vary greatly depending on the position and individual player.
However, we can provide you with a general range for the average height and weight of NFL free safeties and strong safeties based on historical data.
Free safeties and strong safeties are both positions within the defensive secondary in American football.
Free safeties are typically responsible for covering deep zones and providing support in pass coverage, while strong safeties are often more involved in stopping the run and covering shorter zones.
On average, NFL free safeties and strong safeties tend to have similar body types, although there can be some variation.
Typically, their heights range from around 5’10” to 6’2″ (178 cm to 188 cm), and their weights range from approximately 190 pounds to 220 pounds (86 kg to 100 kg).
It’s important to note that these figures are averages and there are players who may fall outside of this range.
The physical attributes of NFL players can vary based on individual playing styles, team strategies, and other factors.
Summary
The safety position in football is crucial for the success of the defense.
Safeties play a multifaceted role, providing pass coverage, run support, and leadership on the field.
They are responsible for defending against deep passes, filling gaps in the defense, and communicating with the rest of the defensive unit.
Safeties like Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, and Ronnie Lott have made a significant impact on the game with their exceptional skills and ability to make game-changing plays.
Understanding the role of the safety helps to appreciate their importance in the overall strategy of a football team.
