Safety (FS, SS)
What it is
The deepest defenders, who cap the coverage, fit the run from depth and usually make the checks.
Why it matters
The two traditional names describe jobs rather than players: the free safety is the deep-middle eraser, the strong safety is the extra fitter near the box. Modern defenses rotate both, which is why disguise is the defining safety skill — the shell shown at fourteen yards and the coverage played after the snap are supposed to be different pictures. Safeties also make most of the coverage checks, so the position is a communication job first.
Also called
Programs call this S, FS, SS, free safety, strong safety or post safety. The Coach answers to any of them.
Related
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