One of the most unknown and complex positions in American football, the Safety (S) is key in any Defense since it is responsible for ultimately preventing the opposing team from scoring a touchdown. To do this, this hybrid between a Cornerback (CB) and a Linebacker (LB) will have to deploy a whole set of skills that will include speed and tackling technique (being some of the strongest hitters in the game).
WHAT IS A SAFETY?
A Safety (S) is a Defensive Back (DB), and therefore member along with the Cornerbacks (CB) of the Defence secondary unit.
The Safety position includes two different variants: the Free Safety (FS) and the Strong Safety (SS). Their tasks depend on the defensive scheme, but we could agree that in a game currently dominated by offensive passing schemes, their main responsibility is the passing game, mainly in the middle and deep zones of the field, becoming the last line of defense, without forgetting that they have to be reliable tacklers.
The Strong Safety (SS) focuses on stopping the run and covering the Tight End (TE), so it will generally be bigger and stronger players, capable of tackling with the power of a Linebacker (LB).
The Free Safety (FS), on the other hand, focuses on the passing game and will have to cover receivers or move across a large area of the field to cover it, so speed and ball-hawking will be their main virtues.
Key Responsibilities
BEING THE LAST MAN
In passing plays, the Free Safety must be the last man and prevent the receivers from getting behind him.
Ability to read the play. He has to know where the receivers are to prevent them from going deep, and look at the Quarterback to know where he is going to throw.
Speed to stay close to the receiver and avoid anyone to get behind his back
Ball hawk. They have to get the ball and create turnovers.
STOP RUSHING GAME
Depending on the offensive formation, Strong Safeties will approach the line of scrimmage acting as an extra Linebacker. As the last line of Defense, they often have to stop the Runningbacks (RB) when everyone else has failed to do so.
Speed to close the gap.
Good tackling technique.
BLITZ
Many defensive packages include Safety blitzes. These are risky defensive calls, since they will leave a position uncovered, but they can be especially disruptive since the Offensive Linemen (OL) and the Quarterback will not be aware of the Safety blitz.
Ability to disguise the blitz.
Speed to get to the ball before the line of scrimmage.
Don’t miss the tackle!
Skills Required
SPEED: To stay close to the play and prevent receivers getting behind their back..
READ AND REACT: They have to read the Quarterback and react to the play.
TACKLING TECHNIQUE: As the last line of defense, they can’t miss tackles.
BALL-HAWK: Being able to read the play and reacting fast, they have to be able to create turnovers..
Position on the Field
Safeties are usually placed 10 or 15 yards from the line of scrimmage (depending on the field position of the offense) to cover the middle and deep areas of the field.
This position varies depending on the coverage. In a cover 3 the Free Safety will be the center of the field, while in a Cover 2, Free and Strong Safeties will be placed approximately above the hash marks.
IFL Top Performing Safeties
The Italian Football League, while not as globally recognized as the NFL, showcases a remarkable depth of talent. This season, several safeties have distinguished themselves as national best Ball Hawk, intercepting the ball, or hard hitters. Each of these safeties brings a unique set of skills and qualities to the field, making them stand out in the Italian Football League. Their performances this season not only highlight their talents but also underscore the competitive spirit and high level of play within the league. Here's a look at five of the Safeties in the league so far.
Dustin Huseinovic, Milano Rhinos
Huseinovic is the ultimate defender for the Milano Rhinos. The active safety leads his teams in tackles (24.5), and is great in pass coverage as well, intercepting 2 passes so far this season. Dustin Huseinovic plays fast to the ball, whether it's on the ground or in the air.
Valentino Rotelli, Ancona Dolphins
Rotelli is another ball hawk, being second on his team in total tackles (20.5). He is a key component to the Dolphins defense being so formidable in the pas game as well, contributing 3 pass breakups so far. What sets Rotelli apart from his peers is his instincts to assess the offensive play and make quick decisions when positioning himself to disrupt his opponents.
Rocco Zuchelli, Firenze Guelfi
Zuchelli is a large piece of a really good defensive back group for the Guelfi. His 14.5 tackles on the season are among the top in the league for defensive backs. Rocco Zuchelli plays a versatile role on his team, allowing him to help in run support (2 tackles-for-loss) and tend to his pass coverage duties as expected (2 pass breakups).
Charlie Dallape, Lazio Marines
Dallape plays more of an nickel backer position for the Marines. While it looks like a linebacker spot, Dallape is in coverage more often than not, and making plays in that coverage. The versatile player has 5 breakups on the season, and will eventually get a few interceptions if his season continues to trend up.
Nicolas Principi, Varese Skorpions
Nicolas Principi is one of the leading tacklers on his team, as well as an active presence against the pass game each week.
Comments