A strong safety is a defensive back who plays in the middle of the field. They are responsible for covering receivers, making tackles, and intercepting passes. The best strong safeties in the NFL are able to do all of these things at a high level.
Some of the best strong safeties in the NFL today include:
Tyrann Mathieu
Budda Baker
Derwin James
Justin Simmons
Jamal Adams
These players are all playmakers who can change the game with their ability to make big plays. They are all also leaders on their respective teams.
The best strong safeties in the NFL are essential to their teams' success. They are the last line of defense against the pass, and they can also make a big impact in the running game. If you're looking for a player who can make a difference on your favorite team, then you should look for a strong safety.
Best Strong Safety
A strong safety is a defensive back who plays in the middle of the field. They are responsible for covering receivers, making tackles, and intercepting passes. The best strong safeties in the NFL are able to do all of these things at a high level.
Tackling
Coverage
Interceptions
Leadership
Football IQ
Athleticism
Instincts
Versatility
These are just some of the key aspects that make a great strong safety. The best players in the NFL are able to excel in all of these areas. They are able to make big plays in the passing game and the running game. They are also able to lead their teams and make smart decisions on the field. For example, Tyrann Mathieu is one of the best strong safeties in the NFL. He is a great tackler and cover man, and he also has a knack for making big plays. In 2019, he had 8 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles. He is also a leader on the field and in the locker room. Another example of a great strong safety is Budda Baker. Baker is a hard hitter who is also very good in coverage. He is also a very versatile player who can play both safety and cornerback. In 2019, he had 7 interceptions and 94 tackles. He is one of the most feared safeties in the NFL. These are just two examples of great strong safeties in the NFL. There are many other players who could be considered for this list. The best strong safeties are essential to their teams' success. They are the last line of defense against the pass, and they can also make a big impact in the running game.
1. Tackling
Tackling is one of the most important aspects of playing strong safety. Strong safeties are responsible for making tackles on receivers, running backs, and tight ends. They need to be able to tackle players of all sizes and speeds.
There are a few different tackling techniques that strong safeties can use. The most common technique is the form tackle. In a form tackle, the strong safety wraps their arms around the ball carrier and drives their legs to take the ball carrier to the ground. Strong safeties also need to be able to make open-field tackles. In an open-field tackle, the strong safety needs to track down the ball carrier and make a tackle without the help of other defenders.
Tackling is a difficult skill to master, but it is essential for strong safeties. Strong safeties who are good tacklers can make a big impact on their team's defense. They can prevent big plays and help their team to win games.
Here are a few examples of great tacklers who play strong safety:
Tyrann Mathieu
Budda Baker
Justin Simmons
Jamal Adams
These players are all excellent tacklers who have made a big impact on their teams. They are all able to wrap up ball carriers and bring them to the ground. They are also able to make open-field tackles and prevent big plays.
Tackling is an essential skill for strong safeties. Strong safeties who are good tacklers can make a big impact on their team's defense. They can prevent big plays and help their team to win games.
2. Coverage
Coverage is another important aspect of playing strong safety. Strong safeties are responsible for covering receivers in the passing game. They need to be able to stay with receivers and prevent them from getting open. Strong safeties also need to be able to read the quarterback and anticipate where the ball is going.
Man-to-man coverage
In man-to-man coverage, the strong safety is responsible for covering a specific receiver. The strong safety will follow the receiver all over the field and try to prevent them from getting open. Man-to-man coverage is the most difficult type of coverage to play, but it can be very effective if the strong safety is able to stay with their receiver.
Zone coverage
In zone coverage, the strong safety is responsible for covering a specific area of the field. The strong safety will stay in their zone and try to prevent any receivers from getting open in that area. Zone coverage is less difficult to play than man-to-man coverage, but it can be less effective if the quarterback is able to find a receiver who is open in the zone.
Combination coverage
Combination coverage is a mix of man-to-man coverage and zone coverage. The strong safety will cover a specific receiver in man-to-man coverage, but they will also be responsible for helping out in zone coverage if needed. Combination coverage is a versatile type of coverage that can be effective against a variety of offenses.
Blitzing
Blitzing is when the strong safety rushes the quarterback. Strong safeties will typically blitz on passing downs when the offense is trying to score. Blitzing can be an effective way to put pressure on the quarterback and force them to make a mistake. However, blitzing can also be risky if the quarterback is able to find an open receiver.
Coverage is an essential skill for strong safeties. Strong safeties who are good in coverage can make a big impact on their team's defense. They can prevent big plays and help their team to win games.
3. Interceptions
Interceptions are a key part of playing strong safety. Strong safeties are responsible for covering receivers in the passing game, and they need to be able to intercept passes in order to prevent the offense from scoring. Interceptions can also lead to turnovers, which can give the defense a chance to get the ball back and score points.
Ball skills
Strong safeties need to have good ball skills in order to intercept passes. They need to be able to track the ball in the air and make a play on it. Strong safeties also need to be able to read the quarterback and anticipate where the ball is going.
Instincts
Strong safeties also need to have good instincts in order to intercept passes. They need to be able to read the quarterback and anticipate where the ball is going. Strong safeties also need to be able to react quickly and make a play on the ball.
Positioning
Strong safeties need to be in the right position in order to intercept passes. They need to be able to read the quarterback and anticipate where the ball is going. Strong safeties also need to be able to adjust their position based on the offense's formation.
Confidence
Strong safeties need to be confident in their ability to intercept passes. They need to believe that they can make a play on the ball and take it away from the offense. Confidence is key for any player, but it is especially important for strong safeties who want to be successful at intercepting passes.
Interceptions are a key part of playing strong safety. Strong safeties who are good at intercepting passes can make a big impact on their team's defense. They can prevent big plays and help their team to win games.
4. Leadership
Leadership is an essential quality for any strong safety. Strong safeties are the leaders of the defense, and they need to be able to motivate and inspire their teammates. They also need to be able to make quick decisions and communicate effectively with their teammates.
There are many different ways that strong safeties can show leadership. They can lead by example, by always giving 100% effort and never giving up. They can also lead by being vocal and encouraging their teammates. Strong safeties who are good leaders can make a big impact on their team's defense. They can help their team to stay motivated and focused, and they can also help their team to win games.
Here are a few examples of great leaders who play strong safety:
Tyrann Mathieu
Budda Baker
Justin Simmons
Jamal Adams
These players are all great leaders who have made a big impact on their teams. They are all vocal leaders who are always encouraging their teammates. They are also all great players who lead by example. These players are all examples of what it means to be a great leader and a great strong safety.
Leadership is an essential quality for any strong safety. Strong safeties who are good leaders can make a big impact on their team's defense. They can help their team to stay motivated and focused, and they can also help their team to win games.
5. Football IQ
Football IQ is a measure of a player's understanding of the game of football. It includes knowledge of the rules, strategies, and techniques of the game. Players with high football IQs are able to make quick decisions, read the opposing team's plays, and anticipate what is going to happen on the field.
Understanding the game
Players with high football IQs have a deep understanding of the game of football. They know the rules, the strategies, and the techniques. They are able to see the game from a different perspective and understand what is going to happen before it happens.
Reading the opposing team
Players with high football IQs are able to read the opposing team's plays. They can identify the formations, the tendencies, and the personnel. This allows them to anticipate what the opposing team is going to do and make the necessary adjustments.
Making quick decisions
Players with high football IQs are able to make quick decisions. They are able to process information quickly and make the right decision in a split second. This is essential for strong safeties, who need to be able to make quick decisions in order to cover receivers and make tackles.
Anticipating what is going to happen
Players with high football IQs are able to anticipate what is going to happen on the field. They can see the game developing and make the necessary adjustments. This is essential for strong safeties, who need to be able to anticipate where the ball is going and make the necessary adjustments in order to make a play.
Football IQ is an essential quality for any strong safety. Players with high football IQs are able to make quick decisions, read the opposing team's plays, and anticipate what is going to happen on the field. This allows them to be more effective in coverage and make more tackles. As a result, teams with strong safeties with high football IQs are more likely to be successful.
6. Athleticism
Athleticism is a key component of being a best strong safety. Strong safeties need to be able to run, jump, and change direction quickly and easily. They also need to have good strength and endurance. Athleticism allows strong safeties to cover receivers, make tackles, and intercept passes.
Speed
Strong safeties need to be able to run fast in order to cover receivers and make tackles. They also need to be able to change direction quickly in order to stay with receivers and make plays on the ball.
Agility
Strong safeties need to be agile in order to change direction quickly and make tackles. They also need to be able to jump and reach for passes.
Strength
Strong safeties need to be strong in order to make tackles and shed blocks. They also need to be able to hold onto receivers and prevent them from making catches.
Endurance
Strong safeties need to have good endurance in order to play for an entire game. They need to be able to run, jump, and tackle for four quarters.
Athleticism is a key component of being a best strong safety. Strong safeties who are athletic are more likely to be able to cover receivers, make tackles, and intercept passes. As a result, they are more likely to be successful on the field.
7. Instincts
Instincts are a key component of being a best strong safety. Strong safeties need to be able to read the quarterback's eyes, anticipate the receiver's routes, and make quick decisions in order to make plays. Instincts allow strong safeties to be in the right place at the right time to make tackles, interceptions, and other big plays.
Reading the quarterback's eyes
Strong safeties need to be able to read the quarterback's eyes in order to anticipate where the ball is going. This is a difficult skill to master, but it is essential for strong safeties who want to be successful. Strong safeties who can read the quarterback's eyes can get a jump on the receiver and make a play on the ball.
Anticipating the receiver's routes
Strong safeties also need to be able to anticipate the receiver's routes. This means being able to recognize the receiver's formation, the quarterback's tendencies, and the coverage that is being played. Strong safeties who can anticipate the receiver's routes can get a step ahead of the receiver and make a play on the ball.
Making quick decisions
Strong safeties need to be able to make quick decisions in order to make plays. This means being able to process information quickly and make the right decision in a split second. Strong safeties who can make quick decisions can put themselves in a position to make a play on the ball.
Examples of instincts in strong safeties
There are many examples of instincts in strong safeties. Some of the best strong safeties in the NFL have great instincts. For example, Tyrann Mathieu is known for his ability to read the quarterback's eyes and anticipate the receiver's routes. Budda Baker is known for his ability to make quick decisions and put himself in a position to make plays. Jamal Adams is known for his ability to make big plays, such as interceptions and tackles for loss.
Instincts are a key component of being a best strong safety. Strong safeties who have great instincts are more likely to be successful on the field. They are able to make big plays and help their team win games.
8. Versatility
Versatility is a key component of being a best strong safety. Strong safeties need to be able to do a variety of things well, including covering receivers, making tackles, and intercepting passes. They also need to be able to play different positions, such as cornerback or linebacker, if needed.
Coverage skills
Strong safeties need to have good coverage skills in order to cover receivers. They need to be able to stay with receivers and prevent them from getting open. Strong safeties also need to be able to read the quarterback and anticipate where the ball is going.
Tackling ability
Strong safeties also need to be good tacklers. They need to be able to make tackles on receivers, running backs, and tight ends. Strong safeties also need to be able to make open-field tackles.
Interception skills
Strong safeties need to have good interception skills in order to intercept passes. They need to be able to track the ball in the air and make a play on it. Strong safeties also need to be able to read the quarterback and anticipate where the ball is going.
Positional versatility
Strong safeties also need to be positionally versatile. They need to be able to play different positions, such as cornerback or linebacker, if needed. This allows strong safeties to be more valuable to their team and to fill in for other players when needed.
Versatility is a key component of being a best strong safety. Strong safeties who are versatile are more likely to be successful on the field. They are able to do a variety of things well and can be used in a variety of ways. As a result, they are more valuable to their team and are more likely to help their team win games.
Best Strong Safety FAQs
This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the best strong safety position in football.
Question 1: What are the key skills for a strong safety?
Answer: The key skills for a strong safety include coverage skills, tackling ability, interception skills, and positional versatility. Strong safeties need to be able to cover receivers, make tackles, intercept passes, and play different positions if needed.
Question 2: What are some of the best strong safeties in the NFL?
Answer: Some of the best strong safeties in the NFL include Tyrann Mathieu, Budda Baker, Justin Simmons, Jamal Adams, and Derwin James. These players are all excellent tacklers, coverage men, and playmakers.
Question 3: What is the role of a strong safety in a football defense?
Answer: The role of a strong safety in a football defense is to provide run support and coverage in the middle of the field. Strong safeties are responsible for covering tight ends and running backs, and they also need to be able to make tackles and intercept passes.
Question 4: What are some of the challenges that strong safeties face?
Answer: Some of the challenges that strong safeties face include covering tight ends and running backs, making tackles in the open field, and reading the quarterback's eyes. Strong safeties also need to be able to adjust to different formations and coverages.
Question 5: What are some of the qualities that make a great strong safety?
Answer: Some of the qualities that make a great strong safety include athleticism, instincts, leadership, and versatility. Strong safeties need to be able to run, jump, and change direction quickly. They also need to be able to read the quarterback's eyes, anticipate the receiver's routes, and make quick decisions. Strong safeties also need to be leaders on the field and be able to motivate their teammates.
Summary: The strong safety position is a vital part of a football defense. Strong safeties need to be athletic, instinctive, and versatile players who can cover receivers, make tackles, and intercept passes. The best strong safeties in the NFL are able to do all of these things at a high level and are essential to their team's success.
Transition: For more information on strong safeties, please see the following resources:
NFL Strong Safety Position
Top 10 Strong Safeties in the NFL
How to Play Strong Safety in Football
Conclusion
The strong safety position is a vital part of a football defense. Strong safeties are responsible for covering receivers, making tackles, and intercepting passes in the middle of the field. The best strong safeties in the NFL are able to do all of these things at a high level and are essential to their team's success.
There are many different factors that contribute to making a great strong safety. Some of the most important factors include athleticism, instincts, leadership, and versatility. Strong safeties need to be able to run, jump, and change direction quickly. They also need to be able to read the quarterback's eyes, anticipate the receiver's routes, and make quick decisions. Strong safeties also need to be leaders on the field and be able to motivate their teammates.
The best strong safeties in the NFL are able to make a big impact on the game. They can prevent big plays, force turnovers, and help their team to win games. If you're looking for a player who can make a difference on your favorite team, then you should look for a strong safety.
