What Is FS in American Football? -Free Safety, Responsibilities

John Rizzo

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What Is Fs In American Football

In American football, the term “FS” holds a pivotal role, signifying the Free Safety position, a linchpin of any robust defensive strategy. Free Safeties are guardians of the secondary, their watchful eyes scanning the field, anticipating plays, and thwarting deep passes. 

Positioned deep, typically at the heart of the defensive formation, they are the last line of defense, tasked with preventing long touchdowns and securing interceptions. 

Their expertise lies in reading the quarterback’s intentions, orchestrating pre-snap adjustments, and providing vital communication within the defense. 

While known for their prowess in pass coverage, Free Safeties also contribute to run defense and open-field tackling, offering versatility and resilience in the face of multifaceted offensive threats.

What Is FS in American Football?

In American football, “FS” stands for Free Safety, which is one of the two primary safety positions on a defensive team. 

The other safety position is the Strong Safety (SS). Free Safety plays a crucial role in the defensive scheme, and their responsibilities are essential for the overall success of the defense.

Here are the key aspects of the Free Safety position in American football:

Position on the Field

The Free Safety’s positioning deep in the secondary is strategic. By staying in the center of the field, they can quickly react to plays on either side, making them a critical asset in defending against long passes and preventing deep touchdowns. 

This positioning also allows them to act as a safety net, helping to cover blown coverages by other defenders.

Coverage Responsibilities

Free Safeties are tasked with recognizing pass plays and reacting accordingly. They must read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate the trajectory of the ball. 

When the quarterback attempts a deep throw, it’s often the Free Safety’s responsibility to get into position to either intercept the pass or make a tackle if the receiver makes the catch.

Zone Coverage

In zone coverage, the Free Safety covers a designated area of the field rather than sticking to a specific receiver. 

This allows them to react to the flow of the play, helping to cover multiple potential receiving threats and ensuring that no part of the field is left undefended. Their ability to recognize patterns and react quickly to plays is crucial in zone coverage.

Ball Hawk

Free Safeties who excel at reading the quarterback’s intentions and making interceptions are often referred to as “ball hawks.” They have a knack for creating turnovers and changing the course of a game with a well-timed interception. 

Ball-hawking Free Safeties can disrupt the opposing team’s passing game and provide a significant momentum boost to their own team.

Run Support

Although Free Safeties are primarily responsible for pass coverage, they must also contribute to stopping the run. 

When the offense runs the ball, the Free Safety may need to quickly diagnose the play and provide support by coming up to the line of scrimmage to make tackles or assist in containing the ball carrier. This versatility makes them valuable assets on defense.

Communication

Free Safeties often serve as the “quarterback” of the defense’s secondary. 

They are responsible for making pre-snap adjustments, calling out coverages, and directing other defensive backs and linebackers to ensure everyone is in the right position. Effective communication is crucial in preventing breakdowns in coverage.

Tackling

While Free Safeties are not typically the primary tacklers on the defense, they need to be reliable open-field tacklers. 

When a receiver or ball carrier manages to break free from the initial defenders, the Free Safety’s ability to make a tackle can prevent big gains or potential touchdowns. Their tackling skills are essential in stopping plays that get past the front seven of the defense.

Free Safety Responsibilities American Football

Free Safety Responsibilities American Football

Free Safety (FS) in American football has several critical responsibilities that are integral to the success of the defensive unit.

These responsibilities include:

Deep Pass Coverage

The primary duty of the Free Safety is to provide deep pass coverage. They are the last line of defense, positioned deep in the secondary, and their main goal is to prevent long passes from becoming big gains or touchdowns. 

Free Safeties must read the quarterback’s eyes, anticipate throws, and be in a position to make a play on the ball.

Zone Coverage

Free Safeties often play in a zone coverage scheme. They cover a specific area of the field rather than sticking with a particular receiver. This allows them to react to the flow of the play, cover multiple potential receiving threats, and help defend against various passing routes.

Ball Hawk Skills

Many Free Safeties are known for their ball-hawking abilities. They excel at intercepting passes and creating turnovers. Their ability to read the quarterback’s intentions and make timely interceptions can be a game-changer for their team.

Run Support

While primarily responsible for pass coverage, Free Safeties also contribute to run support. 

When the offense runs the ball, Free Safeties must diagnose the play quickly and provide support by coming up to make tackles or assist in containing the ball carrier. Their tackling skills in open space are crucial in stopping running plays.

Communication

Free Safeties often serve as the field generals of the secondary. 

They are responsible for making pre-snap adjustments, calling out coverages, and directing other defensive backs and linebackers to ensure proper alignment and coverage assignments. Effective communication is essential in preventing breakdowns in the defense.

Read and React

Free Safeties must have excellent football IQ. They need to read offensive formations, anticipate plays, and react quickly to changing situations on the field. 

This includes recognizing play-action fakes, screen passes, and other deceptive offensive tactics.

Supporting Strong Safety

In some defensive schemes, the Free Safety works in tandem with the Strong Safety (SS). They coordinate their coverage responsibilities and provide support for each other in defending against various offensive threats.

Special Teams

Some Free Safeties also contribute on special teams, particularly as kick or punt returners, showcasing their speed, agility, and ball-handling skills.

Challenges and Risks for FS

Challenges and Risks for FS

Free Safeties (FS) in American football face several challenges and risks in their role on the field. Understanding these challenges is crucial for both players and coaches to develop effective strategies and mitigate potential risks.

Here are some of the challenges and risks that Free Safeties may encounter:

Deep Coverage Responsibilities

Free Safeties are tasked with covering large portions of the field deep downfield. The challenge lies in maintaining proper positioning to prevent long passes while also reacting quickly to plays as they develop. 

A mistimed jump or a wrong read can result in big gains or touchdowns for the opposing team.

Isolation in Coverage

At times, Free Safeties may find themselves in one-on-one coverage situations against speedy and skilled wide receivers or tight ends. This isolation can be challenging, as any mistake in coverage can lead to a big play for the offense.

Tackling in Space

While not their primary role, Free Safeties must be reliable open-field tacklers. This means tackling running backs, receivers, or even larger tight ends in open space. Missing tackles can lead to additional yardage and potentially big plays for the offense.

Balancing Run Support

Free Safeties must strike a balance between their deep coverage responsibilities and supporting the run defense. Overcommitting to run support can leave the defense vulnerable to deep passes while neglecting run support can lead to big gains on the ground.

Avoiding Penalties

Maintaining discipline is crucial for Free safety. They must avoid penalties like pass interference, illegal contact, or unnecessary roughness, which can result in automatic first downs and extended drives for the opposing team.

Injury Risk

Like all football players, Free Safeties are exposed to the risk of injury due to the physical nature of the sport. Their role in open-field tackling and occasionally taking on larger blockers can increase the risk of injuries, particularly to the head and shoulders.

Mental Pressure

Free Safeties carry the mental pressure of being the last line of defense. A blown coverage or a missed tackle can have significant consequences for the team. Managing this pressure and staying focused throughout the game is a challenge.

Adaptation to Offensive Strategies

Offensive schemes continually evolve, incorporating new tactics and strategies. Free Safeties must adapt to these changes, stay updated on offensive trends, and be prepared to counter innovative plays and passing concepts.

Famous Fs Players in NFL History

The National Football League (NFL) has seen many legendary Free Safeties (FS) throughout its history. These players have left an indelible mark on the game with their exceptional skills, playmaking abilities, and contributions to their respective teams.

Here are some of the famous Free Safeties in NFL history:

Ed Reed

Ed Reed

Widely regarded as one of the greatest Free Safeties of all time, Ed Reed spent the majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, an eight-time All-Pro, and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. 

Reed was known for his incredible ball-hawking skills and his ability to change the course of games with interceptions and game-changing plays.

Brian Dawkins

Brian Dawkins, often referred to as “Weapon X,” had a storied career primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

He was a nine-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro selection. Dawkins was renowned for his leadership, hard-hitting style, and versatility in both coverage and run support.

Ronnie Lott

While primarily known as a strong safety, Ronnie Lott deserves mention due to his versatility and the impact he made in the free safety position. 

Lott was a 10-time Pro Bowler and a six-time All-Pro during his career with the San Francisco 49ers and later the Oakland Raiders. He was known for his hard-nosed tackling and playmaking ability.

Kenny Easley

Kenny Easley, who spent his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks, was a dominant Free Safety during the 1980s. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro, and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1984. 

Easley’s ability to cover ground, make interceptions, and deliver punishing hits made him a standout in his era.

Paul Krause

Paul Krause, one of the NFL’s all-time interception leaders, was a Free Safety primarily known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings. Krause was an eight-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro. His ability to read quarterbacks and make interceptions earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Willie Wood

Willie Wood, a key figure in the Green Bay Packers dynasty of the 1960s, was a standout Free Safety. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro selection. Wood’s leadership and ball skills helped the Packers win multiple championships during his career.

What Is a Strong Safety in Football?

Strong Safety in Football

In American football, the Strong Safety (SS) is one of the two safety positions on the defensive side of the ball, with the other being the Free Safety (FS). 

The Strong Safety plays a pivotal role in the defensive scheme, and their responsibilities are distinct from those of the Free Safety.

Here’s an overview of the Strong Safety position:

Position on the Field

The Strong Safety typically lines up closer to the line of scrimmage than the Free Safety, usually within 8-10 yards of the line. They align on the strong side of the formation, which is the side of the field where the majority of offensive players and blockers are positioned.

Versatility

Strong Safeties are known for their versatility. They need to be adept at both pass coverage and run support. 

Depending on the defensive scheme and the situation, they may be required to cover tight ends, slot receivers, or running backs in pass coverage or provide run support by stopping ball carriers near the line of scrimmage.

Run Support

Run support is a significant aspect of the Strong Safety’s role. They are often responsible for filling running lanes, shedding blockers, and making tackles to stop running plays. In essence, they are like an extra linebacker in run defense.

Coverage Responsibilities

While Strong Safeties are typically more involved in run support, they are also responsible for pass coverage, particularly against shorter and intermediate routes. They may cover tight ends, slot receivers, or running backs coming out of the backfield, depending on the defensive alignment.

Blitzing

Some defensive schemes utilize the Strong Safety as a blitzer. They may be tasked with rushing the quarterback on passing downs, adding pressure to disrupt the opposing team’s passing game.

Tackling

Strong Safeties must be sure tacklers, especially in one-on-one situations with ball carriers or receivers. Their ability to bring down opponents in the open field is crucial to the success of the defense.

Recognition and Football IQ

Strong Safeties need to read offensive formations and anticipate plays. They must quickly diagnose whether a play is a run or a pass and react accordingly. Their football intelligence is valuable in making split-second decisions on the field.

Communication

Like Free Safeties, Strong Safeties play a role in communicating defensive adjustments and coverages to the rest of the defense. They help ensure that the secondary is aligned correctly and that coverage assignments are understood.

Free Safety vs Strong Safety in Football Defense

In American football, the safety position is a critical component of a team’s defense, responsible for providing support and coverage in the secondary. 

There are two primary types of safety positions: Free Safety and Strong Safety, each with distinct roles and responsibilities on the field. 

Understanding the differences between these two positions is essential for any football enthusiast or aspiring player.

To shed light on the disparities between Free Safety and Strong Safety, let’s take a closer look at their respective roles and characteristics in the table below:

Aspect

Free Safety

Strong Safety

Positioning

Typically lines up deeper in the secondary,

Usually lines up closer to the line of scrimmage,

 

providing a last line of defense against deep

offering run support and pass coverage responsibilities.

 

passes and preventing big plays.

 

Coverage Skills

Primarily responsible for deep coverage,

Often tasked with covering tight ends, running backs,

 

including covering wide receivers downfield.

and slot receivers in shorter to intermediate zones.

Ball Skills

Expected to have excellent ball-tracking and

May be relied upon for physical play and tackling,

 

interception abilities due to their deep

with a focus on preventing short-yardage gains.

 

positioning.

 

Run Support

Less involved in run support but may assist

Heavily involved in run support, often filling gaps

 

when necessary.

and making tackles near the line of scrimmage.

Blitzing

Typically less involved in blitz packages.

More likely to be utilized in blitzing schemes,

  

applying pressure on the quarterback or disrupting

  

running plays in the backfield.

Physicality

Often relies on speed and agility for coverage.

Expected to be more physically imposing and

  

capable of delivering hard hits.

FAQS

What is the primary goal of a Free Safety (FS)?

The primary goal of Free Safety is to provide deep pass coverage and prevent long passes or touchdowns.

Do Free Safeties always play in a zone coverage scheme?

While Free Safeties often play in a zone coverage, some defensive schemes may use them in man-to-man coverage situations, especially if they have strong coverage skills.

What is the significance of a Free Safety’s positioning on the field?

A Free Safety’s positioning deep in the secondary allows them to cover a wide area of the field and react quickly to pass plays. This positioning helps in preventing big gains through the air.

How do Free Safeties contribute to turnovers?

Free Safeties contribute to turnovers by intercepting passes. They use their ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make well-timed interceptions to create opportunities for their team.

Are Free Safeties involved in run defense?

While their primary responsibility is pass coverage, Free Safeties may also provide run support by making tackles in open space when the offense runs the ball or when ball carriers break into the secondary.

To Recap

In American football, the Free Safety (FS) stands as a linchpin of defensive prowess, specializing in deep pass coverage and interceptions.

Positioned as the last bastion in the secondary, their role is to thwart long passes, safeguard against touchdowns, and create game-changing turnovers.

With an astute ability to read the quarterback’s intentions, they serve as the defensive sentinel, orchestrating pre-snap adjustments and ensuring seamless communication within the unit.

While celebrated for their ball-hawking skills, FSs are also versatile, contributing to run support and open-field tackling.

In the grand tapestry of American football, Free Safety is the guardian of the skies, an indispensable sentinel in the quest for defensive excellence.

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John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn

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