Two of the most important defensive positions in football are the linebacker and safety positions. Due to the similarities people are often confused on what the differences are between these two defensive positions.
A safety is the defense’s last line of defense and are faster and better at covering receivers than linebackers. Linebackers on the other hand are typically bigger and better suited to stop the run. Linebackers line up in the middle of the defense while the safeties are lined up at the back.
In this article, we will discuss more in-depth on what the differences are between a defensive safety and the linebacker position. Including important position characteristics, skills, responsibilities and everything you need to know about these two positions.
Let’s get started.
Linebackers vs. Safeties
Although both safeties and linebackers share some of the same responsibilities both in pass coverage and stopping the run. They do have some key differences that are important to call out.
Linebackers must be able to stop the run by filling gaps and making tackle while also being able to cover receivers and blitz on passing plays. However, most linebackers are better suited to stop the run and arn’t as good in pass coverage than safeties. Linebackers are bigger than safeties, but arnt’ as fast. Their bigger players that excel at being able to take on linemen and stop the run.
Safeties also have both run stopping and pass coverage respsonblites. However, they are better in pass coverage than linebackers and are typically faster and smaller. They still need to be able to come up and help with run defensive, but also need to be versatile enough to cover receivers and running backs on passing plays.
Although each defensive scheme or team may require different responsibilities for each position, here are some general key characters and attributes most linebackers and safeties should have and be able to do.
Linebackers
- Line up in the middle of the field between the linemen and safeties
- Responsible to stop the run and provide passing coverage for the middle of the field.
- Are more run stopping oriented
- Responsible for filling gaps the defensive linemen can’t on running plays
- Typically guard running backs and TE on passing plays
- Faster than linemen, but bigger then safeties and defensive backs
- Often blitz
- Slower and not as good in pass coverage
Safeties
- Extremely versatile
- Have both run and pass coverage responsibilities
- Line up at the back of the defense behind the linebackers and are consider the last line of defense
- Considered to be stronger and more physical than defensive backs
- Are typically responsible to guard deep on their half of the field on passing plays
- Sometimes blitz to put pressure on the offense
Most casual football fans might not know that there are also different types of safeties and linebackers. Let’s talk about each of the specific positions more in-depth.
The Linebacker Position
Linebackers typically line up three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage in between the defensive linemen and safeties. They are essential for any defense to stop the run and the passing of an offense.
There are three different linebacker positions, the middle linebacker (“The Mike”), the strong-side linebacker (“The Sam”), and the weak-side linebacker (“The Will”). The first letter in each of the nick names helps players remember if they should be line up on the weak (Will) or strong (Sam) side of the offense.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these linebacker positions and discuss some similarities and differences.
Middle Linebacker
It’s probably not a surprise given the name that middle linebackers line up in the middle of the field and are positioned in between the two outside linebackers (strong side & weak side). Middle linebackers are consider to be the QB of the defensive as they often receive the defensive play calls and are responsible to ensure the defense runs the correct play.
Middle linebackers are a jack-of-all-trades and are asked to blitz, cover or spy on the quarterback or even guard receivers or zones on passing plays. You might hear them be called by their nickname “Mike” which helps players remember the position.
Strong-Side Linebacker
The “Sam” or strong-side linebacker is the linebacker that lines up on the strong side which is where the TE lines up on offense or whichever side contains the most offensive players. The strong-side linebacker usually lines up about 5 yards off from the TE. Strong-side linebackers are key run stoppers. The “Will” usually lines up on the opposite side of the strong-side linebacker (“Sam”).
Weak-Side Linebacker
The weak-side linebacker, or the “Will” must be the fastest of the three differents linebacking positions, as they are often the one called into pass coverage. They are also usually chasing runningbacks down from the opposite side of the football field. They help both in pass coverage and run defense.
For more information about these different linebacker positions check out this article by americanfootballdatabase.com
The Safety Position
The safety position (S) is considered a defensive back (covers receivers) and is the last line of defense. They will typically line up about ten to fifteen yards behind the line of scrimmage and will cover wide receivers, running backs, tight ends and will come up and support the run on running plays.
There are two different safety positions, a strong safety (SS) and a free safety (FS). Their respective roles on defense might vary upon the defensive scheme or play call, but they will generally be involved in pass coverage toward the middle and sideline of the field.
Although both of these positions are similar, there are some key differences regarding their role on the defense.
Let’s take a closer look at both the strong and free safety position and discuss some similarities and differences.
Strong Safety
The strong safety position is essentially a hybrid between a linebacker and a corner. Their primary responsibility is to stop the run, but are also expected to cover and blitz during passing plays.
They are called strong safety because they line up on the “strong side” of the offense. Meaning they will line up on the side of the field where the majority of the offensive player’s line up. Due to their role on defense they tend to line up closer to the line of scrimmage than the free safety.
This allows them to be ready to stop the run, but also blitz or cover running backs and tight ends on passing plays.
Most strong safeties are built more like linebackers and are typically bigger and more powerful than free safeties. This power allows them to shed blockers and ensure they attack the offense quickly.
Strong Safeties also need to be fast as they tend to cover a lot of the field and are a key component in both the running and passing game.
Free Safety
The free safety (FS) position is much different than the strong safeties. They are typically built more like cornerbacks and are faster and smaller when compared to the strong safety and linebacker positions.
A free safety is the defensive player that would “cover” the quarterback on passing plays. Since the quarterback typically remains in the pocket, the FS is free to blitz or help other teammates in pass coverage.
During running plays, free safeties typically go unblocked allowing them to come up and attack when they see the play develop.
They tend to line up about ten to fifteen yards behind the line of scrimmage and can have a number of responsibilities depending upon the defensive play and scheme.
Free safeties or best known for their pass covering skills and are the last line of defense on the football field. Most of them will sit back, survey the field, and attack where needed.
They also play an important role in stopping the run and will come up, avoid blockers, and make key tackles on running plays.
For more detailed information on comparing these two defensive positions check out this article: Strong Safety vs. Free Safety [Full Explanation]
Football Positions
Linebacker Safety Hybrid Position
As offensive passing attacks have improved and become more popular defenses have been forced to adjust to become more versatile and less predictable. As a result a new defensive position called a hybrid or lineback safety hybrid has emerged and is gaining popularity.
The hybrid position on defense is a defensive player that must excel at multiple roles in both pass coverage and run stopping. Think of a player that is built like a strong safety or middle linebacker, but that can also blitz like a defensive end and cover like a safety. These players typically weight less than 230 pounds can blitz, are excellent at stopping the run and help in pass coverage. Find a good hybrid defender is rare but when a defense does have one they can be extremly valuable.
For more information and how hybrid defenders are changing today’s football check out this article by Bleacher Report.
Final Thoughts
These two defensive positions are one of the more challenging positions to play in football. These players need to have a diverse skill-set and body type unlike many other positions.
Although both safeties and linebackers play defense they each have unique responsibilities and skills that may vary depending upon the defensive scheme.
I hope this article has helped provide you with some insight on the differences and similarities between football positions.