What Does SS Mean in Football?
The SS position refers to the "strong safety" – a versatile defensive back role that lines up on the strong side of the formation, closest to the tight end.
Acting as a hybrid linebacker/safety, the SS walks down into the box to stuff the run while also dropping back in intermediate coverage. Safeties coach Taver Johnson calls it "the most challenging position on defense."
In today‘s NFL, having an elite athlete who can toggle between being a force defender against bruising RBs and running stride-for-stride with athletic TEs is invaluable.
The Origins of Strong Safety
The SS designation comes from the flip side of the free safety (FS) – originating in coaching legend Tom Landry‘s "Flex Defense" scheme in the 1950s. While the FS was the center fielder roaming the deep middle, the SS played closer to the line, earning nicknames like "monsterman."
As offenses began using TEs more dynamically in the passing game, the SS became valued for being able to negate those athletic mismatches. Their toughness against the run and increasing coverage responsibilities predicated a modern prototype – the box safety who can still move like a corner.
Why the SS Role Is Critical in Today‘s NFL
With offenses more unpredictable than ever before – the SS has become a "jack of all trades" for defensive coordinators.
They must diagnose plays rapidly post-snap, trigger downhill to stop inside runs, bump and run to disrupt routes, and prevent deep shots over top from their area of responsibility.
Plus, with more spacing from faster receivers, SS must cover more ground, as the NFL‘s leading tackler safety Xavier McKinney explains:
"You have to be on point and be looking at a lot of things to get a proper read. Things happen a lot faster."
The Stats Prove It
- 6 of the NFL‘s top 7 leaders in tackles in 2022 were Strong Safeties
- SS often finish top 5 in passes defended among DBs
- 56% of SS were top 3 in tackles on their team
This two-way stylistic dominance allows DCs to get creative with SS alignments and blitz packages while not surrendering an ounce of coverage ability.
Strong Safety vs. Other Defensive Positions
How does the strong safety role differ from other keystone positions on defense?
vs. Free Safety – While both safeties can be interchangeable, the SS tends to play in the box while the FS plays deep. SS defend the run more while FS focus on preventing big passes over the top.
vs. Linebackers – LBs have more gap control and rush defense duties than SS. However, SS match up better in man coverage against shifty RBs and TEs – especially as LBs get smaller and faster themselves.
vs. Cornerbacks – CBs primarily shadow WRs out wide and outside the numbers. SS play more inside and across the middle – dealing with slot WRs, TEs, and RBs leaking out. They also fill against the run much more than CBs.
vs. D-Line – DL eat blocks and penetrate against the run at the line of scrimmage. SS play off the ball and respond to the play‘s intent post-snap – a level higher than DL. SS defend in space at point of attack.
In summary, the SS role amalgamates skills from LB/S/CB into a versatile defender. Unique not just in physical traits but also field vision, processing, reaction time, and sure tackling.
The Prototypical Strong Safety Build
So what does the ideal SS look and play like from a measurable standpoint? Based on recent draft analysis, here is the consensus archetype:
- Height/Weight – 5‘11, 215 pounds
- 40-yard Dash – 4.5 seconds
- Vertical Leap – 35+ inches (explosion)
- 20-Yd Shuttle – 4.2 seconds (change of direction)
- 3-Cone Drill – 7.1 seconds (fluid movement skills)
This size/speed/agility combination allows SS to thrive in that "box safety" role – strong/stout enough to fill against lead blockers, quick enough to run & cover modern "space players" like TEs/RBs.
They must also have the ball skills and instincts to react fast and get hands on throws over the middle. Elite SS anticipate routes and make plays in zone coverage.
Examples of Premier Strong Safeties
The SS position has produced some mega stars in recent seasons – three in particular stand out for their well-rounded dominance:
Derwin James (Chargers) – At 6‘2, 215 with a 4.47 40, James is the new prototype. The do-it-all weapon racks up tackles near LOS but can also lock down TEs and slot WRs without any coverage limitations.
Jamal Adams (Seahawks) – One of only two SS with multiple 10+ sack seasons, the ultra-physical Adams plays more snaps in box (65%) than any other SS, patrolling as an extra ‘backer.
Minkah Fitzpatrick (Steelers) – Possessing cornerback fluidity and ballhawking skills (13 INTs in 4 years), Fitzpatrick takes away chunk plays and erases tight ends with positioning.
Each of these rising superstars showcases the pinnacle traits of a complete modern SS – from alley fills to blitzes to man coverage.
But schematic usage also plays a key role…
Schemes and Alignment Variations
Progressive defensive minds utilize Strong Safeties in creative ways to unlock matchup advantages:
| Personnel Package | SS Alignment | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Base 4-3 | In Box | Fill/support vs. run heavy |
| Nickel | In Slot | Man coverage of "Big" Slot |
| Dime | Robber Zone | Take away deep middle |
| Big Nickel | Outside CB | Man coverage on #1 WR |
This formation flexibility is the perfect encapsulation of the SS position in 2024 – an athletic chess piece that augments the defensive structure however needed.
Some also use a hybrid S/LB "Money" backer role with SS-like box duties.
How Rule Changes Impacted SS Utilization
As offensive football has trended towards more passing and spacing, rules have shifted to promote safety and reduce injuries:
- Illegal Contact (2004) – Disallowed contact vs. WRs beyond 5 yards and elevated aerial attacks
- Defenseless Receiver (2009) – Prevented hits to head/neck area of receivers in process of catch
- Helmet-to-Helmet (2010+) – Significantly penalized helmet contact and reckless tackling
These legislations reduced highlight hits but limited physicality of old school box safeties. Modern SS had to retain stout presence but add range, speed, and avoidance of dangerous collisions.
Athletic prowess was prioritized over blunt force – revolutionizing the position.
Substitutions & Personnel Packages
Given larger WR/TE personnels designed to stretch defenses, Strong Safety substitutions are often tied to offensive groupings:
- More big nickel vs. 12/13 packages (3+ WR/TE)
- Extra SS to match bigger slot WR
- SS rotation to keep them fresh entering crucial downs
Rotational depth and positional versatility is huge now with SS playing almost 100% snaps in some games while running similar mileage to WRs.
NFL Draft – Top SS Prospects
The 2023 draft class features exciting next generation SS talent ready to make an instant impact:
Brian Branch (Alabama) – Pedigree from Nick Saban DB factory. Sticky man coverage and explosive tackling.
Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M) – Tall rangy build at 6‘3. Elite athletic measurables. Plays with aggression and hustle.
Jordan Battle (Alabama) – Prototypical SS frame. Excellent instincts, route recognition, and ball production (3 INTs in 2022)
These future pros exemplify the streamlined but muscular blueprint – with advanced ability to drop their hips, redirect sharply, and close distances in a flash.
The SS role has rapidly evolved from an alley brawler to one of the most well-rounded defensive weapons. With offenses spreading out and attacking all areas of the field, having a dominant Strong Safety who can shut down multiple dimensions is mission-critical to slowing elite attacks.
