Even the terms, Strong Safety, and Free Safety don't tell all of the story. The term, Strong Safety derives from the fact that he lines up on the strong side to support run defense, and may have man-coverage responsibility for the TE. The Free Safety has no man-coverage responsibilty and is thus "free" to roam.
Of course, in a Cover 2 Zone both safeties defend the deep areas (halves) of field. In such case, they could just as well be referred to as strong and weak safeties or, as in the manner of CBs, just left and right safeties.
In a Cover 3 Zone, which divides and defends the deep area in thirds, it is not unusual for a Cornerback to be positioned to the outside third which is most likely to be challenged by the opponent's deep threat, or fastest WR on a 9 route Go.
And finally, when the Strong Safety is playing close to the LOS, perhaps in the box, on an expected running play, the Free Safety is likely to be playing in a single high safety position to protect against a deep throw off play action.
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
-Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)
[Cheers!
Of course, in a Cover 2 Zone both safeties defend the deep areas (halves) of field. In such case, they could just as well be referred to as strong and weak safeties or, as in the manner of CBs, just left and right safeties.
In a Cover 3 Zone, which divides and defends the deep area in thirds, it is not unusual for a Cornerback to be positioned to the outside third which is most likely to be challenged by the opponent's deep threat, or fastest WR on a 9 route Go.
And finally, when the Strong Safety is playing close to the LOS, perhaps in the box, on an expected running play, the Free Safety is likely to be playing in a single high safety position to protect against a deep throw off play action.
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
-Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)
[Cheers!