Big Blue Huddle

Painter is correct the names are defined by the roles in the defense more than a player's attibutes.   While I don't have hard numbers to back this up, it seems to me we have seen safeties get a little smaller and faster over the past decade or so.   So in  way they are adopting to the trend you have noted BCBud.   
Still in most defensive schemes the tackling ability of a safety is challenged far more than that of a cornerback.     In most between the tackle runs, the safeties are the last line of defense.  A missed tackle by either on of them, can result in a long gain and touchdown.   
They are also the player that is brought down closer to the line of scrimmage to take on duties, similar to a linebacker, when you put 8 men in the box.   So again the safety needs to be stronger tackler.   
On the passing side of things, I think you see corners used in M2M far more often than you will see a safety being called on to do so.  When safeties are called on to cover M2M, it's usually a running back or TE.   These are players where a little more size and strength are helpful.  So there is another reason why safeties need to be a little bigger and stronger than a corner.
It's my opinion that the need for quality safeties has grown over the years.   They are needed to handle the increasing numbers of big athletic TEs, to handle the good running teams and provide much needed help in covering the pass happy offenses.   

It's all about the game.  Anything to do with Xs and Os or other similar topics is welcome here.  If you have a question, post it and others will answer.  If you want to help educate others, post a thread.   If you want to talk about a topic, just post it up.

WOW!  Imagine if a Giants QB (or any player for that matter) called out his teammates as "lazy".

Finally here is a simple passing tree for a WR on the left side and a RB passing tree.

Now I will give you a slightly different take:

Pass Route Tree
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The Pass Route Tree (below) illustrates the basic pass routes run by eligible receivers.  As a rule odd numbered pass routes are run to the inside portion of the field, even numbered routes to the outside.  Basic patterns are to the left in the diagram, specialty routes to the right.  Pass routes can be called by number or by name.  In a passing play like the 838 Deep Cross, the numbers specify that the outside receiver run a #8 patter, the man next inside him a #3 pattern, the next receiver another #8 pattern.  Of course, patterns can be modified.  For example the Float is merely a soft, dragging slant pattern.  The out and up is a combination of a five yard out pattern and the Fly pattern. The pass routes or patterns depicted here are numbered as follows.  #0=The Zero or Curl Pass.  #1=5 yard Cross or In.  #2=5 yard Out or Sideline.  #3=10 yard Cross.  #4=10 yard Out.  #5=10 yard Hook or Stop (In).  #6=10 yard Hook (Outside).  #7=Post. #8=Post Corner.  #9=Fly or Go.  I personally do not favor pass route numbers higher than one digit as this hampers many play calling techniques.  Other pass routes can be specified by letters of the alphabet or by name, as in the Flag, Fade, Slant, Float, and the Out and Up.  Many coaches use what I call the Banana route where a pattern such as the Post is rounded or bowed in shape.


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Other Pass Plays
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    The Out and Up Pass is a dangerous play designed to take advantage of single (Man to Man) coverage.  It requires some "setting up" by having a receiver run the #2 pattern--the five yard out pattern--several times previously.  Then the quarterback simply calls the out and up, the receiver runs the out, the quarterback "pumps" the fake pass, then hits the receiver on the fly.
    The Curl Pass simply calls for a receiver coming out of the back field in the Curl or Zero Pattern.
    The Hitch Pass calls for multiple receivers to one side of the field, then the primary receiver simply steps back a step and catches the quick toss following the blocking of the other receivers around him. One or more linemen can pull around the corner to offer blocking assistance.
    The Hitch and Go calls for a pump fake by the quarterback during the hitch, then hitting the receiver on a fly pattern.  The Hitch and Go is set up by first running a few hitch plays.
    The Hail Mary involves multiple receivers coming together at one deep spot in an effort to outnumber the defenders at the point of reception.

I know when I started to try and learn more about football, this was one of the first things I felt I needed to master.  You will often hear the names of various routes used by announcers, players and writers.   I will tell you that it's complicated concept.  You have what's called a passing tree.  What that is, is that routes are all listed, usually with numbers assigned to them.  Secondly you often will have a different passing tree for WRs, RBs and TEs.    Finally the names of routes are not universal and will vary from coach to coach.   I will start out with a passing tree that covers most of the positions.

QuoteI have a great wife and a son who will be 11 soon.  I am very proud of of him on a number of fronts, but for our purposes he is big Giants fan in the middle of Cowboy country.  He sticks to his guns even though he has put up with a lot of crap!

Bet its been a lot better the past couple of weeks.

Former offensive lineman and current offensive line coach at Lehigh University, John Powers understands the importance of pass blocking to any football team.


"I could talk about that for hours," he said. "In general, for someone who doesn't know anything about football, pass blocking is when the quarterback sets up a pass either right behind the center or somewhere outside the box. So the offensive linemen want to make sure that they keep all defenders in front of him to give him enough time to throw the football."


When you first look at offensive linemen, it's obvious that their mammoth size and build is what stands out. Most people think that if someone is big and mean, they automatically have what it takes to be a pretty decent offensive lineman.

But actually, being big and strong is only half the story. Offensive linemen are probably one of the more technical and technique driven positions on the field.


"Being a good pass blocker is all good feet, good balance, good handwork, and toughness," Powers said. "Plus, having the knowledge of your skills so you know who to block are always good added factors."


The most important step to remember when pass blocking is the first step: getting in a good starting position.

Offensive linemen should assume a good three-point stance with the feet shoulder length apart. As Powers said earlier, this allows for good balance, a key for any offensive linemen to be successful.


Once the feet are shoulder length apart, the offensive lineman should put his body in a position where he can explode out of his stance in a hurry.


The next step is the explosion. When the football is snapped, offensive linemen want to get under the pads of the defensive players. Getting under the pads of a defensive player should ultimately upset his balance slowing down his rush to the quarterback.


When attempting to get under the pads of a defensive player, the offensive lineman must remember to use his hands properly. His hands should always be on the inside of a defensive lineman when blocking as to prevent the possibility of a hold.


If the defensive player forces the offensive lineman's hands outside of the body, the offensive lineman has basically put himself in an even more difficult blocking position.


"If you're not using your hands and keeping the defenders at bay you're going to give up some sacks," said Powers.


And last but not least, offensive linemen should remember to continue to push and drive with their feet. Just as important as their hands, the way they pump and drive their feet is just as important.

http://sports.expertvillage.com/experts/tips-pass-blocking.htm

Here is a nice covering some of the pass blocking basics.

http://www.expertvillage.com/player.swf?flv=offensive-guard-football-pass-block

Here is a video that demonstrates some of the (although called by different names).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehkEw-Q26yI

Found this excellent summary of pass rushing and pass blocking techniques.

Techniques of pass blocking

1. Rider:
Blocking uses the rushers reactions and momentum to keep him out of the pocket. He relies on his balance, maneuverability and use of his hands to ward off hand grabs. He is most susceptible to the shoulder and quick drive, with a counter move off of each.

2. Pop & recoil:
This technique is used to stop the overpowering type player. It is an aggressive head block from the numbers up under the chin and recoiling back to position for a follow up, pop, cut or ride. He is susceptible to the pull and swipe. Quickness in getting by this type blocker before he can regain his recoil position is important.

3. Set & cut:
Generally employed by shorter players often used on short passes and as a change of pace for the overpowering type rusher and arm swiper. The use of the hands in pulling this blocker aside or head faking with a pull is effective. A rusher should jump or limp-leg this blocker occasionally. Always strive to get one leg over the cut block to insure maximum recoverability.

4. Aggressive:
This is a butt block used on play action passes. The fake of a run to disguise the pass holds the defender momentarily; however, the blocker generally is over extended and easily pulled or thrown off balance.

5. Quick action:
An aggressive head block through the groin designed to tie up the legs and keep the hands down on short passes. This technique is susceptible to quick pull or jumping over blocker.

Pass rush techniques

1. Shoulder drive:
Strong surge over outside shoulder of offensive lineman. It is designed to defeat the rider type blocker that lacks strength or sets inside too much. This is an all-out assault to whip your man physically, and must your first technique because it sets your man for all other escape moves.


No head fakes, pull or throw, but simply a Power thrust at the point where the QB sets up.
Force the blocker back into the QB.
Once you have been successful you have forced the blocker to commit his strength to stop you. He is ready for the fake shoulder drive and throw off-shoulder, arm and hand swipe.
It is vital that the inside shoulder is forward and under the blocker and hold your leverage and momentum throughout the drive.

2. Quick drive:
This is the speed escape designed to outrun the blocker that sets inside too much, has slow footwork or crosses over to engage the rusher. Should also be used when QB does not step back into the pocket to give blocker advantage.


It is to your advantage to widen your position slightly or drive directly upfield to avoid immediate contact with blocker. You are sprinting to a point and attempting to defeat your opponents poor footwork and quickness. The ideal time to exploit this is on an inside blitz.
Jerk blocker towards l.o.s. simultaneously stepping away from him on the side you intend to escape.
A quick head fake inside your initial move is often effective.

3. Counter:
This move is opposite the throw. You are faking a rush and pulling the blocker that sets towards you or to l.o.s. it is good against pop and recoil type, aggressive control or one who gets his head down and his weight committed forward.


Fake an inside or out rush with a strong hand grab n the shoulder pads good head fake important.
Jerk blocker towards l.o.s simultaneously stepping away form him on side you intend to escape.

4. Swim:
Charge the blockers outside and grand pull his shoulders with your outside hand. Simultaneously with this pull, reach over his shoulder with your inside arm and catapult yourself free from his block in the direction of the passer.


An inside head fake is a good combination as it is an even more effective technique if the blocker is leading away form your move.
Along with the reaching technique, the rusher should combine a quick thrust.

http://www.nflhs.com/tipsdrills/PositionIndex/dl2_06302006_jjc.asp

   You're right John.  I posted the NE one instead of the Packer one.  Good catch and I am glad you posted the right one.  I'll fix my original post.

Spider it should bring you to a clip entitled:

WK 17 Anatomy of a Play: Brady to Moss for the record

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d805b5d95

Here is a quick clip of Pierce explaining how he keys a run by the WR movement.

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d802fde2c

Here is one with the Giants D getting beaten by TO in week 10

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d805b5d95