What is a DB in Football? An Explanation of Defensive Backs.

Updated: August 14, 2024

What is a DB in Football?

A DB, or Defensive Back, is a term for the group of defensive players that are primarily responsible for covering wide receivers and stopping pass plays in football.

DB’s may also be referred to as “the secondary” and line up on the defensive side of the ball at the sides and in the back of the field.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• A defensive back overview

• The different types of DB's

  • Cornerback (CB)

  • Strong Safety (SS)

  • Free Safety (FS)

• Strong safety vs free safety

• Special Cases: The Nickel Defense

Defensive Backs

DB’s are often positioned behind the linebackers, in the backfield, or near the sidelines. Their main roles are to cover wide receivers , stop the pass, assist in making tackles during runs, and act as the last line of defense on the field.

In a standard football defense, there are a total of 4 defensive backs on the field at a time, each covering a specific area of the field: The 2 cornerbacks (CB) defend the far left and right sides of the field while the 2 safeties (FS,SS) will defend the middle and far middle of the field.

Exactly where and how the DB plays defense depends on which type of defensive back the player is.

Types of Defensive Backs

• Defensive backs fall into one of two groups: Cornerbacks (CB) or Safeties (S).

• Safeties (S) have two subcategories.

  • Strong Safety (SS) and Free Safety (FS).

They are all considered DB’s, but have a unique roles and responsibilities . Here is a quick breakdown of each position.

Cornerback (CB):

A cornerback (CB) is a defensive back that covers the wide receivers. They often line up directly across from them to defend passes. However, they may also blitz and defend wide run plays like sweeps and reverses . Cornerbacks will try to create a turnover through tackles, interceptions, and deflections. This requires speed, agility, and quick-decision making.

Cornerbacks are often by themselves defensively and must match the receivers speed and agility down to the inch or else they risk a completed pass.

With such a small margin for error, cornerback is arguably the hardest position to play .

Characteristics of a cornerback include:

The biggest plays are made and prevented through a cornerback. If they mess up, it is very obvious and will most likely result in a big offensive gain.

Strong Safety (SS):

A strong safety (SS) is the defensive back that lines up and on the strong side of the field and covers the tight end. As the DB closest to the football, the strong safety assists with stopping the run, but will still need to be aware of defending pass plays.

Strong safeties need to be able to consistently make tackles, so they will typically be bigger and stronger players.

However, still being a DB means they also need to be able to guard tight ends and slot receivers during pass plays. This often makes them very well-rounded players.

Characteristics of a strong safety include:

Strong Safeties have the most inconsistencies when it comes to player matchups, making them a key part of the defense.

Free Safety (FS):

A free safety (FS) is the defensive back that is responsible for defending deep passes. They are usually the furthest player away from the line of scrimmage so they can watch the play develop and follow the ball. Having no specific offensive player to cover, they are “free” to analyze how to defend as the play unfolds.

Free safeties will be still and analyze the play for a few seconds before they make their move. Most of their decision making will come from what the quarterback does.

They are sometimes referred to as the “defensive quarterback” because of this.

Characteristics of a free safety include:

Free safeties need to be extra careful when reading an offense because a good QB will look the safety off before throwing.

Strong Safety vs Free Safety

A strong safety focuses on making tackles to stop run plays and defends the tight end during pass plays. This role suits bigger and stronger players.

A free safety , meanwhile, has a minimal role in run defense. Instead, using speed and agility to cover receivers, defend deep passes, and act as the last line of defense.

So while the two are both considered safeties, one essentially acts as a more athletic linebacker while the other focuses on reading the quarterback and defense as a whole to prevent big gains from deep passes.

Special Cases: The Nickel Defense

There are a couple of special defensive formations that remove defensive lineman or linebackers and replace them with a defensive back.

One of these formations called “Nickel” changes the total number of DB’s on the field from the typical 4 to 5. This fifth DB on the field is referred to as the “Nickel” or “Nickel Back.”

For a better breakdown and visual representation of this formation, check out this guide on the Nickelback and the Nickelback Defense.

Conclusion

Defensive backs (DB’s) play a crucial role in football defense, acting as the backbone of pass defense.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cornerbacks (CB): Covering the wide receivers, they need agility, speed, and focus to prevent the average pass attempt.

2. Strong Safeties (SS): Positioned on the strong side of the field, they balance between run and pass defense, needing strength and versatility.

3. Free Safeties (FS): Furthest from the line of scrimmage, they defend deep passes and act as the last line of defense for an offense.

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