Afc South Safeties: The Defensive Powerhouses Of The Nfl

The Importance of Safeties in the NFL

When it comes to the game of football, the spotlight is often on the quarterback and the offensive players. However, the importance of safeties in the NFL cannot be understated. Safeties are the last line of defense and play a crucial role in preventing the opposing team from scoring. In the AFC South, there are several standout safeties who have been making waves in the league.

The Best Safeties in the AFC South

Kevin Byard – Tennessee Titans

Kevin Byard is widely considered one of the best safeties in the NFL, not just the AFC South. He has been a consistent force for the Tennessee Titans, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Byard is a ball hawk, with a knack for intercepting passes and making game-changing plays. His ability to read the quarterback and anticipate plays has made him a valuable asset to the Titans defense.

Justin Reid – Houston Texans

Justin Reid is a young safety who has already made a big impact for the Houston Texans. He was a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and quickly made a name for himself with his hard-hitting style of play. Reid has a great blend of size, speed, and athleticism, which allows him to cover a lot of ground and make plays all over the field. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team in 2018 and is poised to have a bright future in the NFL.

Kenny Moore II – Indianapolis Colts

While Kenny Moore II is technically a cornerback, he often plays in the slot and has a lot of responsibilities in the Colts defense. He is a versatile player who can cover receivers, blitz off the edge, and make plays in the run game. Moore II has been a key contributor for the Colts since joining the team in 2017 and was rewarded with a four-year contract extension in 2019. His ability to make plays all over the field makes him a valuable asset to the Colts defense.

Kevin Johnson – Jacksonville Jaguars

Kevin Johnson is a new addition to the AFC South, having signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. He was a first-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2015 but had an injury-plagued career with the team. Johnson has a lot of potential and could be a breakout player for the Jaguars if he can stay healthy. He has good size and speed, which allows him to match up well with bigger receivers. If Johnson can stay on the field, he could be a valuable addition to the Jaguars defense.

The Role of Safeties in Today’s NFL

The NFL has evolved over the years, and the role of safeties has changed as well. In today’s NFL, safeties are asked to do more than just play deep and prevent big plays. They are often called upon to play in the slot, blitz off the edge, and make tackles in the run game. The best safeties in the league are versatile players who can do it all.

Tips for Playing Safety in the NFL

If you want to play safety in the NFL, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, you need to be a smart player who can read the quarterback and anticipate plays. You also need to be a great communicator, as safeties often have to make calls and adjustments for the rest of the defense.

Physical skills are also important for safeties. You need to have good speed, agility, and tackling ability. You should also work on your ball skills, as interceptions and pass breakups can make a huge difference in a game.

Review of the AFC South Safeties

The safeties in the AFC South are some of the best in the NFL. From Kevin Byard’s ball-hawking abilities to Justin Reid’s hard-hitting style of play, these players are making an impact on their respective teams. Kenny Moore II’s versatility and Kevin Johnson’s potential make them intriguing players to watch as well.

Tutorial: How to Watch Safeties in the NFL

Watching safeties in the NFL can be a bit tricky, as they often play deep and aren’t always involved in every play. However, if you want to learn how to watch safeties, here are a few tips:

1. Pay attention to the pre-snap alignment of the safeties. Are they playing deep or near the line of scrimmage?
2. Watch how the safeties react to the offense’s formation and motion. Do they adjust their alignment or make calls to their teammates?
3. Keep an eye on the safeties during passing plays. Are they dropping deep or coming up to make a play on the ball?
4. Watch how the safeties tackle. Do they wrap up and bring the ball carrier down, or do they go for the big hit?

In Conclusion

The safeties in the AFC South are some of the best in the NFL, and they play a crucial role in their respective teams’ defenses. From Kevin Byard’s interceptions to Justin Reid’s hard hits, these players are making an impact every game. If you want to learn how to watch safeties in the NFL, pay attention to their pre-snap alignment, reaction to offensive formations, and tackling technique. With these tips in mind, you’ll have a better understanding of the role safeties play in the game of football.