Free Safety vs Strong Safety

Would someone explain the differences between these two positions?

 

strong safety is more of a hard-hitting tackler, while the free safety is typically faster and more of a coverage guy

 

It depends on the scheme. In some cases there is very little difference, they share the same responsibilities. SS will generally cover a TE or sometimes a RB, FS will usually cover the slot or a RB...then again might draw the TE.
The SS is usually a cross between a LB and FS, but often has more specific coverage assignments than the FS. The FS will sometimes be just that, Free to roam.

 

FS is a cornerback minus quickness

 

I would like to officially take offense to that statement.

 

Depends largely on the system and the call.
To be generalistic, the free safety is called as such because he tends to have less responsibility in the general football world. The SS would more often take the TE in man, the FS would float or be "free", obviously.
As the roles have changed somewhat and teams have gotten out of putting the SS in the box as much, more teams have interchangeable players there.
They still line up, in theory, according to strength of defense. They still are more likely to have the same assignments. But with a lot more zone, the assignment is dictated by the zone, not the position.

 

Why couldn't we just play three corners and a strong safety. We would give up a little run support but add some coverage ability. Maybe Gamble and Wesley get more playing time this way.

 

This just about sums it up with the exception of teams that play some variation of the 8 man front. Teams that play 8 man front are limited to playing cover 3 or straight man. You find more teams that utilize an 8 man front at the HS level. It used to be prevalent at the college level as well.

 

What you call a guy is not relevant as it pertains to the scheme. Example, in cover 2 both press corners are going to have jam responsibilities and then the flats. The 2 remaining secondary members play deep halves.

 

What do you do under cover 2 when the offense brings in a third or fourth wide out?