Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Pro Far is a designed screen pass built to bait an aggressive pass rush. The offensive line and slot receiver show pass block/drag action while the running back slips out to the flat as the linemen release downfield to set up blockers in front of him. Two vertical routes from the outside receivers occupy the deep coverage and clear out the underneath zones, while the near-side receiver runs a short comeback/curl to hold the corner. This is a zone and blitz beater, with the primary read being the HB in the flat as soon as he clears the line, working to the leverage created by the releasing linemen.
Defensive Reads
Watch for user-controlled defensive linemen spying or dropping into the throwing lane, since a disciplined interior rush can bat down or sniff out the screen before it develops. Key the flat defender or curl to flat zone player, if he sits at the line reading the backfield instead of covering the two deep vertical routes, he can jump the screen for a big loss. Identify blitz packages pre-snap, since aggressive man pressure with no spy is exactly what this play is designed to punish, but a well-timed defensive line stunt or contain rush can collapse the pocket before the screen sets up. Check safety depth, if a safety is sitting shallow near the line of scrimmage, he can close on the HB quickly and limit the yardage even if the screen is thrown cleanly. Look for linebackers reading run/screen keys and staying patient, disciplined zone defenses that keep linebackers at proper depth take away the passing lanes to the flat and force a checkdown loss.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or after you have shown pass protection heavy sets to keep the defense honest against edge pressure and delayed blitzes.
Check the defensive front pre-snap: if you see four or more defenders showing blitz intent or crashing the edges, this play is a great answer since it turns their aggression into a numbers advantage in the flat.
Use the vertical routes on the outside as a built-in hot route trigger, if the corners bail deep in zone, throw the screen immediately since the flat should be wide open.
Sequence this after HB Dive or Omaha to keep linebackers downhill and flat-footed, then hit the slip screen to make them pay for over pursuing the run action.
Avoid calling this into press man coverage with no blitz since the flat defender can sit on the route and blow it up before blockers get set.
