Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Slot Far is a designed screen pass that releases the running back to the flat while the offensive line initially shows pass protection before sliding out to escort the back downfield. Two outside receivers push vertical up the field to clear out cornerbacks and any underneath zone defenders, while the back slips out and drifts wide before turning upfield behind the leaking linemen. The primary read is the HB himself: get the ball out on the screen and trust the blockers in front, treating the vertical routes purely as clear out concepts rather than actual read options.
Defensive Reads
Key the offensive line at the snap: if guards or tackles release upfield immediately without engaging rushers, jump the screen call before the back gets his blockers set. Spy the running back with a linebacker or nickel defender instead of committing every underneath defender to the vertical clear out routes. Diagnose man coverage pre-snap on the two outside receivers and expect the screen since those routes are designed purely to occupy cornerbacks. Watch for delayed rushers who peel off contain to sit and read the backfield, since undisciplined interior blitzers are the easiest way for this screen to hit big. Sit a user controlled defender in the flat or shallow zone to jump the throwing lane the instant the HB shows outside leak.
Usage Tips
Call this against aggressive user blitzers who crash the pocket immediately after the snap since the delayed release into the flat punishes overpursuit.
Watch pre-snap for man coverage on the outside receivers because their vertical releases will pull cornerbacks off the ball and open a bigger throwing lane to the HB.
Pair this with HB Dive and FB Dive from the same personnel group so defenses respect inside run action and bite up front, making the screen even more effective off tendency.
Avoid throwing this into zone shells with linebackers sitting flat footed at the line since they can read the screen quickly and blow it up before blockers get set.
Use it on early downs after a couple of quick game passes like Curl Drag or Double Slant to slow down pass rush lanes and set up the screen as a change of pace call.
