Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Pistol Bunch TE releases the bunch receivers on two deep clearing routes to the far side while the inside receiver runs a shallow drag to occupy the second level, dragging linebackers and corners away from the backfield. The offensive line shows a slip screen release, sliding to the play side to set up blockers in front of the RB who slips out into the flat for the pass. This is a screen play designed to beat aggressive man coverage and blitz-heavy zone pressure by getting the ball out quickly to the HB with blockers already in space. Primary read progression is simply getting the ball to the HB in the flat as your first and only read, then letting the blocking convoy work.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers with quick screen recognition, since a fast diagnosing edge defender can blow this up before blockers set up. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone with linebackers sitting short, they can undercut the screen lane by staying home instead of chasing the clearing routes. Man coverage with blitz packages is where this play hits best because the rushers overrun the play side and the clearing routes pull defensive backs out of position. Key on user-controlled defenders spying the backfield or shading toward the RB pre-snap, as a spy or lurk defender is the biggest threat to this concept. If linebackers stay disciplined and read the offensive line sliding instead of dropping into coverage, they can jump the screen for a loss.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or in obvious blitz downs when you see linebackers creeping toward the line pre-snap or a heavy box count. Look for man coverage indicators like corners in press alignment on the bunch, since the clearing routes will pull defenders vertically and open the screen lane. Delay your throw slightly to let the offensive linemen get out in front of the HB rather than throwing immediately off the snap. Pair this with Verticals or Flood from the same set so defenses that key on run action or screen tendencies get punished by play-action shots downfield. Use in third and short or second and medium to keep defenses honest against the run game tendencies from HB Dive and HB Zone in this set.
