Playbooks

HB Slip Screen

Pistol·Strong·21

Screen Pass Hb Screen Pass Play Corner In Streak

Play diagram for HB Slip Screen from Pistol Strong in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationPistol

SetStrong

Personnel

212 RB · 1 TE · 2 WR

In 10 playbooks

Fix OffenseOffense Air Raid OffenseOffense Colts OffenseOffense Elites OffenseOffense Pistol OffenseOffense Ravens OffenseOffense Sim Veritcaltespine Ph OffenseOffense Two Back OffenseOffense NFL Live Colts OffenseOffense NFL Live Ravens OffenseOffense

Breakdown

HB Slip Screen out of Pistol Strong sends both outside receivers vertical to clear the underneath area, with the X receiver running a corner route and the slot receiver breaking hard to the flag, dragging coverage deep. Up front the offensive line shows pass protection before slipping out to wall off defenders for the HB, who releases to the flat opposite the deep routes as the screen outlet. This is a classic screen pass designed as a blitz beater and zone beater, punishing aggressive pass rush and man coverage that bites on the vertical releases. The primary read is the HB in the flat first, with the two vertical routes serving as clear out options if the screen is jumped by a linebacker or slot corner.

Defensive Reads

Watch for user controlled linebackers sitting in the short middle zone, since a disciplined defender who reads screen can blow this up before the blockers set. Check safety depth pre-snap, if both safeties are deep in a two high shell they are less likely to help against the screen quickly, which favors the offense. Post-snap, key on defensive ends and edge rushers, if they crash hard upfield without containing the flat, the HB has a wide open lane. Nickel and slot corners who sit and read instead of chasing the vertical release are the biggest threat to this play, since they can undercut the screen route. Man coverage with aggressive press corners is the easiest shell to attack, while disciplined zone defenses with linebackers spying the backfield can sniff this screen out and limit the gain.

Usage Tips

Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers or safeties creeping to the line, since the screen action neutralizes extra rushers before they arrive.

Let your linemen get out in front of the HB before throwing, do not rush the release or you will throw into a leverage disadvantage.

Use this in obvious passing downs like third and long or after a hard run play like HB Power or HB Off Tackle to keep the defense honest and set up the screen off run action tendencies.

If the defense shows man coverage with corners playing tight press, this is a strong counter since the vertical releases from X and the slot pull defenders away from the HB immediately.

Pair this with PA Corner HB Slip or HB Counter in the same set to keep opposing defenders guessing between run fits and screen recognition, then hit the slip screen when you see linebackers flowing hard to the play side.