Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
HB Screen out of Shotgun Box sends both outside receivers vertical to clear space, with the near slot receiver running a shallow flat route to occupy underneath defenders while the offensive line sets up in pass protection before releasing to lead block for the running back. The running back slips out to the flat behind the line as the primary screen target, catching the ball in space with blockers stacked in front of him. This is a screen play designed to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz packages, with the primary read being the HB out of the backfield as soon as the linemen get out ahead of him.
Defensive Reads
Watch pre-snap linebacker depth, if they are crowding the box or showing blitz, this screen will likely hit big because they run themselves out of the play. Identify user-controlled defenders lurking near the flat since a smart user player can sit on the screen and blow it up for a loss. Check defensive end alignment, wide-nine or crashing ends can actually help the screen by taking themselves out of the throwing lane. Zone shells with disciplined linebackers who stay patient and read backfield action will diagnose the screen quickly and limit it to minimal gain. Cover 3 and Cover 4 defenses with deep-dropping linebackers give the screen room to work since there is nobody sitting short to jump the route.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see linebackers creeping toward the line of scrimmage or a pre-snap blitz indicator, since the screen naturally punishes overpursuit.
Delay your throw just enough to let your offensive line get out in front of the running back, but do not hold it so long that defensive ends collapse the pocket.
Use this against man coverage teams that like to send extra rushers, since the wheel and flat routes on the backside pull defenders away from the screen lane.
Pair this with Inside Zone and PA QB Choice earlier in a drive so the defense respects the run fake and commits linebackers downhill, setting up the screen as a change of pace.
Avoid calling this against disciplined zone teams that sit their linebackers, since they can read the screen and blow it up before blockers arrive.
