Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Cross Screen out of Shotgun Bunch Offset is a designed screen pass that sends the bunch receivers vertical and horizontal to clear out space while the offensive line and TE release to lead block for the running back on a crossing screen to the opposite side. The diagram shows three receivers from the bunch pushing deep routes (a corner, a seam, and a deep out) to occupy underneath defenders and second level linebackers, while the running back sneaks out to the flat behind a wall of blockers. This is a classic screen concept designed to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz packages, with the primary read being the HB in the flat first, then working to the deep out route if the screen is sniffed out.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and linebackers reading the screen and staying home instead of rushing, since disciplined edge defenders can blow this play up before blockers get set. Identify man coverage pre-snap by checking corner alignment on the bunch receivers, since tight man coverage means those defenders will be occupied downfield and away from the screen. Post-snap, look for a user-controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting in a lurk zone underneath, since a smart user can jump the screen lane and cause a negative play. Zone coverage shells with linebackers dropping into short zones can undercut the screen if they read backfield flow quickly, so this play struggles against disciplined zone defenses that do not bite on run action. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge are the ideal defense to attack here, since the extra rushers create natural running lanes once the screen blockers engage.
Usage Tips
Call this play against overly aggressive defenses that blitz heavily or crash hard off the edge, since the screen action punishes upfield pass rush.
Check pre-snap for man coverage indicators like corners lined up tight on the bunch, since the deep routes will occupy those defenders and open the screen lane.
Use hot routes sparingly here, but consider adjusting the backside receiver to a hitch or slant if you see zone coverage sitting deep to give yourself a quick outlet.
Pair this play with HB Draw and Inside Zone Split earlier in a series to sell run action, then hit defenders with this screen when they start keying the backfield.
Best used on early downs or short yardage passing situations where defenses expect a run or a quick pass, catching linebackers flowing too fast downhill.
