Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Bunch Open sends the three bunch receivers vertical and outside to clear the picture, with the two inside bunch routes running straight seams to hold linebackers and the outside receiver working a corner route up the sideline. Meanwhile the HB slips out to the flat off a delayed release as the offensive line sets up a screen wall in front of him. This is a classic screen play designed to bait an aggressive pass rush or blitz, with the primary read being the HB in the flat as soon as the blockers get out in front, using the vertical clears as a secondary bailout if the screen is sniffed out.
Defensive Reads
Key the middle and weak side linebackers immediately at the snap, if they crash upfield on a blitz or bite on the play fake, the screen lane opens instantly for the HB. Watch for a user-controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting in a shallow zone drop, this is the primary counter that blows up HB Slip Screen before the blockers get set. Man coverage on the bunch receivers with linebackers in zone underneath is the ideal shell to beat, since the seam and corner routes pull defenders vertically and leave the flat wide open. Cover 2 or Cover 3 zone shells with disciplined linebackers who sit and read the backfield are the toughest matchup, since they can jump the screen before the blockers get position. Look for outside linebackers or slot corners triggering downhill on run action, that aggressive trigger is exactly what turns this screen into a big gain.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or a defensive coordinator sending extra rushers, since the delayed HB release is designed to let the rush fly upfield.
Check the defensive personnel and depth of the linebackers before the snap, if they are sitting flat footed and reading the QB instead of crashing, the screen loses value and you should consider audibling to Inside Zone or HB Draw instead.
Use the vertical seam routes and corner route as window dressing to hold safeties and linebackers, do not stare down the HB immediately or you will telegraph the screen to a user spying underneath.
Pair this call with Bunch Levels or X Spot earlier in a drive so the defense respects quick game and drops linebackers into shallow zones, which sets up the slip screen to hit against overaggressive pursuit later.
Best used on early downs or after a hard run look like Read Option, when defenses are more likely to key the run and vacate the flat.
