Playbooks

HB Slip Screen

Shotgun·Bunch Spread Nasty·11
Screen PassHb ScreenPass PlayDigFlatOutStreak
Play diagram for HB Slip Screen from Shotgun Bunch Spread Nasty in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Bunch Spread Nasty is a designed screen pass built to slow down aggressive pass rushers and blitz-heavy defenses. The bunch side runs a vertical clear out with the outside receiver stemming deep and up while the two inside bunch receivers work a flat route and a shallow drag underneath to occupy defenders, and the backside receiver runs a deep comeback to hold the corner. Up front, the offensive line lets the rush flow upfield before releasing to escort the running back on the screen, which is the actual primary read. The progression is simple: check the screen release first, and if the backfield is jumped, look to the bunch side flat or drag as the outlet.

Defensive Reads

Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing hard upfield on the snap, since that aggression is exactly what the screen exploits. If the defense shows Cover 0 or man blitz with no deep safety help, the screen has a high chance of breaking for a big gain once blockers get outside. Zone defenses that sit and read, especially Cover 3 or Cover 4 with linebackers staying in short zones, can sniff out the screen and blow it up before blockers get set. Key the middle linebacker's depth at the snap, if he stays shallow and squares to the backfield instead of dropping into coverage, he is likely reading the screen and will close the window fast. User-controlled defenders spying the running back out of the backfield are the biggest threat, since a smart human defender can jump the screen before blocks develop.

Usage Tips

Call this play on early downs or in third and short situations where defenses are likely to bring pressure or crash the edges.

Presnap, identify if the defense is showing man coverage with tight corner alignment or blitz looks with linebackers creeping toward the line, both of which are prime triggers for the screen.

Delay your snap slightly if you see a heavy blitz package to let the rush fully commit upfield before releasing your blockers.

Pair this play with Inside Zone or Outside Zone from the same set to keep defenses honest against the run before dialing up the screen as a change of pace.

Use Mtn Mesh Swing or Cheat HB Slip Screen from the same formation later in a series so defenders start hesitating on run fits, opening bigger lanes for your blockers to seal.

Other Plays in Bunch Spread Nasty