Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 13 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Bunch Str Nasty is a designed screen play built to slow down aggressive pass rushes and blitz-heavy defenses. From the bunch alignment, the two inside receivers push vertical while the outside receiver runs a deep in to hold the corner and safety, clearing the flat and short middle for the screen. The offensive line and running back sell pass protection for a beat before the HB slips out to the boundary, letting his blockers get out ahead, so the primary read is simply getting the ball to the HB in space once the underneath defenders bite on the initial drop.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, look for safeties rotating down into the box or extra defenders walked up on the line, which signals blitz and makes the screen a high-value call. Watch linebacker depth at the snap: if they immediately drop deep into zone coverage or spy the backfield, they can read the screen and blow it up before it develops. Man coverage on the outside receivers with no underneath help is ideal since the deep in route and vertical releases occupy the corners and safety, leaving the flat wide open. Post-snap, key any user-controlled defender staying home in the middle of the field rather than rushing, since that lurk defender can undercut the screen and pick off the throw. Beware Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined linebackers who sit and read the backfield instead of flowing with the play fake, as they will sniff out the screen quickly.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses that show pressure pre-snap, especially when you see extra defenders crashing the box or a nano blitz look at the line.
Use it on early downs or after a big run to keep defenses honest and slow down user blitzers who like to rush the passer every play.
Hold the ball for a full second or two after the snap to let your linemen get out in front of the HB before releasing it, otherwise you will run right into your own blockers.
Pair this with Inside Zone or Pin Pull Toss earlier in a drive so the defense respects the run fake and commits linebackers downhill, opening up the screen lane.
Avoid calling this against zone-drop heavy defenses that sit their linebackers underneath, since they can read the screen and jump the throwing lane.
