Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Jailbreak Screen is a WR screen out of Shotgun Bunch TE that sends the bunch receiver in motion across the formation before the snap, with the offensive line releasing to set up blockers ahead of the throw. The diagram shows the motion man settling into the screen path to the left while the interior linemen pull outside to escort the receiver upfield, creating a numbers advantage on the perimeter. The primary read is the screen receiver himself, since this is a designed quick-hitting screen rather than a progression read through multiple routes, making it a blitz beater and a way to counter aggressive man coverage pressure.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defenders trailing the motion man pre-snap, since man coverage defenders chasing across the formation confirm this screen has a clean lane once blockers get outside. Key the play side outside linebacker or slot defender, if he sits and reads run or screen instead of covering the motion man, the play is likely blown up at the catch point. Blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge away from the screen side are the biggest weakness, since those defenders can be home before blockers arrive. Zone defenses with a cornerback sitting in a flat zone on the screen side can jump the route for a pick six if the quarterback throws it late, so user that flat defender to squat and read the screen action. Look for a hard slant blitz from the defensive line to the play side, since fast penetration through the screen blockers before they can set up their wall is the primary counter to this concept.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or safeties rotating down into the box.
Use the motion to help identify if the defense is playing man or zone, since a defender following the motion man confirms man coverage and tells you the screen has a leverage advantage outside.
Snap the ball quickly once your blockers get outside, do not hold the ball waiting on a secondary read since this is a one man read screen.
Pair this call with Mtn HB Slip Screen or Mtn HB Swing earlier in a series so the defense starts keying on backfield action, then hit them with this perimeter bunch screen for a change of pace.
Best used on early downs or after a big run play when defenses sell out to stop inside runs, since overaggressive linebackers create alley running room once the screen blockers get set.
