Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Bunch is a designed screen play built to slow down aggressive pass rush and blitz packages. The offensive line and receivers show run-blocking releases upfield to sell the screen, with the outside receivers running clearout routes (a vertical from the bunch stack and a corner route from the flanker) to drag coverage away from the middle of the field. The primary read is the running back leaking out of the backfield to the flat behind the line, with the fullback or extra blocker leading the way, making this a pure zone and blitz beater rather than a man beater.
Defensive Reads
Watch for aggressive interior linebackers crashing downhill on run action, since they are the primary threat to blow up the screen before blockers get set. Zone coverage with linebackers reading run first are the most vulnerable, especially Cover 3 or Cover 1 with a spy that bites on play action. Man coverage defenses with a linebacker in man on the halfback can sniff this out immediately if that defender stays home instead of chasing the run fake. Disciplined defensive ends or edge defenders who sit and read instead of crashing can string the screen out and force a minimal gain. User-controlled defenders who stay outside contain and squeeze the edge blockers are the biggest coverage shell key that shuts this screen down completely.
Usage Tips
Call this play against defenses showing exotic pressure or overload blitzes since the delayed release neutralizes extra rushers before they reach the quarterback.
Check the defensive line pre-snap for wide nine ends or stacked interior blitz looks, those are ideal triggers to throw this screen.
Use the clearout routes on the outside to bait user-controlled defenders away from the screen lane, then hit the halfback quickly before second level defenders diagnose it.
Pair this with HB Base and Inside Zone earlier in a series so the defense respects the run fake, making the screen action look identical out of the same Bunch personnel.
Best used on second and long or after a hard run down when linebackers are sitting close to the line expecting another run play.
