Playbooks
Mtn HB Cross Screen is a screen pass out of Shotgun Doubles Flex WK Pats that uses pre-snap motion to shift the defense before releasing the running back on a cross screen to the opposite side of the formation. The offensive line and receivers set up delayed blocks in space, sealing off the edge while the QB looks off the initial motion and eyes to the flow of the defense before dumping the ball to the HB. This is a screen play designed to counter aggressive man pressure and overzealous pass rushes, with the primary read being the screen itself, then a check to any uncovered zone beater route if the defense sniffs it out early.
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is shifting linebackers or safeties toward the HB motion, which signals man coverage or a blitz call that plays right into the screen. Watch for a spy or a defender sitting still instead of flowing with the motion, since that is a sign of zone coverage and a defender who is reading screen. Post-snap, key the defensive line for delayed rush integrity, since a disciplined line that stays home on screen alerts will blow this play up immediately. Look for user controlled defenders sitting in short zones or lurking near the boundary the HB is releasing to, since a smart user can jump the screen and turn it into a turnover. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 with linebackers dropping immediately instead of chasing motion, expect the screen lanes to be clogged and consider an alternate route progression.
Use the pre-snap motion to bait linebackers into flowing hard toward the ball, then release the cross screen once you see the defense over pursue.
This play is best called against aggressive man coverage and blitz heavy defenses since the delayed blocking scheme thrives when defenders are attacking upfield.
Save this call for third and short or second and manageable situations where defenses are more likely to bring pressure or play tight man coverage.
Pair this play with Mtn HB Sweep and HB Counter earlier in a drive to condition the defense to react to HB motion, then hit them with the cross screen when they start keying the backfield.
If the defense shows soft zone or sits back in a shell, check out of this play or hot route a receiver into a quick option route since screens die against disciplined zone drops.