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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Doubles Flex is a designed screen pass that gets the ball into the hands of the RB in space behind a wall of blockers. Three receivers release vertically to clear out the underneath defenders and occupy the deep zones, while the offensive line lets the rush get upfield before releasing to set up screen blocks in front of the RB, who slips out to the flat away from the pressure. The primary read is the RB in the flat, with the blockers leading him and the deep vertical routes serving purely to hold coverage off the screen lane.
Defensive Reads
Diagnose screen action immediately by keying the offensive line, if they show no initial vertical push and instead widen out early, it is a screen tip. Spy or user a defensive lineman and let him sit in the backfield rather than committing fully upfield on the pass rush to blow up the screen before it develops. Zone coverages with linebackers reading run/pass keys are vulnerable if the linebackers flow with the vertical routes instead of squeezing down on the RB. Man coverage with press corners can struggle since the outside defenders on the vertical routes are locked in coverage and cannot help against the screen. Aggressive edge rushers who abandon their lane to chase the QB open up the screen lane wide, so disciplined edge play or a designated screen defender is essential to shut this down.
Usage Tips
Call this play against aggressive defensive playcalls that show blitz pre-snap, since the extra rushers upfield create a bigger blocking wall in front of your RB.
Watch for user defenders spying the backfield or sitting on screens, if you see a defender staring down your RB pre-snap, consider audibling to a different play.
Let the play develop fully before throwing, patience is key since the offensive line needs a beat to get out in front and set up the escort blocks.
Pair this with Inside Zone or Outside Zone in the same set to keep defenders honest on run fits, then hit them with the screen when they start crashing downhill.
Best used on early downs or after establishing the run, since defenses expecting run or a quick pass are more susceptible to biting on the vertical route decoys.
