Playbooks

HB Cross Screen

Shotgun·Doubles HB Wk·11

Screen Pass Hb Screen Pass Play Crosser

Play diagram for HB Cross Screen from Shotgun Doubles HB Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetDoubles HB Wk

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 6 playbooks

Bills OffenseOffense Browns OffenseOffense Texans OffenseOffense NFL Live Bills OffenseOffense NFL Live Browns OffenseOffense NFL Live Texans OffenseOffense

Breakdown

HB Cross Screen out of Shotgun Doubles HB Wk lines up two receivers stacked wide left running vertical clear out routes to pull coverage deep, while the slot receiver runs a shallow crosser underneath to occupy linebackers flowing to the screen side. The offensive line lets the rush come upfield before releasing to set a wall of blockers for the HB, who slips out to the flat opposite the crosser as the primary screen target. This is a classic screen play designed to bait an aggressive pass rush and beat both man and zone blitzes, with the HB catch in the flat as the first and only true read once the screen develops.

Defensive Reads

Watch for user defenders sitting underneath in a lurk technique near the line of scrimmage, since they can jump the screen before the wall of blockers sets up. Key on linebacker depth at the snap: if they are crashing downhill on run action or blitzing off the edge, the screen has a green light because the alley to the flat will be wide open. Man coverage on the two vertical routes with no safety help over the top is a good indicator the crossers are drawing defenders away from the HB. Zone coverage with linebackers sinking and staying disciplined in their drops is the main counter, since they can read the screen quickly and close the passing lane. Beware of overload blitzes to the screen side, as extra rushers can beat the offensive line release and blow up the play before the wall forms.

Usage Tips

Call this play right after you have shown a few dropback passes so the defense is primed to rush the passer and bites on the play fake blocking. Use it on early downs or in obvious passing situations where the defense is more likely to bring pressure or blitz off the edge. Check the defensive alignment pre-snap: if you see linebackers creeping toward the line or a nano blitz look, this is a great answer because the rush will overcommit upfield. Hot route the two vertical clear out routes deeper if you are facing single high safety to make sure the deep defenders are fully removed from the screen lane. Pair this play with Double Cross or PA Cross earlier in a series so the defense respects the crossing routes and slot traffic, making the screen look identical to those concepts pre-snap.