Playbooks
Breakdown
HB Cross Screen out of Shotgun Doubles HB Wk sends both outside receivers vertical on go routes to clear the corners and safeties out of the box, while the slot receiver runs a crossing route underneath to occupy linebackers flowing to the screen side. The offensive line shows a slide protection look before releasing to set up a wall in front of the HB, who releases to the opposite flat and works behind the line for the screen. This is a screen play designed to beat aggressive man and zone blitz pressure by using the vertical routes as clock-eaters and the crosser as a linebacker distraction, with the primary read being the HB screen itself once blockers get in position, working outward on the numbered progression to the vertical shots only if the screen is jumped.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing a two high shell or single high, since two high shells often mean less linebacker help against the screen and more open running lanes for the HB. Key the defensive ends and outside linebackers, aggressive edge rushers who crash hard upfield get sealed by the developing screen wall and cannot recover in time. Watch for a spy or a linebacker sitting in a shallow zone drop near the line of scrimmage, that defender can read the HB's release path and blow up the screen before it sets up. Man coverage that trails the two vertical routes tightly opens up soft spots underneath for the crosser, but zone defenses with a linebacker sinking under the crosser can take away that outlet. Corner blitzes and edge pressure from the screen side are the biggest threat since a fast diagnosing defender can beat the blockers to the HB before the wall forms.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses that show blitz pre-snap since extra rushers upfield means fewer defenders to read the screen develop behind the line.
Watch for a linebacker or slot defender sitting flat footed near the line, that is a lurk defender who can jump the HB Cross Screen, so have an escape route in mind if you see that alignment.
Use the two vertical go routes to hold single high safeties deep, this opens throwing lanes if you need to bail into a check down rather than force the screen.
Pair this call with Y Cross or Slants earlier in a series so the defense respects intermediate crossing routes, making them slower to react when you dial up the screen.
Best called on early downs or after establishing inside zone runs, since defenses playing tight run fits get caught flowing hard and can't recover to the screen side.
