Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 16 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Doubles HB Wk sends three outside receivers vertical up the seams and sideline to clear out underneath defenders and pull linebackers deep, while the offensive line shows pass protection before releasing to lead block for the HB. The running back slips out to the left behind a guard and center pulling in front of him, creating a screen wall for a quick catch in space. This is a screen pass designed to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz-heavy zone looks, with the primary read being an automatic bail to the HB in the flat as soon as backside rushers commit upfield.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side guard and center immediately after the snap, if they release upfield instead of engaging a rusher that is your first sign of screen action. Spy the HB out of the backfield with a linebacker or nickel defender instead of dropping every underneath defender into vertical coverage. Diagnose zone shells with a flat defender who can sit and read the backfield, since a Cover 3 or Cover 4 defender sitting on the flat route can blow this up. Watch for a defensive lineman or edge rusher who stays home on contain rather than crashing hard upfield, since they can shed the lead block and drop the HB behind the line. If the defense shows man coverage with underneath defenders locked on receivers, get an interior linebacker to trigger fast on the screen since he has the shortest path to the catch point.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses that show blitz indicators pre-snap such as linebackers creeping to the line or a safety rotating down into the box.
Watch for man coverage with no underneath help, since the four vertical releases will pull cornerbacks and safeties away from the screen lane instantly.
Delay your throw just enough to let the guard and center get out in front of the HB, then release the ball before the play clock forces a rushed throw into traffic.
Use this on second and long or third and medium when the defense expects a dropback shot play, since the vertical stems sell a downfield pass perfectly.
Pair this with Four Verticals or PA Jailbreak Slot earlier in a series so the defense keys on your vertical stems, then hit this screen to punish overpursuit and edge blitzes.
