Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Doubles Off Close Wk sends four vertical releases from the receivers and TE to clear out the underneath zones while the offensive line sets up a delayed screen wall for the HB, who slips out to the left after a brief chip fake. The line pass sets before releasing to get outside and lead block, giving the running back a clean lane once the screen develops. This is a classic screen play built to beat aggressive pass rushes and blitz heavy fronts, with the primary read simply being the HB out of the backfield since the four vertical routes are decoys designed to hold linebackers and defensive backs deep.
Defensive Reads
Key on the defensive line and linebacker discipline pre snap, if you see man coverage indicators or a blitz package dialed up this play is live because rushers will overrun the play. Spy or scrape linebackers who stay home instead of rushing are the biggest threat, they can read the HB release and blow up the screen before blocks set up. Zone coverage with linebackers sinking into short zones and eyeing the backfield is the toughest look for this play since it takes away both the checkdown and the blocking angles. Watch cornerback alignment on the outside, if corners are playing off in zone they can squeeze down and disrupt the perimeter blockers before the HB turns the corner. User controlled defenders spying the quarterback or sitting in the middle of the field are the biggest red flag, they can diagnose the screen quickly and erase the play design.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses that consistently bring pressure or show blitz looks pre snap since the natural rush lanes create easy running room for the HB. Watch for user blitzers crashing hard off the edge, they take themselves out of the screen passing lane and make this play explode. Use this on early downs or after your defense has shown a heavy dose of quick game or draws so the defense is primed to pin their ears back. Pair this with Inside Zone and RPO Read Bubble from the same formation so the defense respects the run fake and blitz timing gets thrown off, setting up the screen as a change of pace. Avoid calling it into zone coverage with linebackers sitting flat footed since they can read the screen action and jump the throwing lane immediately.
