Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Jailbreak Screen from Shotgun Doubles Offset Wk shows a play-action screen shot to the receiver at the top of the formation, with the offensive line selling a run block set before releasing to lead block for the screen. The X and slot receiver on the near side run short crossing routes to hold underneath defenders and clear space, while the play-action fake to the HB freezes the front seven for a beat. This is a screen play designed to punish aggressive man coverage and blitz packages, and the primary read is the bubble screen route developing behind the leveled blockers.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check linebacker depth and alignment since screens die when linebackers stay disciplined and do not bite on the run fake. Watch for user-controlled defenders spying the backfield or sitting in shallow zones, as they can jump the screen route and blow it up for a loss. Identify blitz packages before the snap since blitzing defenders create natural running lanes for the screen once blockers get out ahead. Man coverage on the perimeter receivers is a green light since the screen blockers can isolate defenders in space. Zone coverage with linebackers staying square and reading the quarterback's eyes is the biggest threat to this play, as it allows defenders to rally to the screen quickly.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see man coverage or a blitz look pre-snap since the play-action fake and screen blockers exploit defenders crashing downhill.
Use it on early downs or in obvious run situations to punish linebackers keying the run fake and vacating the flat.
Pair this play with Inside Zone or Outside Zone earlier in a drive so the defense respects the run action, making the play-action freeze more effective.
Avoid calling this against disciplined zone teams that keep linebackers at home, since the screen lane can get clogged if defenders sit in their drops.
Sequence this with RPO Power Peek or RPO Zone Peek in the same set to keep the defense guessing between run, RPO, and screen concepts out of the same formation.
