Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Doubles Y-Flex Offset sends both outside receivers vertical while the slot receiver runs a deep in to clear the underneath area, occupying zone defenders and corners downfield. Up front the offensive line shows pass protection at the snap before releasing to set up in front of the running back, who slips out to the flat as the delayed screen target while the QB fakes a dropback rhythm. This is a screen pass designed to beat aggressive man pressure and nano blitzes, since the interior rush gets sucked upfield before the linemen release to escort the back. Primary read is the RB in the flat immediately once the blockers get in front, with the vertical routes only as a secondary window if the defense sits on the screen.
Defensive Reads
Key the defensive line and edge rushers immediately after the snap, if they are crashing hard upfield without containment discipline the screen is wide open. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, shallow zone drops or blitz packages that overcommit to the pocket leave the flat completely uncovered for the back. User players should stay disciplined and not bite on the initial pass rush look, spy the running back's release path instead of following the QB's eyes. This play struggles against teams that play contain with a designated screen defender or zone coverage with a linebacker sitting flat, so if you see a defender spying the backfield pre-snap expect the screen to get blown up. Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined outside linebackers reading screen keys will shut this down, forcing the QB to look at the vertical or in-cut routes instead.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or in obvious blitz downs when you see linebackers creeping to the line pre-snap, since the delayed release punishes aggressive pass rush lanes. Watch for Mike linebacker or slot corner showing blitz indicators before the snap, that is your green light to snap and let the screen develop. Use hot routes sparingly here, if anything convert the backside vertical to a quick out to give yourself an underneath dump option against zone drops. Pair this play with Four Verticals or PA Read from the same set so the defense respects the deep shots and stays honest, making the screen hit harder once they start jumping vertical routes. Best used on 2nd or 3rd and short to medium, since the blocking window needs slight time to set up and a coverage sack risk exists if the defensive line reads it instantly.
