Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| HB1 | Left | Swing |
| SLWR | Left | Streak |
| WR2 | Left | Fade |
| WR1 | Right | Curl |
| TE1 | Right | Flat |
HB Slow Screen out of Doubles Y Off WK is a delayed screen pass designed to bait aggressive pass rushers upfield before releasing the running back into space. The offensive line sells pass protection for a full count, then peels off to lead block for the HB as he settles behind the line, while the outside receivers run vertical or clear routes to pull cornerbacks away from the flat. This is a blitz beater and man beater in one package, and the primary read is simply patience: let the rush develop, then throw to the back once his blockers are set up in front of him.
Look for defenses bringing five or six man pressure with linebackers crashing off the edge, this play is built to gash exactly that look. Watch for a user controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting in a shallow zone, since a disciplined spy can read the screen and blow it up before blockers get set. Man coverage with corners turning their backs to chase vertical routes is ideal, it removes defenders from the throwing lane and blocking lanes. Zone shells like Tampa 2 or Cover 4 with linebackers sinking into passing lanes are the biggest threat, since underneath defenders sitting still can read the screen action instantly. If the defense shows a delayed blitz or contain rush that stays home on the running back, abort the screen mentally and consider checking down to another play in the set instead.
Call this on early downs or after you have seen the defense bring pressure at least once, since it punishes aggressive edge rushers and interior blitzers who crash upfield. Check the pre-snap alignment for stacked or walked up linebackers, that is your green light that a blitz is coming and the screen will hit big. Do not rush the throw, hold the ball long enough for your linemen to disengage and get out in front, even if it feels late in user controlled play. Pair this with Mtn HB Angle Screen and HB Slip Screen in the same play calling sequence so the defense cannot key on one screen shape, then mix in RPO Glance Slant or RPO Peek Slant from the same set to keep linebackers honest on early downs. Avoid calling this against a defense that is dropping into deep zone coverage with disciplined linebackers, since spy defenders or zone droppers sitting underneath can jump the throw.