Playbooks

HB Slip Screen

Shotgun·Doubles Z Close Wk·11
Screen PassHb ScreenPass Play
Play diagram for HB Slip Screen from Shotgun Doubles Z Close Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Doubles Z Close Wk is a classic screen pass designed to slow down aggressive pass rushers and blitz-heavy defenses. The four receivers on the diagram push vertical to clear out the underneath zones and occupy corners and safeties downfield while the offensive line sets up to escort the HB out to the flat behind the initial rush. The HB releases opposite the vertical releases, and the primary and really only read is getting the ball to the back in space and letting the blocking convoy work. This is a man and blitz beater at its core, punishing defenses that send extra rushers or play tight man coverage with no eyes in the backfield.

Defensive Reads

Watch for pre-snap blitz alignment such as linebackers stacked on the line or safeties rotating down into the box, since that tells you the screen has a numbers advantage waiting on the perimeter. Man coverage with corners turning their backs to bump and run the vertical routes is a green light, since no one stays home to read the backfield. If linebackers show delayed drops or sit in shallow zones instead of blitzing, that is a red flag, they can read quarterback eyes and jump the screen for a big loss. Look for a spy or a defender staying in the throwing lane pre-snap, that usually signals the defense scouted the screen tendency and will trigger fast. Post-snap, key on defensive ends and interior rushers, if they are selling out to the quarterback with no contain discipline, the alley for the HB opens up immediately once blockers get outside.

Usage Tips

Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or a defensive coordinator dialing up heavy pressure looks, since the whole design capitalizes on defenders flowing upfield past the line of scrimmage.

Use it on early downs or after establishing inside zone and mid zone runs so the defense is already downhill and susceptible to overrunning the screen.

Take a beat before releasing the throw to let your linemen get out in front, then user your lead blocker to seal the first defender that shows up in the alley.

Avoid throwing this into zone shells with disciplined linebackers who sit and read, since zone defenders can sniff out the screen and jump the throw.

Pair this with Slants or RPO Read Bubble in the same set to keep defenses honest, then hit them with this screen once they start crashing hard on quick game and RPO reads.

Other Plays in Doubles Z Close Wk