HB Slip Screen

Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing hard off the edge, since their aggressive pursuit upfield is exactly what this screen is designed to exploit. Identify man coverage pre snap by checking if defenders are lined up head up on the four vertical releases, as this confirms the underneath area will be vacated for the RB. Key on any defensive lineman who reads screen quickly and sits inside instead of rushing, since a disciplined lineman can blow this play up before the wall forms. Look for a user controlled linebacker spying the backfield or shuffling instead of dropping into coverage, as this is the biggest threat to jump the RB route. Check if the defense is in zone coverage with linebackers reading the quarterback's eyes, since a zone shell with disciplined linebackers will sit on the screen and limit the gain.