Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
WR Screen out of Empty Base Flex is a quick-hitting screen designed to get the ball into space on the perimeter with blockers leading the way. The diagram shows the left outside receiver running a short hitch to sell the screen while the right outside receiver runs a quick out and comeback to occupy the corner, and the slot receiver on the right releases upfield then works back to lead block for the screen. The primary read is the screen to the boundary receiver, and this is a horizontal stretch concept designed to beat man coverage and aggressive blitz packages by getting the ball out before pressure arrives.
Defensive Reads
Watch for user-controlled defenders sitting in the flat or lurking underneath, since a smart defender can jump the screen route and blow it up for a loss Identify if the corner is playing off man or bailing into a zone drop, because tight man coverage with no cushion is the best trigger to throw this immediately Look for blitz packages pre-snap, since screens are designed specifically to counter aggressive pass rush and nano blitzes If the defense shows a Cover 3 or Cover 4 shell with linebackers sinking into short zones, the lead blocker may not have a clean angle and the play can get stuffed Watch the flat defender's depth at the snap, if he stays shallow and reads the quarterback's eyes quickly, this play loses most of its value
Usage Tips
Call this against teams that bring pressure or play man coverage since the quick throw negates pass rush entirely
Check the defensive alignment pre-snap and if you see a corner playing tight man on the screen side, this is an easy completion
Use the hot route to adjust the backside receiver into a hitch or drag if you need an extra outlet against zone shells
Pair this with QB Draw or RPO Q Stick Draw in your play-calling sequence to keep linebackers honest and hesitant to fly upfield on run reads
Best used on early downs or in obvious blitz downs like third and short where defenses are more likely to bring extra rushers
