Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Fk Screen Sluggo is a play-action screen concept out of Empty Base Shotgun that pairs a running back flare screen with two vertical shot plays to hold the safeties. The outside receiver to the left runs a sluggo (slant and go) to attack a cornerback biting on the double move, while the far right receiver takes a straight vertical to stretch the defense deep down the sideline. Underneath, the RB releases out of the backfield on the screen with the offensive line sliding to set up blocks in space, giving the QB a clear progression of screen first, then sluggo, then vertical if the screen is covered and a defender bites on the double move.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defender and any linebacker aligned near the line of scrimmage, since aggressive blitz packages or run support cheaters get erased by the screen if they crash too hard. Key the cornerback over the sluggo receiver, because if he sits low expecting a slant he will get beat over the top on the go phase of the double move. Track the deep safety shell presnap: a two high look with safeties staying deep can squeeze both verticals, while a single high safety rotating late leaves one deep route uncovered. Look for user controlled defenders lurking in the shallow flat or hook zone, since a smart user can jump the screen route and blow it up before it develops. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the biggest liability against this play, so if you see man match or press man without deep help, expect the sluggo or vertical to hit for a big gain.
Usage Tips
Use this play when the defense shows aggressive man coverage or blitz looks presnap, since the screen and sluggo both exploit defenders playing tight and driving downhill. Check the flat and slot defenders before the snap: if they are crashing hard on the line of scrimmage or blitzing off the edge, the RB screen will have a lane to develop. Hot route the outside receiver on the sluggo to a hard stem if the cornerback is playing off coverage, since that forces a quicker break and opens the double move faster. Pair this call with Fk Screen Verts or Mtn HB Screen earlier in a series so defenders start keying screen action, then hit them with the sluggo shot off the same shell for an explosive play. Best used on early downs or third and short when defenses are more likely to sell out on stopping the run or a quick underneath throw.
