Playbooks

Mtn HB Screen

Shotgun·Empty Base·11
Screen PassHb ScreenMotionPass Play
Play diagram for Mtn HB Screen from Shotgun Empty Base in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Air Raid OffenseOffenseFranchise Offense Gun ScreengameOffense

Breakdown

Mtn HB Screen is a screen pass out of Empty Base Shotgun with 11 personnel that uses pre-snap motion to bring the outside receiver in tight before the ball is snapped. The offensive line sets up a screen pocket to the right while the running back releases to that side for the throw, with the two outside receivers on that side blocking downfield to spring the screen. The motion man on the backside runs a deep vertical release to hold safety and corner attention away from the screen, making this a zone beater designed to punish aggressive zone drops and overpursuing linebackers. Primary read progression is: check the motion release to see if it clears space, then go directly to the HB screen as the first and only real read once blockers get set.

Defensive Reads

Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they crash hard upfield on run action or blitz off the edge the screen lane opens up wide for big yardage. Identify zone coverage shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 pre-snap, since deep zone defenders often bite on the motion man's vertical release and abandon the screen side. Look for a user-controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting flat, since a disciplined spy or lurking linebacker can jump the screen and blow it up for a loss. Man coverage with press corners on the outside receivers is the biggest counter, since those blockers get beat off the line before they can set their screen blocks. Nano blitzes or interior stunts that collapse the pocket instantly can disrupt the screen timing, forcing the quarterback to eat the ball or throw it away.

Usage Tips

Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is playing zone or man, if the defender follows the motion man across the formation you are likely facing man coverage and the screen becomes riskier against contain defenders.

Snap the ball as soon as the motion man clears the backfield to prevent the defense from adjusting or diagnosing the screen with extra time.

Best used on early downs or after establishing inside run plays so linebackers bite on run fakes and vacate the screen lane.

Pair this play with Y Cross or Four Verticals in your play-calling sequence, since the vertical motion release mimics a deep shot and keeps safeties honest.

Avoid calling this against heavy blitz packages with numbers overloaded to the screen side, since extra rushers can blow up the screen before blockers get set.

Hot route the backside motion receiver into a shorter option if you see man coverage jumping the screen immediately at the snap.

Other Plays in Empty Base