Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Fk Screen is a play-action running back screen out of Shotgun Empty Trips Speed. Pre-snap motion brings a receiver across, and at the snap the two outside trips receivers push vertical and then break, with the far outside receiver running a deep comeback and the middle receiver clearing out on a deep post to occupy the corners and safety. The backfield player runs a delayed flare to the flat behind a screen of linemen releasing to block, making the checkdown to the screen man the primary read once the underneath defenders bite on the play-action fake.
Defensive Reads
Watch the outside cornerbacks pre-snap, since press man alignment on the trips receivers signals they will bite on the vertical releases and vacate the screen area. Key the middle linebacker depth after the snap, because if he sits in a shallow zone drop instead of flowing to the run fake, he can undercut the flare route before it develops. Look for a lurking safety or nickel defender who reads the screen quickly, as a user controlled player sitting in the shallow zone can blow up the timing before blockers get set. Identify blitz packages that send extra rushers upfield, since those create natural running lanes for blockers to release into and make the screen nearly unstoppable. If the defense stays disciplined with linebackers reading through the backfield instead of biting on play-action, the screen has minimal room and the quarterback should look to the deep comeback route instead.
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake by holding the snap animation and letting linebackers step up before releasing the ball to the screen. Use this on early downs or second and short when defenses are geared up to stop the run, since the play-action freezes linebackers and opens the flare route. Check the defense pre-snap for blitz packages or aggressive man coverage on the outside receivers, since those alignments pull defenders away from the screen lane. Pair this call with Mtn WR Screen or QB Draw earlier in a series so the defense starts keying run fits, making the delayed screen even more effective later in the game plan. If the defense shows a heavy zone shell with linebackers sitting flat footed, consider audibling to Deep Cross or Levels instead since the screen lanes will be clogged.
