Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
This Bubble Screen out of Shotgun Empty Y Slot shows two mirrored screen concepts, a bubble route to the left and a screen to the right with a receiver blocking downfield ahead of the catch point. On the left, the outside receiver runs a quick out to occupy the corner while the slot receiver bubbles out behind the line for the throw. On the right, the outside receiver releases upfield to block while the two receivers stacked behind him work a screen and lead block combo. This is a horizontal stretch screen play designed to beat aggressive man coverage and blitzes by getting the ball out fast to either side of the field, with the primary read being whichever bubble or screen side shows the most green grass and fewest defenders in the throwing lane.
Defensive Reads
Watch for user-controlled defenders sitting in the flat or lurking underneath, since a smart human defender can jump the bubble route and blow up the play for a loss. Cover 3 and Cover 1 man looks are vulnerable here because the underneath defenders have to respect the run first, opening space for the bubble and screen. Zone blitzes with contain defenders crashing hard can shut this down fast, so look for defensive ends or outside linebackers staying home on the edge instead of rushing. Check linebacker depth before the snap, since shallow linebackers can trigger downhill on the screen and disrupt the timing before blockers get set. If the defense shows two high safeties with press corners on the outside, expect the corner to squat on the bubble route, which telegraphs the throw and should push you to the opposite screen side.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify which side of the field has fewer defenders near the line of scrimmage or a blitz look, since this play punishes overpursuit and pressure calls on either edge.
Use the right stick or hot routes to check the bubble route depth if you see a corner sitting flat, giving your blocker more room to set up in space.
This play excels on early downs and third and short since it forces conflicted defenders to choose between run support and covering the flat.
Pair this with Four Verticals or Curl Flats from the same set to keep the defense honest, since both plays start from the same alignment and punish teams that key on screen tendencies.
Snap the ball quickly against nano blitzes or overload fronts, since the quick release negates most exotic pressure packages before they develop.
