Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Flex Y Off Wk is a designed screen pass that sends three receivers vertically upfield to occupy the deep defenders while the offensive line drops back to set up a wall in front of the release lane. The running back releases out of the backfield to the flat, sliding behind the line as blockers get out ahead of him, giving him a clear alley if the defense bites on the vertical routes or blitzes off the edge. This is a blitz beater and zone beater at its core, designed to slow down aggressive pass rushes and make linebackers or corners crashing downhill pay for over pursuing. Primary read is the HB in the flat, get him the ball as soon as the blockers get set and let him work the sideline behind the wall.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing hard off the edge, since unblocked rushers with a bead on the backfield can blow this up before blockers get set. Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he sits at depth and reads the screen quickly he can jump the throwing lane and turn it into a pick six. Man coverage with press corners jumping the vertical routes can actually help this play since it pulls defenders further from the screen lane. Zone coverage with disciplined linebackers who stay square and read the backfield is the biggest killer, they will not bite on the vertical routes and can rally to the flat before blockers arrive. Look for a spy or a defender staying home in the middle of the field, that is the primary lurk threat who can undercut the screen.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or safeties rotating down into the box, since the vertical routes will hold defenders long enough for blockers to get outside. Use it on early downs or third and short to slow down aggressive user blitzers who like to shoot gaps immediately after the snap. Do not force the throw into a stacked box with defenders sitting flat footed, since screens die against disciplined zone drops that stay home. Pair this with Curls or Double Slants earlier in the drive so the defense starts keying on quick underneath throws, then hit them with the screen once they start jumping routes. Sequence this play after HB Draw or Inside Zone Split to condition the defense to respect the run, which opens up the perimeter blockers even more against overaggressive linebackers.
