Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Normal Flex Wing sends three vertical clear-out routes (both outside receivers and the slot TE running a flag route) to drag the underneath defenders and linebackers out of the throwing lane while the offensive line initially shows pass pro before releasing to escort the HB out to the flat. The running back slips out to the right on a delayed screen route, and the read progression is simple: the QB looks off the safety by eyeing the vertical routes, then dumps the ball to the HB once the screen blockers get in front. This is a classic screen pass designed to bait aggressive man and blitz-heavy defenses, since blitzing linebackers and press corners running downfield with the verticals leave the flat wide open.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebacker depth at the snap, if backers are sitting shallow and reading the backfield they can jump the screen and blow it up for a loss. Zone coverage shells like Cover 2 or Cover 3 with disciplined linebackers are the biggest counter, since zone defenders stay home and squeeze the flat instead of chasing verticals. User players should spy the HB immediately off the snap rather than following the vertical routes, since a lurking defender sitting in the flat area can jump the screen before blockers arrive. Watch defensive end contain, if the edge rusher stays home instead of crashing upfield he can string the screen out and force a negative play. Heavy blitz packages and man coverage looks are what this play preys on, so if the defense shows Cover 0 or all-out pressure pre-snap this play is a green light.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses that show blitz pressure pre-snap, since extra rushers create more grass for the HB to work into once the screen sets up.
Use your clear-out routes to hold safeties deep, look off the play toward the two go routes before coming back to the screen so the CPU or user defenders bite on the verticals.
This play punishes man coverage and Cover 0 or Cover 1 blitzes hardest, so save it for third and short or second and medium when defenses are more likely to bring extra pressure.
Sequence this off HB Power or HB Dive from the same formation so the defense keys run fits and linebackers step up, opening the screen lane even wider.
Avoid throwing the screen immediately at the snap, let the blockers get out in front first or you will lose yardage against disciplined zone defenses that sit and read.
