Playbooks

HB Slip Screen

Shotgun·Normal Off Close Wk·11

Screen Pass Hb Screen Pass Play

Play diagram for HB Slip Screen from Shotgun Normal Off Close Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetNormal Off Close Wk

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

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Breakdown

HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Normal Off Close Wk sends all four wide receivers vertical up the field to clear out the underneath defenders and drag coverage deep, while the offensive line sets up a screen wall in front of the running back. The HB slips out to the flat away from the strong side, picking up blockers as the quarterback looks to get the ball out quickly before the four verticals occupy the defense downfield. This is a classic screen pass designed as a blitz beater and man beater, since it uses the aggressive vertical releases to pull man defenders and blitzing linebackers away from the line of scrimmage, and the primary read progression is simply to check the screen first before considering any hot route to the verticals if the screen is sniffed out.

Defensive Reads

Watch for a defensive lineman or linebacker who does not fully commit to the pass rush, since that is usually the designated screen defender. Zone coverage with underneath defenders sitting in short zones can sniff out the screen quickly, so be ready to check into a vertical route if you see a zone shell like Cover 3 or Cover 4 sitting soft. Man coverage combined with an all out blitz is the ideal shell to attack, since the four verticals will pull defenders out of the throwing lane and leave the screen wide open. Post snap, key on any user controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting at the line, because a smart user player can jump the screen and blow it up for a big loss. If the defense shows Cover 2 or Cover 4 with deep safeties and disciplined linebackers, they can often diagnose the screen through film study, so mix in the vertical routes as actual throws to keep them honest.

Usage Tips

Call this play when you diagnose man coverage or an all out blitz pre-snap, since the four verticals will pull defenders far away from the screen action.

Use the play art to identify your screen blockers up front and let them set their wall before you release the throw, do not force it into a crowd if a defender reads it early.

This works best on early downs like first or second and medium to long, when defenses are more willing to bring extra rushers or sit in man coverage.

Pair this with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Alert Bubble from the same set so the defense has to respect both a quick game element and a screen threat out of the same personnel and formation look.

If you see a defender sitting flat footed near the line pre-snap, that is often a screen defender or spy, so consider audibling out or checking to a vertical shot instead.