Playbooks

Empty Mtn Jailbreak Screen

Shotgun·Normal Y Off Close·11
Screen PassWr ScreenMotionPass Play
Play diagram for Empty Mtn Jailbreak Screen from Shotgun Normal Y Off Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

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Breakdown

Empty Mtn Jailbreak Screen aligns out of an empty backfield with the jailbreak screen thrown to the widest receiver on the left, protected by a wall of blockers releasing from the interior linemen. The two outside receivers to that side run vertical clear out routes (one going straight up the seam, the other running a quick out and up) to pull defenders away from the screen lane, while the running back stays in to help sell pass protection before releasing. This is a pure screen play designed to bait aggressive man and blitz-heavy defenses, with the primary read being the jailbreak screen itself as soon as the blockers get out in front.

Defensive Reads

Watch for user controlled linebackers sitting in the flat or lurking underneath, since a disciplined defender who reads screen can blow this up before the blockers get set. Zone coverage shells with linebackers spying or sinking into passing lanes tend to shut this down quickly, especially Tampa 2 or any scheme with a designated hook defender. Man coverage and all out blitz packages are the most vulnerable to this screen, since defenders are turning their backs to the backfield to cover the vertical clear outs. Pre-snap, check cornerback depth and safety rotation, if you see a single high safety with corners pressed up in man, that is a green light for the screen. Post-snap, key the defensive line's pursuit angles, if the ends and tackles are selling out on the quarterback with no contain, the screen lane opens up fast for a big gain.

Usage Tips

Call this against defenses showing heavy blitz pressure or man coverage with cornerbacks playing tight press at the line, since the clear out routes remove defenders from the screen side instantly.

Snap the ball quickly after your pre-snap read confirms blitz or man coverage, because the longer the screen sits the more time linebackers have to sit and read your eyes.

Use the vertical clear out routes as a changeup, if the defense bites hard on the screen every time you can hot route one of those receivers into a quick hitch to keep them honest.

Pair this with Empty Mtn HB Swing and Empty Mtn Spot Replace in the same set to keep defenders guessing between backfield screens and receiver screens out of the same empty look.

Best used on early downs or after establishing tempo, since defenses expecting a dropback shot are more likely to crash the pocket and open up the screen lane.

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