Playbooks

Exit HB Cross Screen

Shotgun·Normal Y Off Close·11

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Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetNormal Y Off Close

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 6 playbooks

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Breakdown

Exit HB Cross Screen is a screen play out of Shotgun Normal Y Off Close designed to get the running back the ball in space behind a wall of blockers crossing the field. The offensive line and receivers release to set up a moving screen for the HB, using misdirection to pull defenders away from the screen's landing point before the RB settles into his lane. This is primarily a zone beater that punishes aggressive zone drops and overpursuit, with the primary read being the HB out of the backfield first, then working through the crossing blockers to identify the first open lane once the screen develops.

Defensive Reads

Watch for linebacker depth at the snap since shallow linebackers who bite on the crossing routes upfield are the exact defenders this screen is designed to exploit. Identify Cover 2 or Cover 3 zone shells presnap because zone defenders reading their landmarks tend to flow away from the screen and get out of position. Key on defensive end and edge rusher discipline since disciplined ends who stay home and read screen action can blow this play up before it develops, so this play struggles against contain rushers or scrape exchange defenses. Look for user linebackers or lurking safeties sitting in the middle of the field, since a smart human defender who diagnoses the screen early and stays put can jump the throw for a big loss. Man coverage with press corners and aggressive blitz packages that get immediate backfield penetration are the biggest threats, so avoid this call when you see Cover 0 or heavy man blitz looks presnap.

Usage Tips

Call this play against defenses that show heavy zone drops or Cover 3 shells since underneath defenders will bite on the crossing action and vacate the screen lane. Use it on early downs or as a changeup after running hard play-action or dropback passes from this set like Reload PA Deep Sail or Mtn PA Boot to keep the defense honest and slow down their pass rush recognition. Avoid calling this against interior blitzes or nano blitz packages that crash the line immediately since the screen needs time to develop and can get blown up before the blockers get set. Pair this with RPO Zone Snag or RPO Alert Out earlier in a series so the defense respects the quick game and commits their linebackers forward, opening up the screen lane behind them. Once the RB catches the screen, user your lead blocker manually to seal the most dangerous defender rather than relying on the CPU logic, especially against Sam or Will linebackers flowing hard to the play side.