Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Normal Y Off is a designed screen play in which the offensive line and receivers sell a downfield passing concept while the running back slips out to the flat for a delayed screen. The diagram shows both outside receivers running deep clear out routes (a vertical seam and corner breaking route on one side, a deep in from the slot on the other) to pull coverage away from the middle of the field, while the offensive line lets the rush come upfield before releasing to set up blockers in front of the HB. The primary read is the HB in the flat off play fake pass protection: the QB looks off the deep routes to bait aggressive pass rush or man coverage before dumping the ball to the back once blockers get in front of him.
Defensive Reads
Watch for man coverage pre snap, since corners and safeties chasing the clear out routes downfield leave the flat wide open for the HB. Key blitzing linebackers and edge defenders who crash the pocket immediately after the snap, as their pursuit angles upfield are exactly what this screen exploits. If you see a spy linebacker sitting in the middle of the field or a zone defender staying home near the line of scrimmage, expect this play to get blown up before blockers can set. Identify user controlled defenders lurking near the flat or shallow zones, since a smart user player can jump the route and undercut the screen for a big loss. Look for Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined underneath zone drops, as those coverages tend to keep linebackers in position to react to the HB before he gets outside.
Usage Tips
Sell the play fake by holding your eyes downfield for a full second before checking down to the HB so aggressive user pass rushers and blitzers fully commit upfield.
Use this against defenses that bring pressure often, since the natural flow of blitzers running past the line of scrimmage creates alleys for the HB to work behind blockers.
Avoid calling this against disciplined zone defenses that sit and read the QB, since spy linebackers or a delayed defensive lineman can blow it up before blocks set.
Pair HB Slip Screen with other plays in the Normal Y Off set like Inside Zone or HB Counter to keep defenders guessing between run and screen looks out of the same personnel.
Call this on early downs or after showing consistent play action shots from this formation, since defenses keying on the deep routes from PA Jet Sweep or Corner Strike will bite on the fake and open up the screen lane.
