Playbooks

HB Slip Screen

Shotgun·Normal Y Off·11

Screen Pass Hb Screen Pass Play

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

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetNormal Y Off

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

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Breakdown

HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Normal Y Off is a designed screen pass that slips the running back out to the flat while the offensive line and TE sell a pass drop before releasing downfield to wall off defenders. On the diagram, the two outside receivers run deep clear out routes (one vertical seam, one crossing under) to pull coverage away from the screen zone, while the TE releases to block down the middle and the backside receiver sprints across the field to occupy the far side defenders. The primary read is the HB in the flat: get the ball out to him quickly once the screen clears, using the outside receivers as decoys to hold defensive backs and linebackers away from the throwing lane.

Defensive Reads

Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing hard off the edge, since a disciplined contain rusher can blow up the screen before blockers get set. Man coverage that follows the HB out of the backfield with a linebacker is the biggest threat, so look to check into a different play if you see a defender shaded tight on the running back pre-snap. Zone defenses with linebackers sitting short and reading the quarterback's eyes can jump the screen route, so avoid this call against teams that consistently sit in zone drops with disciplined linebacker eyes. Post-snap, identify any user-controlled defender lurking near the line of scrimmage, since a smart user player can bait the screen and jump the throwing lane for a big hit or interception. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells that keep linebackers deep tend to open up more room for the HB to work, while Cover 2 man with underneath help tends to shut this down quickly.

Usage Tips

Call this play against aggressive pass rush teams that bring extra rushers, since the screen naturally punishes blitzes by getting blockers out in space with fewer defenders to beat.

Check pre-snap for man coverage indicators like a linebacker shading over the HB, which tells you the screen has a lane once the linebacker bites on the initial pass drop fake.

Use hot routes to adjust the backside crossing receiver into a shorter drag if you need an extra underneath option against zone coverage that sits and reads the quarterback.

Pair this with Read Option or Inside Zone earlier in a series so linebackers start keying run fits, then hit them with the slip screen to catch overpursuit and create a numbers advantage in space.

Best used on early downs or in obvious pass rush situations like third and long, where defenders are more likely to rush upfield and get out of position for containment.