Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 15 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn FB Cross Screen is a screen pass out of Shotgun Split Close (20 personnel) that uses pre-snap motion to bring the FB across the formation before releasing him laterally to the boundary as the primary screen target. Three vertical stems from the outside receivers and slot occupy the deep defenders and linebackers, clearing the underneath area for the offensive line to set up the screen wall. The read progression is simple: key the FB motion and throw to him in the flat as blockers get out in front, using the backside crosser only as a late checkdown if the screen is covered.
Defensive Reads
Identify the FB motion presnap and assign a spy or lurk defender to trail him across the formation rather than biting on the vertical routes. Zone coverages with linebackers sitting underneath can be vulnerable if they crash on the three vertical stems and lose the FB in the flat. Man coverage that has a linebacker locked on the FB in the backfield can blow this play up immediately by mirroring the motion and undercutting the screen. Watch for a defensive lineman getting through the line untouched, since screen plays like this are susceptible to interior pressure before the wall can form. User-controlled defenders who stay home in the screen area instead of chasing the vertical routes will take away both the FB screen and the crosser underneath.
Usage Tips
Use this play against aggressive defenses that bring extra rushers, since the screen action punishes blitz-heavy calls that vacate the flats.
Watch for defenders keying the FB motion presnap, if a linebacker or slot corner shadows the FB across the formation, be ready to pull it down and check to a hot route.
Pair this with Mtn Y-Flood or Mtn HB Swing in the same set to keep defenders guessing between vertical flood concepts and screen action out of similar Shotgun Split Close looks.
Best called on early downs or after establishing verticals from this formation, since defenses sitting back in zone will bite on the three vertical stems and open up the screen lane.
Snap the ball quickly once the FB clears the formation on motion to prevent the defense from diagnosing the screen and jumping the throwing lane.
