Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Cross Screen out of Shotgun Split Slot Offset is a designed screen pass that lets the offensive line release upfield while the HB slips out to the opposite flat, catching the ball in space behind a wall of blockers. The diagram shows three vertical go routes stretching the defense downfield to clear out underneath defenders and remove eyes from the screen action, while the HB works across the formation and up the sideline as the offensive line pulls to escort him. This is a zone beater at its core, designed to punish teams sitting in soft zone coverage or blitzing off the edge, with the primary read being the HB screen itself, only working through the vertical routes if the screen is jumped or blown up pre-snap.
Defensive Reads
Watch for user-controlled defensive linemen crashing hard upfield since they take themselves out of the screen passing lane and let the HB get to the edge untouched. Zone coverage shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 with linebackers dropping to intermediate zones are the ideal target since the alley to the flat stays open. Man coverage with linebackers spying the HB out of the backfield is the biggest threat, as a spy can sit on the screen and blow it up before blockers get set. Look for blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge, since a well timed screen turns free rushers into blockers running the wrong direction. If the defense shows disguised zone with a linebacker or safety sitting flat footed near the line of scrimmage, expect the screen to get sniffed out and consider hot routing to one of the vertical shots instead.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or in obvious passing situations where the defense expects a dropback and starts peeling linebackers into zone drops.
Check for overload blitzes pre-snap since aggressive edge pressure and blitzing linebackers vacate the alley the HB needs to work into.
Snap the ball quickly after the play call to prevent the defense from diagnosing the screen, and avoid using this against defenses that have shown quick screen recognition or a spy at linebacker.
Pair this with Mtn RPO Peek Swing or RPO Zone Bubble from the same set so the defense has to respect quick perimeter throws on every snap, opening up the cross screen as a change of pace.
Sequence this behind a play like Mtn PA Stutter Go or Mtn Stutter Go so the defense bites on the vertical shell and loses discipline in run support before you dial up the screen.
