Playbooks

HB Slip Screen Str

Shotgun·Split Slot Offset·20
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense

Breakdown

HB Slip Screen Str is a strong-side running back screen out of the Shotgun Split Slot Offset formation designed to slip the back out to the strong side while the offensive line initially sets up as if in pass protection before releasing to lead block. This is a screen play built to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz packages, since the linemen fall out in front of the back as rushers overcommit upfield. The primary read is simple: catch the screen to the running back and follow your lead blockers, reading the first defender to leak through before cutting upfield behind the wall.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing Cover 1 or Cover 3 man match with linebackers stacked tight to the line, since aggressive man coverage and blitz looks are what this screen is designed to punish. Watch for a spy linebacker or a defender staying home in the middle of the field post-snap, since a disciplined defender who does not bite on the play fake can blow up the screen before blockers arrive. Key on the defensive ends and edge rushers, if they are crashing hard upfield off the snap the screen lane opens immediately behind them. Beware of user-controlled defenders sitting in a lurk position near the strong side flat, since a smart human opponent can jump this route and turn it into a pick six. If the defense shows Cover 2 or a zone shell with linebackers reading run-pass first, the blockers may not have time to get out in front, so consider switching to a quicker RPO or swing concept instead.

Usage Tips

Call this play on early downs or after you have shown a heavy dropback passing tendency, since defenders sitting in max protect look mode are the ones this screen punishes hardest.

Check the defensive front pre-snap for overload blitzes or five plus man rushers, since the more defenders crashing upfield, the wider the alley this screen creates.

Use hot routes sparingly here, but consider motioning a receiver across to bait a linebacker out of the box before the snap to widen the screen lane.

Pair this play in sequence with Mtn RPO Peek Swing or Mtn RPO Read Swing Wk earlier in a series so the defense starts keying on quick swing passes to the flat, making the delayed slip screen hit even harder later.

Avoid calling this against zone-heavy defenses with disciplined linebackers who sit and read, since screen defenders in zone drops can jump the throw before blockers get set.

Other Plays in Split Slot Offset