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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Mtn FB Cross Screen is a screen pass out of Shotgun Split Slot Offset that sends both outside receivers vertical on go routes to clear the deep coverage while the fullback releases underneath on a cross screen to the flat. The offensive line shows a screen blocking scheme, sliding out to set up a wall in front of the fullback as he crosses the formation from left to right. This is a classic zone beater built to punish soft zone drops and aggressive linebacker flow, with the primary read being the fullback screen first and the two vertical routes as a check down bailout if the screen is jumped.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is in a two-high shell with corners playing off, since that alignment often means linebackers will flow freely and get caught in the wash on the screen. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they are creeping toward the line of scrimmage on run keys they will be out of position to defend the fullback in the flat. Post-snap, key any user-controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting in a lurk technique near the screen side, since a disciplined lurker can jump the throw for a big loss. This play struggles against zone blitzes that drop a defensive lineman into the screen lane or against man coverage with linebackers locked onto the fullback in man to man. Cover 3 zone drops with linebackers reading run first are the most vulnerable shell to this concept.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see linebackers cheating up on run action or flowing hard to the play side, since the screen relies on defenders vanishing from the throwing lane. Use it on early downs or after establishing inside zone runs so linebackers bite on the initial movement and lose contain on the fullback. Check the flat and underneath zone defenders pre-snap, if you see a defender sitting directly in the fullback's crossing lane, consider hot routing the near vertical receiver into a comeback or hitch to give yourself a quicker outlet. Pair this with Mtn Inside Zone or HB Draw earlier in a series so the defense keys run fits before you hit them with the screen action. Avoid calling this into aggressive user blitzes off the edge since a fast defender can blow up the screen before blockers get set.
