Playbooks

Mtn HB Slip Screen

Shotgun·Split Slot Open·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

Mtn HB Slip Screen is a screen play out of Shotgun Split Slot Open designed to slow down aggressive pass rushers and paint blitz-heavy defenses into a bad spot. The offensive line sets up a pass-pro look before releasing to wall off the perimeter, while the halfback slips out of the backfield to the play side after a brief chip fake on the edge rusher. The primary read is simple: the QB looks off or holds a beat to let blockers get in front, then delivers to the HB in the flat area, using the wall of blockers to spring the back upfield for yards after catch.

Defensive Reads

Man coverage with no underneath zone defenders is a green light, since there is nobody sitting on the screen lane to jump the throw. Watch for a spy linebacker or a defender staying home in the backfield instead of rushing, that is the classic lurk read that blows this screen up for a big loss. Zone coverages with linebackers dropping into shallow flat zones can undercut the throw if they read screen quickly, so avoid this call against defenses that show discipline sitting in short zones. Nano blitzes or overload pressures aimed at the play side can be a problem if the user controls the unblocked rusher and diagnoses the screen immediately, so check which defender is left unaccounted for before the snap. Cover 0 and all-out blitz calls are the best matchup for this play, since every extra rusher committed to the QB is one less body available to defend the screen lane.

Usage Tips

Call this play against defenses that show heavy pressure pre-snap, since blitzing linebackers and edge rushers will run themselves out of the play and right into your blockers.

Watch pre-snap for widened defensive ends or overload blitz fronts on one side, and set the protection or flip the play strength so the screen releases away from the extra rusher if possible.

Use this on early downs or after establishing inside zone and gut runs from this set, so linebackers are already flowing hard downhill and susceptible to biting on the play fake.

Hold the ball for a full one count before throwing even if the HB looks open immediately, patience lets the blockers get set and turns a short gain into a house call.

Pair this with Mtn HB Mid Screen and HB Draw in your play-calling sequence to condition the defense to respect the run and misdirection game, then hit this slip screen when they start selling out on QB drops.

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