Playbooks

Mtn HB Mid 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 Mid Screen is a running back screen out of the Shotgun Split Slot Open set that attacks aggressive pass rushes and blitz heavy defenses. The offensive line and receivers release upfield to sell pass before setting up a wall of blockers in front of the running back, who slips out to the middle of the field for the throw. This is a blitz beater at its core, punishing defenses that bring pressure or crash the edges, and the primary read progression is simple: the QB looks off the initial rush, checks the middle of the field is clear of a spying linebacker or lurking defender, then delivers the screen to the HB in stride behind the developing convoy of blockers.

Defensive Reads

Man defenders who bite hard on receiver releases and turn their backs to the backfield are the biggest indicator this play will hit clean. Watch for a defensive lineman or edge rusher who reads screen and sits at the line instead of rushing, since that alone can blow up the blocking wall. A linebacker staying home in a hook zone or spy alignment instead of blitzing is the number one counter, since he sits right in the middle throwing lane and can jump the route. Cover 3 and Cover 1 with man match linebackers tend to get gashed by this screen because those linebackers chase receivers vertically and vacate the middle. Match style zone defenses with disciplined linebackers who stay square and read the backfield will diagnose this quickly and limit it to minimal or negative yardage.

Usage Tips

Call this play when you diagnose a blitz pre-snap through defender count at the line or aggressive safety and linebacker creep toward the box.

Use it as a changeup after running hard play-action shots like PA Y Cross or PA Wheel Switch from this same set to keep defenders honest and guessing between shots and screens.

Avoid throwing into a spy or a linebacker sitting in a shallow zone drop, since that defender can jump the screen lane and blow up the timing.

Pair this with Mtn HB Slip Screen in your play-calling script so opponents cannot key on one screen shape, alternating the blocking angle each series.

Best used on second and long or third and medium when defenses expect a dropback pass and commit extra rushers, since the delayed release exploits overpursuit.

Other Plays in Split Slot Open