Playbooks

HB Slip Screen

Shotgun·Spread Dbl Flex·11
Screen PassHb ScreenPass PlayFadeStreak
Play diagram for HB Slip Screen from Shotgun Spread Dbl Flex in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Spread Dbl Flex sends all four wide receivers vertical on go routes to clear out the underneath defenders and occupy the deep zones or man defenders downfield, while the offensive line sets up a screen pocket in front of the QB before releasing to lead block for the HB. The running back slips out to the flat behind the line for the short screen, catching the pass in space with blockers already working to spring him. This is a screen play designed to bait an aggressive pass rush or blitz, and it works as both a man and zone beater since the four verticals occupy defenders regardless of coverage shell. The primary read progression is simple: the QB looks off the vertical routes for a beat, then immediately dumps it to the HB in the flat once the screen blockers are set.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing blitz or an overloaded front, since extra rushers vacate the middle and give the HB a clean releaser lane. Watch for a linebacker spy or a defender staying home in the box post-snap, as this is the primary threat to blow up the screen before blockers arrive. If the defense shows Cover 0 or man across the board with no underneath help, the four verticals can turn into big plays if the QB resets his eyes after the screen is covered. Zone shells with disciplined hook or curl defenders sitting short are the best counter, since those defenders can read the screen action and jump the throw. User-controlled defenders who key the running back at the snap rather than dropping into coverage can single-handedly stop this play, so watch for a user spy sitting in the backfield.

Usage Tips

Call this play when you diagnose a blitz pre-snap, since the extra rushers create running lanes for the HB behind the screen blockers.

Use the four verticals as a hard sell by holding the ball for a full count before checking down, this freezes linebackers and safeties who might otherwise sit on the screen.

Best down and distance situations are third and short to medium or any time the defense shows Cover 0 or a heavy blitz look, since the underneath defenders will be vacated.

Pair this with Four Verticals or PA Slot Post from the same set earlier in a series so the defense respects the vertical shell, making them slower to react to the screen action later.

Avoid calling this against zone drop coverages with disciplined linebackers who stay home, since spies and hook zone defenders can blow it up before blockers get set.

Other Plays in Spread Dbl Flex