Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Fk Swing Mid Screen is a screen pass out of Shotgun Spread Dbl Flex that uses jet motion across the formation as a decoy while the offensive line releases upfield to set up a middle screen. The diagram shows the fullback swinging out to the flat as the underneath check down while the play design funnels the defense with the motion man, drawing linebackers out of the box before the screen develops behind them. Blocking upfield on the far side sells run action and clears the middle, so the primary read progression is the motion man's swing route first, then work back to the middle screen developing behind the fake run action once linebackers bite.
Defensive Reads
Key on the middle linebacker's initial step at the snap, if he flows hard to the motion side or bites on run action, the screen lane opens immediately. This play beats aggressive blitz packages and man coverage that overcommits to the jet motion, since it pulls defenders away from the screen's blocking numbers. Zone defenses with disciplined linebackers who sit and read the quarterback can sniff out the screen and blow it up for a loss, so avoid calling this against teams that consistently spy or stay home. Watch for a user-controlled defender lurking in the middle of the field who can jump the screen route before blockers get set, this is the biggest threat to the play. Cover 3 and Cover 1 shells with man-heavy linebacker assignments are the most exploitable coverages for this concept.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is in man or zone by watching if a linebacker or defensive back follows the motion man across the formation.
Against blitz-heavy defenses this play is extremely effective because the extra rushers create even more room for the screen once the blockers get out in front.
Hold the ball an extra beat if you see linebackers dropping into their zone drops quickly, since the screen needs time to develop behind the linemen releasing upfield.
Pair this with Mtn Fk Swing Wheel or Mtn HB Swing in your play-calling sequence so defenders start jumping the swing route, opening up the mid screen even more on money downs.
Best called on second and long or third and medium when defenses are more likely to bring pressure or sit in zone shells expecting a dropback pass.
