Playbooks

WR Mid Screen

Shotgun·Spread Flex·11
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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

Spread Classic

Breakdown

WR Mid Screen out of Shotgun Spread Flex is a designed screen play built to punish aggressive pass rushers and blitz-heavy defenses. The offensive line sets up a soft pass pocket before releasing outward to lead block for the screen receiver, while the primary route runner sits underneath, waiting for blockers to get in front of him. The primary read is immediate: get the ball out to the screen target as soon as the blockers reach the second level, using them to shield defenders and create a running lane in space.

Defensive Reads

Identify pre-snap if the defense is in an overload blitz look with extra rushers stacked on one side, since that is the ideal look for this screen to hit big. Check safety depth before the snap. Two deep safeties sitting back usually signal a defense willing to blitz underneath, which sets up the screen perfectly. Post-snap, watch for a user-controlled linebacker sitting in a lurk spot near the screen side instead of rushing, since a smart user defender can jump the route and blow up the play for a loss. Zone coverage shells with linebackers dropping into short zones instead of rushing the passer are the biggest threat, because those defenders can read the screen and close the passing lane before blockers arrive. Man coverage with a corner playing off rather than press can also disrupt the timing, since the off corner has an easier angle to read and rally to the screen.

Usage Tips

Call this play against defenses showing heavy blitz packages or man press coverage, since blitzing linebackers and corners take themselves out of the screen lane by rushing upfield. Use it on early downs like first or second and medium to keep defenses honest and slow down their pass rush aggression for the rest of the series. Watch the play clock and snap timing so you throw immediately off the catch read, since holding the ball too long lets defensive linemen recover and blow up the screen before blockers arrive. Pair this play with Inside Zone and HB Draw earlier in a drive to bait linebackers into keying run fits, then hit them with the WR Mid Screen when they start crashing downhill. Sequence this play with Tear WR Mid Screen or HB Slip Screen later in the game once defenders start sniffing out the timing, since alternating screen concepts keeps user defenders guessing on which gap to fill.

Other Plays in Spread Flex