Playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Tight Slots HB Wk sends four vertical releases up top to clear out the underneath defenders while the offensive line sets up to release and get out in front of the screen. The HB slips out to the weak side behind a wall of blockers as the four receivers occupy zone defenders and man corners downfield with vertical routes. This is a classic screen pass built to beat aggressive pass rushes and blitz-heavy man coverage, and the primary read is the HB in the flat with blockers leading the way, not the vertical routes which serve purely as clear-out decoys.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive linemen and edge rushers crashing hard upfield, since a disciplined DE or DT sitting home can blow this play up for a loss. Identify man coverage pre-snap through corner alignment on the outside receivers, this play is designed to exploit man defenders who bite on the vertical releases. Zone coverage with linebackers sitting short can be a problem, since a lurking backer or Sam linebacker who reads screen quickly can jump the throw for a big loss or pick. Track user-controlled defenders after the snap, since a smart human opponent will often spy the HB instead of dropping into coverage, which telegraphs the screen and forces you to check to a vertical route instead. Cover 0 and Cover 1 man blitz packages are the ideal target for this call since extra rushers upfield leave the perimeter wide open for the screen to develop.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or a defensive coordinator sending extra rushers on early downs.
Let the screen develop fully before throwing it, do not rush the release or you will throw into traffic behind the line.
Use the four vertical routes as bait against man coverage teams that like to press and chase, since their defenders will be turned around and out of position to make a play on the screen.
Pair this call with Four Verticals or Mtn Outs Z-Post earlier in a series so the defense respects the vertical passing game and commits extra defenders forward on early downs.
Best used on first and second down in normal distance situations, avoid third and long since the low ceiling on the screen makes it a low value conversion play in desperate spots.
