Playbooks

HB Middle Screen

Shotgun·Trey Open HB Str·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

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense

Breakdown

HB Middle Screen out of Shotgun Trey Open HB Str is a designed screen play that gets your running back matched up against slower defensive linemen and blitzing linebackers in space. The offensive line initially shows pass protection before releasing to set up a wall of blockers in front of the running back as he sits in the middle of the field. This is a blitz beater at its core, punishing aggressive pass rush and man pressure calls, with the primary read being an immediate check to the running back once the initial rush commits upfield.

Defensive Reads

Identify pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers walked up to the line or defensive backs showing man press across from your receivers, since this play thrives against aggressive man coverage and pressure calls. Look for a defensive line that crashes hard upfield off the snap, which opens the alley for your blockers to seal the middle of the field. Beware of a user controlled linebacker or safety sitting in a lurk technique in the middle of the field, since that defender can jump the screen and blow up the play for a loss if he reads your quarterback's eyes. Zone heavy shells with linebackers reading run and pass instead of blitzing will diagnose this quickly, so check for a defense that stays in their drops rather than teeing off. Watch the defensive tackles specifically, since disciplined interior rushers who stay square and read the screen rather than upfield can string this out before your blockers get set.

Usage Tips

Call this play when you diagnose a blitz pre-snap, especially overload pressure or nano blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge. Watch for linebackers creeping toward the line of scrimmage or safeties rotating down into the box, since that tells you the defense is selling out to rush the passer. Snap the ball quickly and get your throw off before the defensive line can read screen and sit down, since disciplined defenders who stay home will blow this up immediately. Pair this with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Peek Bubble earlier in a series to condition the defense into expecting quick game, then hit them with this screen when they start jumping routes. Use this on second and long or third and medium against teams that love to bring pressure, since the blockers in front of the running back can pick up big chunks of yardage after the catch. Avoid calling this against zone heavy defenses or teams that show discipline with their defensive line, since spy techniques and disciplined edge rushers who peek back at the backfield will diagnose it early.

Other Plays in Trey Open HB Str