Playbooks
Breakdown
HB Mtn TE Mid Screen lines up out of Shotgun Trio Y-Flex with 11 personnel and uses pre-snap HB motion to help identify man versus zone before the ball is snapped. The two outside receivers on the left run a deep clear out with the inner one breaking to the corner and the boundary receiver running a deep in, while the backside X on the far right releases straight up the numbers to occupy the deep defender. The offensive line shows a screen pass set with the TE slipping out to the flat area behind the line as the underneath outlet, making this a TE screen designed to bait pass rushers upfield and let blockers get out in front. The primary read is the TE screen in the flat, with the deep clear out routes on the backside serving to hold safeties and corners away from the shallow throw.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a linebacker or slot defender spying the HB motion, since that usually confirms man coverage and opens up the deep clear out routes on the backside. Key the defensive ends and interior rushers, if they are crashing hard upfield without containing the TE release, the screen will hit for a big gain. Zone coverage with a flat defender sitting underneath can sniff out this screen quickly, so check for a linebacker or nickel corner sitting shallow before committing to the throw. Cover 2 or Cover 3 shells with disciplined edge contain are the toughest look for this play, since the flat defender can jump the TE screen and blow it up for a loss. Look for user controlled defenders lurking near the line of scrimmage, they can undercut the screen if the quarterback telegraphs the throw too early.
Usage Tips
Use the HB motion presnap to bait a defender into declaring man coverage by following the back across the formation.
This play hits best on early downs or in obvious pass funnel situations where the defense is selling out on deep drops or a heavy pass rush.
Let the offensive line and TE get a full two count before throwing so the screen blockers can get in front, especially against aggressive edge rushers who are crashing hard upfield.
Pair this call with Mtn Stick or Mtn Corner Y-drag from the same set so the defense has to respect intermediate routes and cannot sit on screens.
If the defense shows Cover 0 or heavy blitz looks presnap, prioritize this over dropback concepts since the screen naturally counters overpursuing rushers.
