Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Trio is a designed screen pass that gets the running back a release out of the backfield while the offensive line sets up in front to lead block downfield. Three receivers push vertically to clear out underneath defenders and linebackers, with two going straight up the field and the third breaking outside then upfield to occupy the corner, while the back sneaks out to the flat behind a guard and center pulling out in front. This is a screen designed to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz packages by letting the rush overcommit upfield before the ball gets outside to the back with blockers already in space. The primary read is the HB in the flat first, with the blockers clearing a lane before any progression to the vertical routes even becomes relevant.
Defensive Reads
Watch for user blitzers flying upfield unblocked, this play lives on defenders selling out for pressure instead of staying disciplined. If you are on defense, key the offensive line at the snap, if guards or the center start releasing outside instead of engaging, sit and diagnose the screen instead of chasing the quarterback. Man coverage with press corners and blitz packages get destroyed by this concept since defenders turn their backs to the backfield. Spy or scrape linebackers who stay square to the line of scrimmage can jump the screen lane and blow it up for a loss. Zone coverage with disciplined underneath defenders holding their landmarks can sit on the flat and take away the primary read, forcing a checkdown or throwaway.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or third and short when the defense shows blitz or man press pre snap, since the whole concept is built to punish pressure. Check the box count before the snap: if you see six or more defenders crowding the line or overload blitz looks, this is your answer play. Let the screen develop, do not panic and throw early, give your linemen time to get out and set their blocks before releasing to the HB. Pair this with Inside Zone or HB Draw earlier in a series so the defense starts keying on the interior run game, that sets up the screen to hit even harder once linebackers start flowing hard downhill. Mix this in with Trio's verticals or Steeler Dig on the next snap to keep defenders honest, since the vertical routes here already stress the deep defenders even without being the read.
