Playbooks

TE Middle Screen

Shotgun·Trips TE·11

Screen Pass Te Screen Pass Play

Play diagram for TE Middle Screen from Shotgun Trips TE in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetTrips TE

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 2 playbooks

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Breakdown

TE Middle Screen out of Shotgun Trips TE sends the three trips receivers vertical and outside to clear the middle of the field, with the two outside receivers running a deep flag and go combo while the inside trips receiver runs a quick out to occupy underside defenders. The TE releases into the flat before working back to the middle as the screen target while the offensive line shows pass pro and then releases to lead block downfield. This is a screen play designed to bait an aggressive pass rush and beat man pressure or blitz packages, with the primary read being the TE screen underneath while the trips routes are the clearout that opens up the middle of the field.

Defensive Reads

Watch for defensive ends and interior linemen getting up the field hard off the snap, since that aggressive rush lane is exactly what springs the TE screen for a big gain. Man coverage on the outside trips receivers is a green light for this play because it removes underneath defenders from the picture as they chase downfield. Zone coverage with linebackers sitting short and reading the quarterback's eyes will sniff out the screen quickly and blow it up before the blockers get set. User controlled defenders spying the TE at the snap or sitting in a shallow zone lurk are the biggest threat, since they can jump the route before blockers arrive. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 with linebackers staying home instead of blitzing, expect this screen to get minimal yardage and consider audibling to a different concept.

Usage Tips

Call this play on early downs or third and short when the defense shows blitz looks or heavy man coverage on the outside receivers.

Check the box pre snap for extra defenders creeping toward the line, since a hot blitz or heavy pass rush is exactly what this screen is designed to punish.

Do not hot route the trips receivers deep unless you need a shot play as a bailout, since their job is to clear space rather than get targeted.

Pair this with Reload Shock HB Choice or HB Slip Screen in the same set so the defense cannot key on one screen concept and start jumping the throw.

Snap the ball quickly once the TE settles into his screen release and trust your blockers to get out in front, since hesitating gives interior defenders time to read and rally.