Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
This WR Screen from Shotgun Trips TE throws quick to the boundary receiver aligned to the closed side, with two trips receivers to the play side working as lead blockers by stalk blocking downfield after crack duty. The perimeter receiver runs a shallow curl release upfield to set up as a pitch and catch outlet with blockers stacked in front, making this a true screen designed to get the ball out fast and let blocking angles create the yardage. The primary read is the screen receiver himself since it is a pre-determined throw, so the quarterback's job is to get the ball out on time and let the stalk blocks spring the runner.
Defensive Reads
Watch for corners playing off coverage on the trips side, since soft coverage gives the blockers a clean runway to set up their stalk blocks. Key on linebacker depth before the snap, shallow linebackers who key the backfield quickly will blow up this screen by sitting on it. User the nearest linebacker or slot defender to the trips side and spy the screen instead of dropping into coverage to jump the throw. Identify blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge, since those defenders will not get home in time to affect the screen and often take themselves out of the play. Look for zone shells with cornerbacks sinking deep, this leaves the shallow screen area open unless a linebacker or safety triggers downhill quickly.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or in obvious blitz-heavy situations since screens punish aggressive pass rush tendencies and nano blitz packages.
Check pre-snap for man coverage on the trips side, since man defenders will get picked off by the natural rub action of the blockers releasing upfield.
Use this play as a changeup after running verticals or curl flat from the same Trips TE look to keep defenders honest and slow down their linebacker drops.
Snap the ball quickly if you see linebackers creeping toward the line pre-snap, since this play beats blitz packages by getting the ball out before pressure arrives.
Avoid calling this against disciplined zone defenses with linebackers sitting short, since they can read the screen and jump the throwing lane.
