Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Cheat HB Jailbreak Screen is a designed HB screen out of Shotgun Wing Slot Offset with 12 personnel, using cheat motion pre-snap to shift numbers to the play side before the snap. The diagram shows the offensive line releasing upfield to wall off the second level while the HB slips out to the flat, catches the checkdown, and follows his blockers upfield along the sideline lane shown by the olive route arrow. This is a screen play designed to bait pass rush and beat pressure, with the primary read being the HB in the flat as soon as the QB completes his drop, since the entire concept is built around getting the ball to the back in space with blockers leading the way.
Defensive Reads
Watch for user-controlled defenders spying the backfield or sitting flat footed at the snap, a disciplined defender who reads screen instantly and gets depth will blow this play up before blockers arrive. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with linebackers reading the QB's eyes are the toughest matchup, since flowing linebackers can beat the blockers to the flat and cut off the HB's angle. Man coverage with underneath defenders locked onto slot or TE alignments is where this screen hits hardest, because those defenders turn their backs to the backfield. Blitz-heavy fronts and nano blitzes are the ideal matchup, aggressive rushers crashing upfield get shielded by the tackle and guard, leaving green grass for the HB. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's first step, if he sits or blitzes instead of shuffling toward the sideline he cannot recover in time to stop the screen once it develops.
Usage Tips
Use the cheat motion to identify man versus zone before the snap, if a defender follows the motion man across the formation you are facing man coverage and the screen becomes even more dangerous.
Call this play on early downs or in known blitz situations, since aggressive pass rush and nano blitz packages will overrun the play and open up the screen lane for a big gain.
Pair this with Inside Zone or Duo from the same set so the defense respects the run fake and commits linebackers downhill, making the screen blocking angles easier to clean up.
Hold the ball for a full one-count after the snap to let the linemen get out in front, throwing too early results in negative plays because the blockers have not released yet.
Sequence this after PA Jailbreak Screen or Fake Jet HB Wheel to condition the defense to bite on jet and play-action looks, then hit them with the true screen when they sell out on the fake.
