HB Slip Screen

Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing Cover 3 or Cover 1 with man coverage on the trips side, since that man coverage pulls defenders away from the box and away from the HB's release lane. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if all three linebackers are crashing hard upfield on the pass rush the screen has a green light to hit big. Post-snap, key any user controlled defender sitting in a shallow zone or spying the backfield, that user can jump the route and blow up the screen for a loss. Look for a Mike linebacker who reads screen quickly and hangs back near the line, this is the primary defender who can diagnose and destroy the play before blockers set up. Beware of defenses that show zone shells but disguise a nickel or dime blitz, since extra rushers who stay home instead of pursuing can sit in the throwing lane and undercut the pass.