Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Singleback Ace Slot is a screen pass designed to slip the running back out to the flat while the offensive line shows pass block before releasing to lead block downfield. The two outside receivers run vertical clear-out routes to pull deep coverage away, while the two inside receivers break outside and upfield off angled stems to occupy underneath defenders and create a passing lane for the screen. The primary read progression is a pre-determined designed screen to the HB in the flat, so the QB should be looking to get the ball out quickly once the rush commits upfield.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers who slow play the snap or widen immediately instead of rushing, since that is a sign they are keying screen. User a linebacker or safety and spy the backfield instead of dropping into a zone, since this lets you jump the screen before the blockers get set. Zone coverage shells with linebackers sitting short are the biggest threat to this play, especially if a defender stays home on the running back rather than chasing the vertical routes. Man coverage with heavy blitz packages is exactly what this screen wants to see, so if you are calling defense against it, get any extra rushers to peel off and read the backfield. Look for a defensive tackle or nose getting immediate penetration up the middle, since that can blow up the play before the blockers can get out in front of the HB.
Usage Tips
Call this play against aggressive four man or five man pass rushes that sell out to get upfield, since the linemen releasing to block in space depend on defenders crashing past them.
Use it as a change of pace after running vertical shot plays like Verts or PA Verts from this same Ace Slot set, since the clearing routes on the outside mimic those deep shots and freeze linebackers for an extra beat.
Throw this on early down and distance or after a big pass play, when the defense is more likely to be in a nickel or dime rush look rather than a run-stuffing front that squats near the line.
Snap the ball quickly and let the design work, since holding the ball too long lets defensive ends and outside linebackers sniff out the screen and sit on it.
Pair this with Slot Under or Curl Flat in the same set to keep linebackers honest with quick underneath throws before mixing in the HB Slip Screen as a change up.
