Playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Singleback Doubles 11 personnel shows the offensive line selling pass pro before releasing to escort the running back, while the two outside receivers on the left run a vertical clear-out and a comeback style dig to drag coverage away from the screen side, and the far right receiver runs a vertical stem to occupy the deep defender on that side. The HB slips out to the left flat behind the line, catching the pass in space with blockers building a wall in front of him. This is a screen play designed to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz packages, with the primary read being the HB in the flat as soon as the linemen release, since the receiver routes are decoys meant to hold defenders deep and away from the screen lane.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive linemen and edge rushers crashing hard upfield, since that pursuit angle is exactly what the screen exploits and leaves the flat wide open. If the user controls a linebacker and stays home reading the backfield instead of rushing, this play can get blown up before the blockers set the wall. Man coverage on the outside receivers with no underneath zone defender near the flat is the ideal shell for this screen, since nobody is left to react to the HB. Cover 2 or Cover 3 zone shells with linebackers sitting in short zones are the biggest counter, since a zone defender can simply sink into the flat and jump the route. Key on the middle linebacker depth pre-snap, if he is shallow and spying the backfield rather than dropping into a zone, that is a strong indicator the defense is ready to sniff out the screen.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or a defensive back showing man press alignment, since the delayed release from the offensive line punishes aggressive pass rush.
Use it on early downs or after running a few dropback passes from this same Doubles personnel to keep the defense guessing between pass and screen.
Once the ball is snapped, immediately look to the HB releasing left and let your linemen get out ahead before throwing, do not force it into a crowd if the screen lane is not blocked yet.
Pair this play with Four Verticals or Dagger from the same Doubles set to condition the defense into thinking every snap is a downfield shot, making the screen hit harder when they bite on the pass rush.
Avoid calling this against zone heavy defenses that sit back in coverage, since screens thrive against upfield pursuit and man beaters, not passive zone drops.
