Playbooks
HB Slash Alert Bubble
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slash Alert Bubble is a quick-hitting screen concept out of Singleback Spread 10 personnel. The diagram shows the outside receiver running a bubble screen route to the flat while the slot receiver runs a shallow slant flat crossing underneath, and the HB releases on a screen route out of the backfield behind the offensive line. This is a man beater and screen play designed to get the ball out fast against pressure, with the primary read being the bubble screen first, then checking down to the HB slash release if the flat defender jumps the bubble.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the flat cornerback and slot defender leverage pre-snap, if they are playing off with soft outside shade the bubble screen has a clean lane. Man coverage with no underneath help at the flat is the biggest liability this play exploits, so identify press man alignments before the snap. Zone defenses with a hard-sinking corner or a linebacker spying the screen lanes can blow this play up, especially Cover 3 sky or Cover 4 with aggressive flat drops. Post-snap, key the nearest linebacker or slot defender for a lurk read, if they sit and read the quarterback's eyes instead of biting on run action they can jump the bubble route. Blitzes that send extra rushers but leave the flat uncovered are dead against this concept, so look for overload blitz shells pre-snap and attack the vacated side.
Usage Tips
Fire this play against defenses showing blitz or man coverage pre-snap since the quick screens neutralize pass rush timing.
Check the flat defender and slot corner depth before the snap, if they are crashing hard on run action the bubble screen will have room to work.
Use your right stick to scan the bubble first, then the slant flat crosser, and finally check the HB slash release as your third option if both are covered.
Pair this play with HB Draw Bubble and Bubble Screen from the same set to keep defenses guessing on which receiver is getting the ball out wide.
Best used on early downs or third and short since the routes develop fast and rarely lose yardage even when defenders read it correctly.
