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Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Singleback Tight Flex sends three vertical clear-out routes upfield from the outside receivers and TE while the offensive line initially shows pass pro before releasing to lead block for the HB, who slips out to the flat opposite the formation strength. The three deep routes (two verticals and a deep in that breaks toward the sideline) occupy underneath defenders and linebackers, creating a numbers advantage for the screen on the perimeter. This is a screen play designed to bait aggressive pass rushers and blitzers, with the primary read being an automatic quick throw to the HB once his blockers get in front of him in space.
Defensive Reads
Key on defensive ends and outside linebackers who crash upfield hard off the snap, since their pursuit angle taken away from the screen side is exactly what this play exploits. Watch for a delayed offensive line release, a telltale sign of a screen that lets a smart user-controlled defender sit and jump the throw. If linebackers are sitting flat-footed reading the backfield instead of covering vertical routes, they are keying the screen and can undercut the throwing lane. Man coverage with press corners at the line signals aggressive blitz tendencies, which plays right into the hands of this screen concept. Zone shells with linebackers dropping into shallow flat zones are the biggest counter to this play, since they can react to the HB before his blockers get set.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses showing pressure or blitz packages since the delayed line release punishes overaggressive edge rushers and blitzing linebackers.
Watch pre-snap for man coverage with linebackers pressed on the line, as this indicates blitz intent and sets up the screen perfectly.
Throw the ball quickly once the HB turns upfield, do not wait for blockers to fully set because zone defenders can read the screen and close the throwing lane.
Pair this with HB Draw and PA Waggle from the same set to keep linebackers honest on run fits and freeze them just enough for the screen to develop.
Avoid calling this against disciplined zone defenses with linebackers sitting in shallow zones, since they can sniff out the screen and blow it up for a loss.
