Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
FB Screen out of Strong I Pro (21 personnel) shows the fullback leaking out to the flat behind a wall of blockers after a brief pass-set delay from the offensive line, while both outside receivers run the defense off vertically up the sideline to clear the screen lane. The line sets up a delayed release to sell the screen action before pulling out to escort the FB, and the primary read is the FB screen itself, with the two vertical routes serving purely as clear-out concepts rather than actual reads. This is a zone beater and blitz-beater by design, punishing aggressive pass rushes and underneath zone drops that vacate the flat.
Defensive Reads
As the defense, key on the offensive line for a quick pass-set followed by linemen releasing outside instead of engaging, which is the first tell of FB Screen. Spy the fullback out of the backfield instead of biting on the two vertical routes, since those are decoys designed to pull your eyes and your flat defender out of position. Sit a linebacker or nickel defender in the flat and refuse to bite on the vertical stems, this alignment shuts the play down immediately. Man coverage with aggressive press corners is vulnerable if the linebackers also blitz, since nobody is left to fill the flat, so play zone match concepts or keep a defender spying the backfield on early downs versus 21 personnel. Watch for the offense calling this after establishing FB Dive or HB Dive, since they are using run tendencies to set up the screen against overpursuing defenders.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see linebackers creeping toward the line pre-snap or a heavy blitz package showing, since the delayed blockers neutralize extra rushers. Use it on early downs or after a hard run play like FB Dive or HB Dive to keep defenders honest against run-heavy personnel in 21 personnel. Watch the flat defender pre-snap: if a corner or linebacker is sitting soft in the flat with outside leverage, check to a different concept since the lane will be clogged. Pair this with Go's or PA Slide in the same set to condition the defense to respect vertical shots, making the screen hit harder once they start jumping routes. Take the check-down quickly once the FB clears the box, resisting the urge to hold the ball and let the rush collapse the pocket.
