I think some of the longest gainers all year came off of screen plays to Tashard Choice and Sammy Morris. I still think it’s a problem for an aggressive attacking defense like ours. I’d continue to challenge our discipline if I was coaching against Denver— they’ve made so many big plays and have the confidence that they can change the game. That might work against them, although I’m sure Dawkins/McDaniels/Nolan will have everyone playing within themselves.

I actualy DID mention Sproles and the screen play in my article.

Here are four ways to address the screen.

1) We switch formations a lot of the time, so a team doesn’t know going into the play if there will be a 5-2 or something else. In fact, we often have guys moving a second before the snap! A screen against the wrong defense is likely a stop behind the line.

2) Pressure solves almost anything, and we bring a lot of that. Our OLB/DEs bring a lot of pressure from the edges, and are often in position to bat down or disrupt a screen from getting started. (Of course, once it gets going and the pass is complete, they are out of position).

3) Keep the SAFs back in deep zone. A lot of screen tackles come from the SAF position, IF they haven’t cheated forward. Those doesn’t seem to be a problem with Nolan’s defense.

4) Keep an ILB manned on the RB, or widen the LBs a little.

Every defense has weaknesses and strengths. But none of those strengths or weaknesses are absolutes either. We have a pretty adaptable philosophy, and don’t even have to play 5-2 if we think the screen will be a major component.

I think that’s because you can leave your DE and OLB in a “spy” and if you don’t get pressure to the side of the screen, you could potentially get a Safety on a WR. If I were game planning for SD, I’d have a variety of screens prepared, and I’d take at least one shot deep after establishing the legit screen play.

Everything concerning a screen starts with the blocking scheme. On a typical half-back screen, the tackle, guard and TE to the screen side (usually) give a token block or a preset count and then release into the flat to block along with any receiver that is deployed to that side. If a team possesses extremely agile players in the OL, occasionally the center will also pull.

As has been pointed out in several places, the goal is to draw most of the D-line and any blitzing LB into the offensive backfield behind the RB and blockers. This gives the QB almost no time to make any decision outside of throwing the designed screen. Unless you have a track record of running screens (which both the Bolts and Broncos do), some offensive linemen who can act, and a QB with some serious mid-range touch.

Two possible screen fakes:
  #1: (Short yardage version) Out of a two back set, at the snap, the RB, TE, WRs and OT all sell the screen per usual (the guard stays in). The fullback pauses in the backfield long enough to account for a LB blitz and then releases into the opposite flat that should be opened by the weak side WR running a clearout.. The QB pump fakes the screen, and then turns and delivers to what should be a wide open FB. (The clearout is run on almost every screen, primarily to pull the FS away from the line of scrimmage.) Any defense playing with a “spy” in the LB can blow this up.

  #2: (Long ball version) This requires a QB with exceptional touch on fade routes – which unfortunately Philip Rivers has. The scenario begins as before, but with the FB now pulling to the side of the screen to account for the DE. The QB sells the pump fake to the screen, freezing the safeties just long enough to throw a midrange fade route to the weak side WR who is likely running a hitch and go.

Both of these options are dependent on a QB’s ability to track the FS or spy LB in a mere 2-count, but are capable of burning a defense that is focused on stopping a screen.

Not really. A screen takes time to develop. The QB waits until the defenders almost have him, then “blam” – the ball goes to the edge.

If the QB waited that long, then made some sort of a fake, he’d likely get hurt. As it is, most good screens happen when much of the defense is already at the QB’s throat.

That diagnosis of the screen by multiple players is the key to our success? Typically you’ll see a corner react but get blown up by the lead blocker and then there’s no support. I’d think that if a DE can sniff it out they can get to the receiver before it develops… but I also think that it’s more important that everyone is aware.