Dana Holgorsen asks a lot of his offensive line at Nebraska. Whether they are creating movement in the run game or protecting the quarterback in the passing game, the Cornhuskers’ big men are constantly being asked to move, adjust, and make blocks in space. That versatility becomes especially important in the screen game, where offensive linemen must sell their initial assignments, release at the right time, and get downfield to create running lanes.
Nebraska has made the screen game an effective extension of its offense this season, using different releases, protections, and formations to get the ball into the hands of its running backs with room to operate. Let’s take a look at three screen concepts that show how Holgorsen uses his offensive line to turn simple plays into explosive opportunities.
“Crack & Slip”
Coaches, if you are looking to install a new red zone play late in the season, this is a great way to get your running back the ball in space near the goal line.
The Cornhuskers align in a stacked twins formation to the field, with two tight ends and the running back aligned into the boundary.
Both twin receivers execute crack blocks. The receiver on the line of scrimmage, facing press man coverage, releases flat inside and cracks the first linebacker in the box. The off-the-line receiver works inside to crack the safety. Against man coverage, these assignments can pull defenders toward the middle of the formation and create an opportunity for the screen to get to the edge.
The right tackle sells the play by showing full-slide gap protection to the inside before releasing flat and sprinting toward the pylon.
The running back completes the deception by initially attacking the defensive end as if he is part of the protection. Rather than continuing upfield, he slips outside into the flat to receive the screen.
Surprisingly, the defender in the best position to disrupt the play is the A-gap nose tackle. If the offense can occupy him long enough, the design gives the running back a chance to get outside and follow the blocks toward the goal line.
This is a simple concept with an easy installation, especially for teams already using full-slide protection. If you trust your receivers to execute their blocks in the red zone, this is a creative way to get your running back the ball in space.
