[BostonCard]

I’ve been talking about this since last year. Doesn’t matter if it’s a traditional screen or a bubble screen, they don’t execute them well. Not since TY Montgomery graduated.

I think they miss too many blocks in space

I miss them too, but there are a few issues.

First, I think teams are better at defending screens.  Linemen know that if after a second or two the line releases, they better be ready for a screen.

Second, while the screen is a good counter to an aggressive pass rush, our opponents have focused on stopping the run, and not blitzing the quarterback (we've given up one sack in two games).  Your best bet for using a screen is when the defense is able to "pin their ears" and attack the QB (and are consistently beating their blocks).  A successful screen in those circumstances will slow linemen down in future plays because they have to worry about being victimized by a screen.  That has not been the situation our offense has faced.

Lastly, after 2015 the NCAA started to emphasize the ineligible receiver downfield rule more.

As for the bubble screen, although you can run it with two receivers, it often works best with trips receivers.  However, when we run trips we are usually trying to attack the field vertically by giving the QB short, medium and long targets.  It doesn't mean that we can't run the bubble screen but if you have a QB that can hit those long throws (and Costello can) and receivers that can catch them (JJAW can do so in spades), that play is more likely to get chunks of yardage than a bubble screen where you are counting on YAC.

One last thing on the screen pass; it requires very good timing between the QB and the wide receivers (including the ones setting blocks).  That makes it a good play when run frequently (which is why you often saw teams like WSU and Cal run nothing but endless bubble screens), but not as good when it is run as a change of pace. 

BC

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Also, in our particular case, a screen tends to work best when the defense is keying in on rushing the passer.  But the defenses we play against are keying in on the run, and so are unlikely to progress upfield quickly against a pass play, and thus are less likely to be vulnerable to a screen.

BC

Excellent point. Even when we do pass, you don't see many deep drops. That probably keys the defense that it is a screen as opposed to a "normal" pass play.

One other thing your post reminds me... the screen is sold best on a dropback pass (not that you can't; WSU has run running back screens from the shotgun and pistol, but it is rarer to see).  But we've run more plays from the shotgun the last two or three years.

BC

[BostonCard]

I’ve been talking about this since last year. Doesn’t matter if it’s a traditional screen or a bubble screen, they don’t execute them well. Not since TY Montgomery graduated.

I think they miss too many blocks in space

I miss them too, but there are a few issues.

First, I think teams are better at defending screens.  Linemen know that if after a second or two the line releases, they better be ready for a screen.

Second, while the screen is a good counter to an aggressive pass rush, our opponents have focused on stopping the run, and not blitzing the quarterback (we've given up one sack in two games).  Your best bet for using a screen is when the defense is able to "pin their ears" and attack the QB (and are consistently beating their blocks).  A successful screen in those circumstances will slow linemen down in future plays because they have to worry about being victimized by a screen.  That has not been the situation our offense has faced.

Lastly, after 2015 the NCAA started to emphasize the ineligible receiver downfield rule more.

As for the bubble screen, although you can run it with two receivers, it often works best with trips receivers.  However, when we run trips we are usually trying to attack the field vertically by giving the QB short, medium and long targets.  It doesn't mean that we can't run the bubble screen but if you have a QB that can hit those long throws (and Costello can) and receivers that can catch them (JJAW can do so in spades), that play is more likely to get chunks of yardage than a bubble screen where you are counting on YAC.

One last thing on the screen pass; it requires very good timing between the QB and the wide receivers (including the ones setting blocks).  That makes it a good play when run frequently (which is why you often saw teams like WSU and Cal run nothing but endless bubble screens), but not as good when it is run as a change of pace. 

BC

---

Also, in our particular case, a screen tends to work best when the defense is keying in on rushing the passer.  But the defenses we play against are keying in on the run, and so are unlikely to progress upfield quickly against a pass play, and thus are less likely to be vulnerable to a screen.

BC

Excellent point. Even when we do pass, you don't see many deep drops. That probably keys the defense that it is a screen as opposed to a "normal" pass play.

One other thing your post reminds me... the screen is sold best on a dropback pass (not that you can't; WSU has run running back screens from the shotgun and pistol, but it is rarer to see).  But we've run more plays from the shotgun the last two or three years.

BC