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 Thursday, September 23
Dorsey Levens' screen right
 
By Sean Salisbury
ESPN.com

 

<img src="http://espn.go.com/i/nfl/playbook99/wk3_mingnb_1.jpg" width=400 height=480 border=0>

About the play: Screen plays are an art, and the timing and acting are paramount to success. The Packers throw the ball so well that they are a good screen team. A screen is nothing more than an extended handoff and a way to keep a great pass rush a little tentative.

Keys to the play: Brett Favre must keep his eyes downfield and not look at the screen back. His eyes will keep the linebackers and the defensive backs from driving on the ball. Favre will take five steps and set, then retreat to give himself room between the line and Dorsey Levens, the screen back.

Levens will step up and act like's he going to block, then count to three in his head, and slip out to the right just behind his offensive line. The three-count screen is to time it up with the offensive line and Favre. The offensive line will also stop the defensive line's initial charge and then lumber out to the right and find a different colored jersey. The receivers must sell the streak route to get the cornerbacks turned away from the line of scrimmage.

Critical player: One critical player is Favre. His ability to act and use his eyes to hold the defense is a key. The offensive line must not give the defense a clue it is a screen. If the offensive line allows the defense a free path to Favre, then the defensive line will smell a rat and run right to the screen. The offensive line needs to give a good pop to the defensive line then move to the screen.

When to expect it: This play should be expected when a defense is pounding the quarterback with a consistent pass rush. When you have an overly aggressive defense, or on third and long when the defense expects you to throw down the field and those pass rushers think they can add to their sack total.

Defensive strategy: The defense needs smart players who study their keys and know the sign of a screen. The defensive line should clutch and grab an offensive lineman and prevent him from getting into the screen play so he can't block.



 


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