Screens To Running Backs More Complicated Than You May Think
July 31st, 2025
Bucs OL coach Kevin Carberry.
Earlier in training camp, Bucs tight end Payne Durham explained to Joe how a big chunk of the credit for the Bucs’ success with screen passes to tight ends was thanks to the offensive line.
That may sound awfully generic but Durham brought up an angle Joe never thought of. Durham told Joe that in a screen play, offensive linemen are often matched up in open space at an athletic disadvantage. The big uglies aren’t supposed to be chasing down linebackers and defensive backs. But that is what made the Bucs’ screen game so effective, Durham told Joe.
Despite being at a matchup disadvantage, they found ways to take out defenders smaller and quicker than they are.
Joe spoke briefly with Bucs offensive line coach Kevin Carberry about this after a recent practice. He told Joe that an effective screen pass to a running back really is 11 guys on the same page, and that’s not just some empty cliché.
“There’s the timing [of linemen] getting out on the screen,” Carberry began. “The angle of departure, the relationship with the [ballcarrier] — it takes all 11 to get the screen game going.”
But wait, there’s more. Any good football coach like Carberry will explain that for any play to work, it’s all about the details. Carberry even mentioned the arm angle with which Baker Mayfield throws a screen pass to a running back is vital.
“You have to [also] get the running back in the proper landmark,” Carberry said. “And then the guys that are getting out in the screen, get out on the proper angle, knowing where they’re working and getting the proper letters on the front of it [to avoid clipping], get moving and [get in] space and make the block.”
Just listening to Carberry explain all that goes into what looks to be a very simple bread-and-butter play sure made Joe appreciate how well the Bucs’ offensive line played last year.
And there’s no reason to believe those same screen passes can’t be just as effective this fall.
July 31st, 2025 at 6:28 am
This compelled me to find a video to see if the screen game is all that complicated and involved. For example, when does an OL man release to do downfield blocking? You still have to block for Baker, so how does that work? The timing of the RB leaking out, and, as Carberry said, going to find his landmark. I don’t know if providing a link is ok, so please forgive me Joe(s). But this is a great video to see how complicated the screen game is.
July 31st, 2025 at 6:48 am
Hats off to the OL to execute the proper angle of departure! Licht picks lineman that can move and Carbs (and Pic) are getting these guys to make plays. Of course White and Bucky are great catching it and making tacklers miss. I hope Griz calls up more screens.
July 31st, 2025 at 6:55 am
Next time anybody takes a look at one of our screens from last year, just watch Cody Mauch get around the edge, it’s beautiful
July 31st, 2025 at 6:57 am
Coaching matters. Good coaching can be successful. Amazing.
July 31st, 2025 at 7:50 am
What some may call dink and dunk is really a work of art that takes a bunch of work. I think this Carberry dude is a keeper.
July 31st, 2025 at 8:20 am
The screen is Rachaad White’s best play.
July 31st, 2025 at 10:29 am
@Kenton
“I think this Carberry dude is a keeper.”
Agree completely and would simply add that this “keeper” status extends to many on Todd’s staff. IMO we’re going to be adding Griz’s name to that list this season but there are others.
Todd gets a lot of credit for being a “players” coach. The players repeatedly say how much they love playing for him and the fact that for two consecutive years they came back from the dead to win their division shows their heart and belief in their coach.
But I would add Todd is also a “coaches” coach. He attracts some of the very best talent like Carberry, Griz and the others. This is why he’s survived all the turnover of OC’s.
August 1st, 2025 at 6:15 am
As a former O Tackle I can tell you that If even one or two dudes don’t get it right It is either a penalty or it looks like a Chinese fire drill gone wrong and the back will not like you very much. LOL
Go Bucs!
August 1st, 2025 at 6:18 am
BTW love the pic of Carberry. He looks like he just caught the water-boy hitting on his wife…
Go Bucs!