Coach ,

It’s always smart to constantly strive to enhance our offensive strategies and utilize the strengths of our team. One team that has truly done that by employing a creative screen game is the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Led by the innovative mind of head coach Andy Reid and the dynamic quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have revolutionized the screen game in the way they fit it into several actions with their run and pass game. While it looks like their menu for screens is immense (it is), it’s balanced by the use of consistent schemes and techniques in their slow and quick screen concepts.

Understanding the Importance of the Screen Game:

Before diving into the Chiefs' screen game, it is crucial to understand why this element holds such significance in today's football landscape. The screen game acts as a countermeasure against aggressive pass rushes, effectively neutralizing the opposing defense's aggression. It allows offenses to exploit defensive overpursuit by setting up blockers in advantageous positions, creating mismatches and space for the ball carrier.

The way that the Chiefs do it, and the dynamic players who get the ball in the screen game make it one of the best executed screen games in football.

Key Elements of the Chiefs' Screen Game:

#1) Timing and Rhythm: The Chiefs' screen game thrives on precise timing and rhythmic execution. The offense relies on the quarterback's ability to quickly diagnose the defense, identify the optimal moment to release the ball, and hit the receiver in stride. Establishing timing through practice and repetition is vital for success, and it starts with the quys upfront. In this video…

#2) Offensive Line Cohesion: Successful screens are dependent on the offensive line's ability to sell the pass protection, creating a momentary delay before releasing into space to block defenders downfield. The Chiefs' offensive line excels in coordination, fluidity, and disguising their intentions until the last possible moment, ensuring the success of their screen plays. Coach Heck illustrates an example of that in this video:

#3) Dynamic Running Backs/Receivers/Tight Ends: The Chiefs employ agile and versatile athletes who excel in open-field situations. Their ability to receive the screen pass, read the blocks, and utilize their agility to elude defenders allows the Chiefs to maximize the potential of their screen game.

An example of the timing and cohesion as well as what these dynamic players can do with the ball are illustrated in this video. Also, Coach Heck explains the technique and timing that the OL uses which he calls Set-Extend-Release:

Video: Slow screen example

Design Principles of the Chiefs' Screen Plays:

#1) Play Action Screens: The Chiefs often utilize play action to freeze linebackers and defensive linemen, creating a momentary delay and allowing the screen play to develop. By executing a convincing play fake, the Chiefs exploit the defense's aggressive tendencies, opening up passing lanes for the screen.

#2) Misdirection Screens: Another effective element of the Chiefs' screen game is incorporating misdirection. Using pre-snap motion, deceptive route combinations, and clever alignment, the Chiefs create confusion among defenders, leading to open spaces and opportunities for their playmakers in the screen game.

# 3) Screen Variations: To keep the defense guessing and prevent them from keying in on their tendencies, the Chiefs employ various screen variations. These include wide receiver screens, tunnel screens, slip screens, and running back screens from multiple formations, keeping defenses off balance and unable to anticipate their next move.

The Play Action Misdirection and Variations are illustrated well in this video:

Video: Chiefs GL Screens

Execution and Practice:

The success of the Chiefs' screen game can be attributed to rigorous practice and attention to detail. They focus on honing the timing between the quarterback and screen receivers, emphasizing the importance of proper screen catch points, precise ball placement, and the offensive line's synchronized release to establish effective screens.

Conclusion:

The Kansas City Chiefs' screen game is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and precision employed by head coach Andy Reid, offensive line coach Andy Heck and the offensive staff. They provide a great template for creativity and execution. 

This clinic talk from Coach Heck is a tremendous resource. The examples show how you can utilize screens effectively in any offense whether you are Air Raid, Wing-T or anything in between. The key is matching the other actions you already have in your offense.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

Here are some other outstanding screen resources:

Cris Reisert - Tiffin Screen Game - Slow and Quick

Joe Davis - All Position Screen Game

Joe Daily - Enhance Your Offense with Screens