What is a screen pass in football?

A screen pass in football is a type of play where the quarterback (QB) passes the ball to a running back or a receiver who is close to the line of scrimmage. The offensive line pretends to block for a few seconds to draw the defense in, then falls back and creates a lane for the receiver to run through. The goal is to catch the defense off guard and gain yards by allowing the receiver to get past the defensive line. A screen pass can be used as a quick and efficient way to move the ball down the field, especially when the opposing team's pass rush is strong. It can also be effective against defenses that are playing man coverage, as the receiver can often elude one defender and break into open space. However, if the screen pass is not executed well, it can result in a loss of yardage or a turnover, as the defense can quickly swarm around the receiver.