Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Alert Bubble is a run pass option out of Shotgun Bunch Open TE that reads the alley defender to decide between a give and a bubble screen. The offensive line and HB execute an inside zone run scheme up the middle, while the bunch receiver on the right releases outside to sit down on a bubble screen behind the line of scrimmage. This is a numbers based RPO: if the flat or alley defender crashes down on the run fit, pull the throw to the bubble for a leveraged catch with blockers in front, and if that defender stays home, hand it off into the run fit.
Defensive Reads
Watch the slot corner or overhang defender aligned over the bunch, if he sits flat footed in the throwing lane the run read should trigger a give. Check safety depth before the snap, two high shells with soft corners invite the run since the alley defender is often occupied with deep responsibility. Man coverage with the flat defender turning his back to run with a receiver is a green light to pull and throw the bubble for easy yards. Linebacker blitz packages that send the alley defender upfield open the bubble instantly since nobody is left to defend the perimeter. Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with a hard cornered flat defender crashing on run action can bait a bad handoff read, so stay disciplined on the presnap key rather than reacting late.
Usage Tips
Presnap check the alley defender or slot corner over the bunch to see if he is sitting in the flat or cheating inside toward the box.
Use the RPO read key (usually a specific button hold) to visually confirm the alert defender before the ball is snapped so you commit correctly.
Run this on early downs like first and ten to keep defenses honest, since the run threat forces linebackers to respect the box even when you pull the bubble.
Pair this with RPO Zone Alert Bubble and RPO Peek WR Screen from the same set so defenses cannot key on one run action versus one screen look.
Against aggressive man coverage or blitz heavy calls, pull the bubble immediately since the flat defender is almost always vacated.
