Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Peek WR Screen from Shotgun Bunch Open TE gives the quarterback a run/pass read tied to the HB dive up the middle behind the offensive line. The diagram shows the running back taking a hand off read into the interior gap while the bunch receivers to the right run a stacked screen concept, with the outside receiver blocking downfield (red arrow) and the inside receiver breaking to the flat as the bubble target. This is an RPO built to attack light boxes with the run and to catch overaggressive linebackers or slot corners crashing down with the perimeter screen, making it a solid answer against both man and zone looks depending on the pre-snap numbers.
Defensive Reads
Watch the slot cornerback and nickel defender over the bunch, if they crash down on the run fake without respecting the screen, the QB will pull and throw the bubble instantly. Man coverage on the outside bunch receiver leaves the blocker isolated on the perimeter, so user a defender to the flat immediately at the snap to disrupt the screen before it develops. Zone coverage with linebackers sinking into short zones can still be baited if the Mike linebacker steps up on run action, so keep him disciplined and let him play both the gap and the screen threat. Blitzes that send extra defenders into the box are a trigger for the QB to throw the screen quickly, so a delayed or contain blitz that keeps a spy on the bunch side neutralizes both options. Press coverage on the bunch stack can disrupt the release and blocking angles, forcing a delay in the screen that gives the pass rush time to affect the quarterback's decision.
Usage Tips
Count the box defenders pre-snap, if you see six or fewer in the box with the bunch receivers uncovered outside, this is a green light to peek the screen immediately off the snap.
Use the QB's eyes to freeze the linebacker flowing to the run fit, then flip to the bubble screen if he steps up hard on the HB mesh point.
Hot route the backside receiver on a quick slant or drag if the defense shows heavy numbers to the bunch side, since the frontside blockers will be occupied on the screen action.
Pair this with RPO Alert Bubble or RPO Zone Alert Bubble in the same set so the defense cannot key on one specific RPO trigger, forcing linebackers to hesitate on every snap.
Best called on early downs or short yardage when defenses sell out to stop the run, since the built in bubble screen punishes aggressive fits without needing a full dropback read.
