Playbooks

RPO Zone Alert Bubble

Shotgun·Bunch Open TE·11

RPO Pass Play Run Play

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Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetBunch Open TE

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Alert Bubble is a run pass option built off inside zone action out of Bunch Open TE, giving the quarterback a pre and post snap alert to bubble screen on the perimeter. The offensive line executes a standard zone blocking scheme while the bunch receivers work a bubble concept, with the outside receiver typically releasing vertically to hold the corner while the two inside bunch receivers create the bubble read. The primary progression is a pre-snap numbers count to the bubble side, then a post-snap key on the flat defender or overhang linebacker to decide between pulling and throwing the bubble or letting it ride as inside zone.

Defensive Reads

Watch the alignment of the slot cornerback or overhang defender on the bubble side pre snap, since tight coverage or an aggressive blitz angle signals the bubble throw is risky Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, since single high often means an extra run defender in the box while two high softens the run fit but can leave the bubble flat defender isolated Post snap, track the flat defender or nickel corner's first two steps, if he sits and reads run instead of flying to the bubble, the screen is wide open Look for zone blitzes or fire zone pressure where a linebacker drops into the bubble throwing lane, since this is the primary defensive answer that shuts down the RPO User controlled lurk defenders sitting in the bubble area with eyes on the quarterback are the biggest threat, if you see manual user movement toward the flat, ride the zone run instead of pulling the trigger on the throw

Usage Tips

Count defenders in the box before the snap to confirm you have a numbers advantage for the run, then check the flat or slot defender alignment on the bubble side to decide your alert read before the ball is even snapped

If the defense shows a hard flat defender sitting on the bubble or a corner playing aggressive outside leverage, key off him post snap since a fast trigger low man kills the bubble throw

Use this play on early downs in run heavy sequences to keep linebackers honest, then follow it up with RPO Alert Bubble or RPO Peek WR Screen later in the drive so the defense cannot sit on one alert side

Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or slant if you consistently see zone defenders sinking hard to the bubble side, giving you a second answer instead of forcing the ball

Pair this with HB Draw and Same Side Zone from the same set to disguise your run action, forcing linebackers to respect the zone run fake before committing to the flat