Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn RPO Alert Swing is an RPO out of Shotgun Bunch Str Offset that gives the QB a run/pass alert read tied to the interior box count. Up front the offensive line runs an inside zone blocking scheme while the bunch receivers work a mesh style combo, with the inside receiver crossing underneath and the swing back releasing out of the backfield to the flat as the alert throw. The primary read progression starts with the box defender count and second level flow to the run, then works to the swing route as the quick pull alert if a defender crashes down or an overhang flies upfield unblocked.
Defensive Reads
Identify the alert defender pre-snap, usually the force player or overhang closest to the bunch, since his run/pass conflict determines the entire play. Base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with a slow flowing linebacker are vulnerable to the swing since the alert key gets washed by the crossing action inside. Man coverage with a corner locked on the swing back is the best answer, since it removes the RPO conflict and forces the QB into the run look. Watch for a user controlled defender spying the backfield or robbing the flat, since that eliminates the swing throw and puts full pressure on the interior run fit. Two high shells with disciplined linebackers who stay square on run flow can shut down both the handoff and the swing read, forcing a low value checkdown.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and let the alert defender dictate whether you hand it off or throw the swing.
If the defense shows a walked down linebacker or slot corner sitting hard on the flat, stay on the ground with inside zone since the alert defender is already accounted for.
Use this against aggressive fronts and blitz heavy defenses that like to crash the edge, since the swing route punishes overpursuit and outside contain leaks.
Pair this with Mtn Inside Zone and Mtn Lead Toss to sell the same backfield action, then dial up Mtn PA Wheel Cross or Mtn Deep Post off the identical look once the defense starts cheating on the alert key.
Best used on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and medium) when you want a low risk conflict read that keeps the defense honest between run and quick pass.
