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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Return RPO Alert Flat is an RPO out of Shotgun Bunch Str Offset with 11 personnel that gives the QB a run/pass alert built off inside zone action. The diagram shows the bunch receiver breaking outside to a flat route while a stacked receiver behind him runs a vertical alert route up the numbers, with the offensive line executing zone run blocking underneath. The primary read progression is run first key on the alert defender (usually the flat or overhang defender), then flat route if he crashes down on the run, and the vertical alert route if he sits on the flat or bails to run support.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alert defender over the bunch, if he steps up into the run fit immediately throw the flat route behind him for an easy pitch and catch. Man coverage with tight bunch defenders struggles to leverage both the flat and vertical alert route at the same time, giving the QB a clean conflict read. Zone coverage shells that spin a safety down into the box open up the vertical alert route over the top since there is no deep help. Watch for a linebacker blitz off the edge or through the A gap, since that removes the run conflict key and forces a quick decision on the flat or vertical route. Aggressive slot corners who jump the flat route immediately open the vertical alert route behind them, so track their initial break before locking your ball placement.
Usage Tips
Presnap identify the flat defender or overhang player because his run/pass conflict determines the entire RPO read.
Use this on early downs like first and second and short to medium distance where defenses expect run and will crash the box.
If the defense shows two high safeties with a light box, lean toward pulling the ball and hitting the vertical alert route for a bigger explosive gain.
Pair this play with Return RPO Flat and Mtn RPO Alert Swing in your play calling sequence so the defense cannot key run fits based on formation alone.
Hot route the flat defender's aggressiveness by watching his depth at the snap, if he sits flat footed give the ball to the back for the zone run.
