Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Alert Screen lines up out of Shotgun Bunch Str Offset with 11 personnel, showing an isolated X receiver to the backside and a bunch look to the play side. The diagram shows a screen route bending underneath toward the sideline with a receiver working across the formation to lead block, while the offset back runs a designed handoff path read against the box count. This is an RPO built to beat aggressive run fits: if the defense crashes down on the run action, the QB pulls and throws the alert screen to the flat, and the primary read progression is box count first (hand off or pull), then screen leverage second.
Defensive Reads
Watch the second level linebackers pre-snap: if they are stacked tight to the line, the offense is more likely to pull and throw the screen. Cover 3 and Cover 1 shells with fast flowing linebackers can bite hard on the run fake and get exposed on the screen if they overpursue. Man coverage on the outside receiver funneling toward the screen can get picked off by the lead blocker, so user a defender to spy the screen lane. Blitzes that send extra rushers off the edge on the play side can actually help the defense by disrupting the screen blocker's path before he sets up. Sit a linebacker or slot defender in the shallow flat zone to squat on the screen and force the QB to hand the ball off instead.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and let that dictate whether you plan to hand it off or throw the screen.
If the defense shows six or more in the box, key the screen read hard and get the ball out quick before the pulling blocker settles in.
Use this on early downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short so both the run and screen options stay live threats in the defense's mind.
Pair this with Mtn RPO Alert Swing and Return RPO Alert Flat from the same set to keep defenses guessing on which alert concept is coming.
Snap the ball with rhythm and avoid holding the RPO read too long, since defenders can close on the screen blocker if the throw is delayed.
