Playbooks

RPO Alert Screen

Shotgun·Bunch Str Offset·11

Screen Pass RPO Pass Play Run Play

Play diagram for RPO Alert Screen from Shotgun Bunch Str Offset in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetBunch Str Offset

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 3 playbooks

Raiders OffenseOffense Shotgun OffenseOffense NFL Live Raiders OffenseOffense

Breakdown

RPO Alert Screen is run from Bunch Str Offset out of Shotgun with 11 personnel, giving the QB a run/pass conflict read tied to the box count. The diagram shows the backside receiver working an inside slant while the bunch alignment releases a receiver on a screen route that bends outside and up the sideline, with the offensive line stepping to sell run blocking before releasing to escort the screen. The primary read is the box count and alert defender: if the alert defender crashes down on the run fake, the QB pulls and fires the screen to the releasing bunch receiver, and if he stays home the offense can hand the ball off or hit the underneath slant as the secondary option.

Defensive Reads

Watch the alignment of the second level defender closest to the bunch, since his crash or hold decision is exactly what the QB is reading. Zone defenses that spin a safety down into the box tend to open the screen lane, so pre-snap safety rotation is a key indicator. Man coverage with tight press on the bunch receivers can disrupt the screen release timing, giving the defense a chance to blow it up before it develops. Watch for a user linebacker spying the screen side, since a smart user player can sit on this play and jump the throw if he recognizes the run fake as a bluff. Overloaded blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge away from the bunch tend to get gashed by this screen since the numbers advantage flips outside.

Usage Tips

Check the defender aligned over the bunch pre-snap since he is the alert key that determines run or screen. Use this on early downs in base personnel packages where defenses are more likely to load the box to stop the run action. If the defense shows a heavy blitz look, throw the screen quickly since the blockers are already leaking out to set up the wall. Pair this with Return RPO Alert Flat or Mtn RPO Alert Swing later in a drive so the defense has to respect multiple RPO screen looks off similar formations. Hot route the backside slant into a quick out if you see a corner sitting hard on inside routes to keep a true man beater in your pocket.