Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Read Bubble runs out of Shotgun Bunch TE Wk with the HB running a lead handoff track behind the offensive line while the bunch receivers to the boundary run a bubble screen concept, with the slot receiver breaking outside to the flat as the bubble target and the two receivers in front of him working to block and clear space. The QB reads the alpha defender (usually the flat or slot defender) to decide between handing off the run or pulling and throwing the bubble screen. This is a true RPO built to attack overaggressive run fits and beat both man and zone leverage depending on how the read defender plays it.
Defensive Reads
Key the alpha defender's initial step: if he crashes toward the line of scrimmage on the snap, the bubble screen is wide open behind him. Watch linebacker depth before the snap, since shallow linebackers who cheat toward the box are vulnerable to both the run action and the quick bubble throw. Man coverage on the bunch receivers with no help underneath gets exposed by the bubble since the blockers in front can seal off the nearest defender. Zone coverage with a hard-squatting corner or overhang defender at the numbers can jump the bubble route, so mix in play designs from this set with different flat threats like Shallow H-Corner to keep that defender honest. If you see a nano blitz or overload pressure look off the edge, expect the RPO to be designed as a quick throw rather than a run since the o-line will not sustain long enough for the handoff to develop.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify the alpha defender over the bunch: if he is crashing hard on run action or sitting too far inside, the bubble read is live all game. Use this play on early downs to keep defenses honest and force linebackers to respect both the run and the quick screen, which sets up your play-action shots later in the set like PA Wheel Z-Curl or Mtn Escort PA Slide. If the defense shows a two-high shell with soft corners, lean toward pulling the bubble since the numbers advantage outside is easier to exploit than the interior run fit. Pair this play with Mtn Divide or Duo in your call sheet so the defense cannot key run fits based on formation alone, since both look similar pre-snap but attack different gaps. Against aggressive user blitzers, get the ball out on the bubble quickly since the RPO mesh point can get muddied if the QB holds the read too long.
