Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 13 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Zone Alert out of Shotgun Bunch X Nasty is a run-pass option built off an inside zone look with a two-man read on the backside. The diagram shows the backside X releasing vertically before breaking outside on a deep out, while the Y (attached TE) runs a corner route from the bunch side, stretching the defense high and wide off the run action. The QB reads the alert defender, typically a flowing linebacker or overhang, and either hands off the zone run or pulls and throws off the run fake, making this a true RPO that punishes both light boxes and aggressive run fits.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alert defender, usually the play side linebacker or slot defender, since his run fit or lack thereof determines whether the QB hands off or throws. Man coverage is vulnerable to the corner route beating a trailing defender over the top, so user a safety to help over the top if you see man alignment. Zone shells that keep a deep half safety over the corner route and a linebacker sitting in the flat zone against the X out can take away both throw options and force the run. Watch for a crashing edge defender or blitzing linebacker off the snap since aggressive run blitzes create explosive cutback lanes if the ball carrier reads it correctly. If the defense shows a two-high shell with disciplined linebackers staying square, sit back and take the handoff since the picture favors the run fit over the pass options.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and if the defense has six or more in the box, key on pulling the ball rather than handing it off.
Use the corner route from the Y as your primary alert since it attacks any linebacker who steps up hard for the run fit.
Hot route the X out route into a hitch against soft zone shells if you need a quicker underneath answer against a soft corner.
Pair this play with Inside Zone or Counter Y earlier in a series so the defense respects the run fake, making the RPO read tougher to diagnose.
Best used on second and short to medium distance where defenses are more likely to sell out against the run, opening up the play-action element.
