Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 13 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Zone Alert Omaha is a run pass option out of Bunch Y-Flex that pairs an inside zone run scheme with a quick zone read concept built off the bunch alignment. The quarterback reads the play side second level defender (usually the alerted linebacker or overhang defender) to decide between handing off the zone run or pulling and throwing the quick alert route to the bunch. The primary read progression is pre-snap defender count into a post-snap read of that flat or curl defender, making this a zone beater against light boxes and off coverage shells rather than a designed man beater.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth at the snap, if he stays high and wide he is honoring the pass and the run lane opens. Man coverage with the slot corner pressed on the bunch usually signals a blitz is coming, which favors pulling and throwing hot. Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells with linebackers sitting in short zones will bait the quarterback into a covered throw, so be ready to check down to the run. User controlled linebackers who spy the mesh point or lurk in the throwing lane can jump the alert route, so track the user icon before pulling the ball. Overloaded fronts with extra defenders in the box shut down the run option entirely, forcing the RPO into a pure pass read against a numbers disadvantage.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and only plan to hand it off if the defense is in a 6 man box or lighter.
Identify the alert defender, usually a linebacker or slot corner over the bunch, and let his run fit or drop dictate the pull read.
Use hot routes sparingly since altering the bunch spacing can compromise the RPO window, but a quick motion check can expose man versus zone before the snap.
This play works best on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and medium) when defenses are still guessing run or pass out of 11 personnel.
Pair it with Inside Zone and HB Power from the same set to condition the defense to sell out on the run, then hit Zone Alert Omaha when linebackers start crashing downhill.
