Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Read Cntr is an RPO built off a counter run action out of Shotgun Deuce Close 12 personnel. The backside slot runs a quick slant/read route while the counter blocking scheme develops behind the line, giving the QB a true give or throw decision based on the flow of the second level defender. The primary read progression is: read the linebacker flowing to the counter action first, if he crashes down on the run gap throw the hot route to the slot receiver, if he sits or widens to cover the pass hand the ball off on counter.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth and flow at the snap, if he steps up hard into the counter run lane he has opened the slant window for the quick RPO throw. Check safety alignment pre-snap, a single high safety often means the underneath defender is more susceptible to run fits, which favors the throw phase of this RPO. Man coverage on the slot receiver with no underneath help is the biggest tell this play beats, since the hot route wins quickly against man leverage. Watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in the throwing lane or spying the RPO key, which shuts down the pass option and forces the offense into the run. Stacked boxes with 7 or more defenders and disciplined linebackers who stay square to the counter action neutralize both options, since the run has no room and the throw window closes fast.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing an odd or even front since light boxes with 6 or fewer defenders favor pulling the counter for explosive gains.
Key the alignment of the play side linebacker before the snap, if he is already cheating toward the counter run gap you should peek the slant hot route immediately after the snap.
Use this play on early downs in run heavy personnel sets to keep defenses honest, since the RPO tag punishes linebackers who bite on run fits.
Pair this with Mtn RPO Zone Stick or RPO Counter Stick from the same set so defenses cannot key on one specific RPO shell, forcing user linebackers to freeze.
If the defense shows aggressive edge blitzes or a stacked box pre-snap, consider audibling to a play-action shot play instead since the counter blocking will struggle to seal contain.
