Playbooks

RPO Read Cntr

Shotgun·Deuce Close·12
RPOPass PlayRun Play
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.
Play diagram for RPO Read Cntr from Shotgun Deuce Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

Not in any team playbook.

Breakdown

RPO Read Cntr is a run/pass option built off a counter run action from the Deuce Close 12 personnel look. The diagram shows the running back taking a counter path behind the line while a single receiver runs a vertical read route up the seam off the read defender, giving the quarterback a run/throw decision based on that defender's reaction. This is a true RPO, not a play-action rollout or screen, and the primary read progression is: identify the read man (usually a linebacker or slot defender) at the snap, then either pull and give the counter handoff or pull it and throw off the vertical route depending on how that defender flows.

Defensive Reads

Key the alley defender or slot linebacker immediately after the snap since his run/pass conflict determines whether the offense hands off or throws. Man coverage on the seam read defender is the biggest tell that the QB will pull and throw, since a solo defender chasing the counter action leaves the vertical route open. Two high safety shells with disciplined linebackers who stay square can shut this down by taking away both the counter cutback lanes and the vertical throw window simultaneously. Watch for a user-controlled defender spying the counter action, since sitting in the run fit removes the RPO advantage and forces a low-value handoff into a loaded box. Aggressive blitz packages that send the read defender upfield pre-snap are the easiest to beat, since the QB can instantly declare pass and hit the vertical route before help arrives.

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, identify the read defender the game highlights and watch his depth and width before the snap to predict whether he will crash down on the counter action.

If the linebacker or slot defender sits at depth or shows man coverage on the seam route, pull and hit the vertical throw for a big chunk gain before the safety can rotate over.

If the read defender stays home in the box or shows a run blitz look, hand it off into the counter lanes since the second level will be outnumbered.

Use this on early downs (first or second and short to medium) since the defense is more likely to load the box, making the RPO vertical throw more available.

Pair this with RPO Counter Stick or RPO Peek Stick from the same set so the defense cannot key on the same run action tag and has to respect both stick and vertical answers.

Other Plays in Deuce Close