Playbooks

RPO Read Y Jab Flat

Shotgun·Deuce Close·12
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Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Read Y Jab Flat is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Deuce Close 12 personnel that pairs an inside run scheme with a jab route from the Y (tight end) into the flat. The quarterback reads the play side linebacker or flat defender: if that defender steps up to fill the run lane, pull and throw the quick jab to the flat for an easy conversion, and if he sits or drops into coverage, hand the ball off into the run fit. This is a pure RPO built to beat aggressive run fits and light boxes, punishing linebackers who crash downhill without honoring the flat threat.

Defensive Reads

Watch for a linebacker crashing hard downhill on run action since that is the trigger to pull and hit the jab flat for a free gain. Identify Cover 3 or Cover 1 shells with an aggressive run support safety, as these fits often leave the flat wide open behind the jab route. Man coverage on the tight end with no flat help is a green light to throw immediately since the jab route separates quickly against man leverage. Zone shells that stay disciplined with a linebacker sinking to the flat and staying square will shut this play down, so be ready to take the run instead. User controlled defenders sitting low and reading the mesh point can jump the flat throw, so respect the run more when you see a spy or lurk defender hanging near the line.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and use this against six or fewer defenders in the box since that guarantees a manageable run fit if you keep it.

Motion is not needed here, but watch the flat defender's leverage pre-snap to decide if the jab flat throw is live immediately after the snap.

Use this on early downs, especially first and second and short to medium distance, to stay ahead of the sticks with a low risk conversion.

If the defense starts sitting hard on the flat read, mix in Mtn RPO Zone Stick or RPO Peek Stick from the same set to attack the middle of the field with different RPO reads and keep linebackers honest.

Pair this play with Inside Zone or Inside Zone Split as a base run look so the RPO action blends in and defenders cannot key run versus pass pre-snap.

Other Plays in Deuce Close