Playbooks

RPO Split Peek Stick

Shotgun·Deuce Close·12
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Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Split Peek Stick is a run pass option out of Shotgun Deuce Close that pairs an inside run scheme with a stick concept read on the backside. The quarterback reads the peek defender, typically a flowing linebacker or overhang, to decide between handing off and pulling to throw the quick stick combo of hitch, flat, and slant style routes. This play beats both man and zone looks depending on the peek key, making it a true dual threat RPO rather than a straight run or straight pass call.

Defensive Reads

Watch the peek defender at the snap, usually the weakside or middle linebacker, since his flow dictates whether the quarterback runs or throws. Against zone coverage shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4, the stick concept sits in the underneath zone windows, so look for the flat defender to jump the route and take away the quick throw. Against man coverage, the stick's option route creates natural separation, so a user controlled defender needs to stay square and read the receiver's hips to break up the throw. Blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge can disrupt the peek read timing, forcing an early handoff into a loaded box before the RPO fully develops. If the defense shows two deep safeties with linebackers sitting at depth, the quarterback will likely keep the ball on the ground since the peek defender is not committing to a flow.

Usage Tips

Presnap, identify the peek defender before the snap by checking if a linebacker is cheating toward the box or sitting in a passing lane over the stick concept.

If the defense shows a light box with the peek defender flowing hard to run support, pull the ball immediately and work the stick side without hesitation.

Against man coverage, hot route the stick flat runner into a quick out or speed out if the flat defender is sitting underneath, since the stick concept naturally beats man leverage.

Use this play on early downs, especially first and second and short to medium, to keep the defense honest against both run blitzes and pass heavy fronts.

Pair this call with RPO Read Mtn Stick or RPO Counter Stick later in a series so the defense cannot key on the same peek defender look twice in a row.

Avoid calling this on obvious passing downs since defenses will sit the peek defender and take away both options simultaneously.

Other Plays in Deuce Close