Playbooks

RPO Read Y Flat

Shotgun·Deuce·12
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This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

RPO Read Y Flat is an inside zone based run-pass option out of Shotgun Deuce with 12 personnel that puts the quarterback in a true run/pass conflict read on the flat defender. The offensive line executes an inside zone blocking scheme while the Y (tight end) releases outward to the flat, giving the quarterback a give or throw decision based on how that second level defender reacts. This is a zone beater at its core, since the quarterback keys the flat defender or overhang linebacker: if that defender crashes down to fill the run lane, the quarterback pulls and hits the Y in the flat for an easy access throw, and if that defender sits or bails to cover the flat, the quarterback hands off into the natural cutback lanes.

Defensive Reads

Identify the flat defender or overhang linebacker presnap and see if he is sitting in the flat or cheating inside toward the box, since his leverage tells you the quarterback's likely decision. Watch for a two high safety shell versus single high, since two high alignments often leave the flat defender more conflicted and more exploitable on the RPO throw. If you are on defense, do not let your flat defender crash on run action too quickly, hold your run fit discipline for a half second longer to bait the quarterback into a bad give read. User a linebacker or safety to lurk the flat throwing lane, since a well timed jump on the Y route can turn this RPO into a turnover. Watch the quarterback's eyes and shoulder turn at the mesh point, a quick shoulder turn to the Y usually signals the pass read, while a held mesh point usually signals the give.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the alignment of the overhang defender to decide before the snap whether you are leaning run or pass, since this speeds up your post-snap trigger.

This play shines on early downs and short yardage, first and second and short especially, because defenses often sell out to stop the run and leave the flat wide open for a free access throw.

Against man coverage, hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or slant to give yourself a second answer if the flat defender squats on the Y.

Pair this play with Tear QB Zone or Inside Zone from the same set so the defense has to respect the same run action shell every snap, making your RPO key even harder to diagnose presnap.

Do not force the Y flat throw against aggressive user blitzers who are already sprinting downhill, since the give read is usually cleaner and safer in that situation.

Sequence this with RPO Read Snag later in a series so the defense has to defend two different RPO reads off similar formations and personnel.

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