Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Alert Screen out of Shotgun Double Stack shows a run/pass option built around a bubble style screen to the slot receiver. The backside receiver runs a quick out while the frontside receiver stacked outside releases vertically to hold the corner, clearing space for the screen. The quarterback reads the play side flow, if the defense crashes down on the run fake the screen is alerted, if the box stays honest the RPO hands off to the run action, making this a zone beater designed to punish overaggressive linebackers and slot defenders.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they crash hard downhill on run action the screen will be wide open behind them. Identify user controlled defenders sitting in shallow zones or spying the screen side, this is the primary counter to the play. Man coverage on the outside receiver with no underneath help leaves the screen lane clean, so aggressive man press corners get exploited. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with fast flowing linebackers are the toughest matchup since defenders can rally to the screen before it develops. Look for a slot corner or nickel defender sitting flat footed at the snap, that hesitation is the tell that the screen has a numbers advantage.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap, if you see six or more defenders stacked near the line this play is designed to throw the screen immediately.
Use the stacked receiver release as a visual key, if the corner bites downhill on the screen alert, the vertical release behind him is a shot play if you keep reading.
This play pairs well with RPO Zone Alert Screen and RPO Read FL Screen since all three sell similar run action but attack different spots, keeping linebackers guessing.
Best called on early downs, first and second and short to medium yardage, where defenses are more likely to sell out against the run.
Snap the ball with a quick rhythm since the screen read is fast, holding the ball too long lets flowing linebackers close the throwing lane.
