Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 11 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Read FL Screen out of Shotgun Double Stack gives the quarterback a true run-pass option keyed off the read defender. The HB runs an inside handoff track while the flanker to the right runs a screen route with blockers releasing to set up in front of him, and the left receiver runs a hitch or quick out to hold the corner. This is an RPO built to attack overpursuing linebackers, with the primary read being the alley defender or first inside linebacker: if he crashes the run fit, pull and throw the FL screen, if he sits or hangs outside, hand it off.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flanker side outside linebacker or slot corner, if he sits flat footed at the snap he is reading screen and will jump the throw. Key the play side inside linebacker's first step, aggressive downhill flow means the quarterback will pull and throw the bubble/flanker screen almost every time. Check safety depth before the snap, a two high shell with soft corners invites the run read since screen support is thinner underneath. Man coverage on the flanker with no underdneath help is the shell that shuts this down fastest, since a user defender can sit on the screen and blow it up. Post-snap, spy the near safety rotation, quick rotation down into the box signals the defense is selling out against the run and daring the quarterback to throw the screen.
Usage Tips
Presnap, identify where the flanker's screen defender is aligned and whether the second level linebacker to that side is reading run aggressively.
If you see a 6 or 7 man box with linebackers stepping up hard on the snap, pull it and hit the screen for a numbers advantage on the perimeter.
Hot route the backside receiver into a quick slant or drag if you are getting single high safety looks so you have a bailout throw against man coverage.
Use this on early downs, first and second and short to medium yardage, so both the run and screen options stay live and the defense cannot sell out to one side.
Pair this with RPO Alert Screen and RPO Zone Alert Screen in the same set so the defense cannot key on flanker screen action versus backside handoff reads.
