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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Alert Power is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Doubles Flex Wk Swap that pairs a Power run scheme up front with two vertical alert routes to the boundary side. The diagram shows the running back working an inside handoff read behind the line while the two outside receivers stacked on the left run deep alert routes breaking back to the sideline, giving the quarterback a quick pull-and-throw option if the box count favors the pass. The right side receiver runs a stem route that stays uninvolved in the RPO read, and the primary progression is run key first (Power blocking) into the alert throw if a defender crashes the box or an overhang flies downhill.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is running a two-high shell or has rotated to single-high, since single-high alignments usually mean more box defenders and a green light to throw the alert route. Key the flat defender or overhang on the boundary side, if he sits inside or bites on run action the alert throw behind him is wide open. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, shallow linebackers crashing downhill confirm the run key and should trigger an immediate alert throw read. Man coverage on the outside receivers with no safety help over the top is the best matchup for the alert route, since it wins on the vertical stem before breaking outside. Zone coverage with a deep half safety sitting over the alert route can undercut the throw, so in that case stick with the Power run and let the blocking do the work.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into showing run fits before the snap so you can lock your RPO read immediately.
Count the box defenders before the snap and if there are six or fewer in the box, favor pulling the ball on the alert throw to the boundary.
This play punishes teams that spin a safety down into the box late, so watch for that rotation and snap the ball as soon as you see it to catch the defense out of position.
Pair this with Mtn HB Sweep or HB Counter in the same set so the defense has to respect multiple gap schemes before committing extra defenders to stop Power.
Use this in early down-and-distance situations like first or second and short to medium where defenses are more willing to load the box and give you the RPO throw.
