Playbooks

RPO Power Peek

Shotgun·Doubles HB Wk·11
RPOPass PlayRun PlayInOption RouteSlant

Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Power Peek is a run pass option built off Power gap blocking, giving the QB a pre and post snap decision between handing off to the HB and pulling the ball to attack the peek route in the middle of the field. The offensive line executes Power blocking with a puller working to the edge, while the peek route (usually a slot or TE) sits in the alley behind the second level as the throw option if the defense crashes down on the run fit. The primary read is the second level defender the peek route is designed to attack: if that defender bites on run action or the box count favors the offense, hand it off; if he sits or a linebacker flows hard to the alley, pull and hit the peek route on the move.

Defensive Reads

Check the alignment of the linebacker or slot defender over the peek route before the snap, if he is playing tight run support with no depth you have a clean throwing lane. Post snap, watch for a defender sitting in a shallow zone drop or spy technique in the middle of the field, this is the primary threat that can jump the peek route and bait a pick six. Man coverage on the peek route with no underneath help is where this play wins easiest, since the route can work into open grass before the defender recovers. Heavy blitz packages that send extra defenders through the box can shut down both the run and the peek read at once if the QB does not get the ball out fast, so recognize overload blitz fronts pre snap and consider audibling. Zone coverages with a robber or lurk defender sitting in the peek throwing lane are the primary counter, if you see a defender sinking into that window post snap, take the handoff instead of forcing the throw.

Usage Tips

Use pre snap motion or a quick glance at the box count to confirm if the defense is outnumbered against Power, since a light box is your green light to hand the ball off immediately.

Key the second level defender responsible for the peek window before the snap, if he is sitting flat footed in a run fit or crashing hard on run action you have an easy throw window.

This play shines on early downs (1st and 10, 2nd and short to medium) where defenses are more likely to load the box to stop the run, opening up the peek throw.

Pair RPO Power Peek with RPO Zone Peek and RPO Peek Slant in the same drive to keep the defense guessing between gap and zone run action while threatening the same peek window, forcing linebackers to hesitate.

Against aggressive user blitzers, get the ball out on the peek quickly since the RPO read window closes fast if the QB holds it through the mesh point for too long.

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