Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Power Peek pairs a Power run scheme behind a gap blocking front with a peek route (usually a slot or TE glance/dig) that gives the QB a pull-or-hand read based on the second level defender. If the play side linebacker or force defender steps up to fill the power lane, the QB pulls and throws the peek window behind him. This is a true RPO, effective against both man and zone shells since the peek concept exploits linebackers who bite on run action, and the primary read progression is run fit first (count the box), then peek receiver leverage second.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth pre-snap, if he is sitting shallow near the line of scrimmage he is likely a run fit defender and vulnerable to the peek throw. Key the safety rotation after the snap, a single high safety that crashes down on run action opens the peek window immediately. Look for a user controlled linebacker spying the QB's eyes, this is the biggest threat to shut down the peek read since he can jump the throw instead of committing to the run fit. Man coverage with inside leverage on the peek receiver is a good sign to hand the ball off, since the pull throw window shrinks against tight man technique. Blitz packages that send extra defenders through the play side gap can blow up the power scheme, so the QB must be ready to pull and get the peek ball out fast before pressure arrives.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or fewer in the box the power run is the better hand off decision.
Identify the peek defender pre-snap, usually the play side linebacker or a rotating safety, and watch his first step after the snap to decide pull or hand.
Use hot routes to adjust the backside receiver into a quick out or slant if the defense shows two high safeties, this gives the QB a second answer versus zone drops.
Pair this play with RPO Zone Peek and RPO Peek Slant in the same series so the defense cannot sit on one specific peek key, forcing linebackers to hesitate on every snap.
Best called on early downs or short yardage, since the power blocking scheme holds up well on 2nd and short while the peek route punishes overaggressive fills.
