Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Zone Peek out of Shotgun Doubles HB Wk pairs an inside zone run scheme with a peek route built in behind the second level, giving the quarterback a true run pass option read. The offensive line executes zone run blocking while the QB reads the play side linebacker or nickel defender to decide between the handoff and the peek throw, making this both a run play and an RPO passing concept in one call. It functions as a zone beater against light boxes and off man coverage since the peek window opens up when linebackers step up to fill run fits, and the primary read progression starts with the box count pre-snap, then shifts to the flow of the second level defender at the mesh point before working to the peek route if the defense sells run.
Defensive Reads
Watch pre-snap safety depth, a single high safety with linebackers stacked tight to the line signals run support that this play is designed to exploit Identify if the defense is in man coverage on the perimeter, since tight man coverage on outside receivers does not affect the peek read but leaves the middle vulnerable if linebackers bite Look for a spy or scrape exchange linebacker who stays home instead of flowing with zone action, this defender can jump the peek route and blow up the RPO read User controlled linebackers who sit in the peek throwing lane instead of committing to the run fit will shut this play down, so recognize hesitation at the snap Against zone coverage shells with linebackers dropping into intermediate zones rather than filling downhill, the handoff read becomes the safer and more consistent option
Usage Tips
Count the box pre-snap and only trust the handoff read if you have a numbers advantage against the defensive front
Key the play side linebacker at the snap, if he crashes down on the zone action pull the ball and hit the peek route immediately before the window closes
Use this against defenses that are showing run blitz looks or crashing linebackers, since their aggression opens the peek throw
Pair this call with RPO Zone Alert Bubble and RPO Zone Read Bubble in the same drive to keep the defense guessing between bubble screens and the peek concept off similar run action
Best used on early downs or short yardage where defenses expect the run, since that bias creates the exact linebacker overcommitment this play is designed to punish
