Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Zone Alert Glance out of Shotgun Doubles Off Close is a true run pass option that reads the box count before the snap and the second level flow after it. The zone run action gives the offensive line a standard inside zone track while the quarterback carries a glance route (a hard slant into the middle void) as the alert throw against a crashing linebacker or safety. This is a zone beater and a light box beater at the same time: if the defense stacks the box or shows man leverage on the slot, pull the ball and throw the glance behind the linebacker level, otherwise hand it off and let the zone scheme work. The primary read progression is box count first, then the flow of the read defender (usually the play side linebacker) to decide glance versus zone hand off.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap, count the box defenders, a light box with six or fewer in the tackle area tells the quarterback to expect the hand off read Watch safety alignment, a single high safety with linebackers crowding the line is a strong indicator the glance throw will be live once the linebacker steps up Post snap, key the play side linebacker or the middle defender in zone coverage, if he crashes down on the run fake the glance window opens up the middle Beware user controlled defenders sitting in a shallow zone or spying the mesh point, a disciplined lurk defender can jump the glance route if the quarterback stares it down This concept struggles against a stacked box paired with man coverage on the slot receiver, since the glance has no room to work and the run has no lane, check to a different concept in that look
Usage Tips
Check the box count pre snap and count defenders in the tackle box, six or fewer means you are handing the ball off almost every time
Use the right stick or hot route to widen the glance route slightly against teams that sit hard in the middle of the field to give the quarterback a cleaner throwing lane
This play works best on early downs, first and second and short to medium, when defenses are more willing to load the box against your run tendencies
Pair it in a play calling sequence with RPO Glance Slant and RPO Read Y Arrow so the defense cannot key on one specific route concept, all three punish different second level reactions
Against aggressive user linebackers who spy the quarterback instead of respecting run fits, snap the ball quickly and throw the glance before the user recovers depth
If the defense shows a two high shell with light numbers in the box, take the free hand off every time and save the RPO trigger for heavier fronts
