Playbooks

RPO Alert Bubble

Shotgun·Doubles Offset Wk·11
RPOPass PlayRun Play
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.
Play diagram for RPO Alert Bubble from Shotgun Doubles Offset Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

Not in any team playbook.

Breakdown

RPO Alert Bubble is an RPO out of Shotgun Doubles Offset Wk that pairs an inside zone run with a bubble screen alert to the offset side. The offensive line executes zone blocking steps to the play side while the offset receiver runs a bubble screen route, and the backside X receiver runs a deep dig or crosser to hold the far corner. The QB's primary read is the alert defender (the flat or slot defender near the bubble), reading whether he crashes on the run or sits on the bubble before deciding to hand off, throw the bubble, or read the backside route as a checkdown.

Defensive Reads

Identify pre-snap whether the defense is in a two high shell or single high shell, since two high shells often leave the bubble alert defender more isolated and vulnerable. Watch the slot cornerback or overhang defender at the snap, if he flies upfield to defend the bubble the inside zone lane opens up for the handoff. Beware defenses that show run blitz fits with linebackers crashing hard downhill, since this can blow up the zone run before the RPO read develops. Zone match coverages with a designated bubble defender sitting flat can shut down the screen quickly, forcing the QB to trust the run or check to the backside route. User controlled defenders sniffing out the bubble by staying home instead of biting on run action is the biggest threat to this concept, so have a backup plan through the backside dig or cross.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and if the defense is showing six or more in the box, key the alert defender for the bubble throw immediately.

Use the RPO hot route alert key to identify if a slot corner or overhang linebacker is crashing down on the run fit, since that is your green light to fire the bubble.

Pair this play with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Glance Bubble in the same set to keep defenders guessing between bubble, slant, and inside run looks.

Run this on early downs like first and ten or second and short to stay ahead of the sticks and force honest defensive reads.

Against aggressive nano blitz packages, get the ball out on the bubble quickly since the zone blocking will not hold up long against extra rushers.

Other Plays in Doubles Offset Wk