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Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Power Alert Bubble is a run pass option built off a Power gap scheme run concept with a bubble screen alert to the slot receiver. The quarterback reads the alert defender (typically the overhang or flat defender) to decide whether to hand off the Power run behind the pulling guard or pull and throw the bubble screen to the slot. This play attacks light boxes and aggressive flat defenders, making it a hybrid run and RPO concept rather than a straight dropback pass.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the alert defender over the slot receiver, if he is aligned wide and shallow he is reading run to jump the bubble. Look at the box count and safety depth, a stacked box with a single high safety signals run support that can erase Power if not respected. Post-snap, watch for the flat defender's first step, if he crashes toward the line of scrimmage that confirms the bubble throw is open. Man coverage on the outside receiver with no underneath help funnels the numbers advantage to the bubble side, so the quarterback should favor the screen. Zone coverage with a linebacker sinking to the flat or a cornerback playing off can shut down the bubble, forcing the offense to trust the interior Power blocking instead.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or fewer in the box, keep your eyes on the alert defender and lean run.
If the slot corner or overhang defender crashes down on the run fake, pull the ball immediately and fire the bubble screen before the flat closes.
Use this play on early downs in normal down and distance situations to keep defenses honest and set up bigger shots later in the drive.
Pair this with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Power Peek from the same set so the defense cannot sit on the bubble read, forcing conflict for the alert defender snap after snap.
Against man coverage with no help over the slot, take the bubble automatically since the blocker in front usually wins the numbers game outside.
