Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Power Peek combines a Power run scheme out of the backfield with a peek read to the backside receiver, giving the quarterback a true run pass conflict at the mesh point. The offensive line pulls the backside guard for the Power concept while the peek route gives a quick vertical or slant tag to a receiver isolated on a defender, forcing the read defender to choose between crashing the box or respecting the pass. The primary read progression starts pre snap on the peek defender: if that defender sits too deep or shows man leverage, throw the peek route, otherwise pull it down and hand off Power into the alley for a downhill run.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alignment of the peek defender at the snap, since a defender who widens out or bails into coverage signals a run key that opens up the Power lane. Identify single high versus two high shells before the snap, since single high safeties often mean the peek defender is playing more run support and can be exploited with the pass read. Track linebacker depth and flow, because linebackers who step up hard on run action leave the peek route open in the vacated space behind them. Look for man beater exploitation on the peek route against corners playing tight man coverage with no safety help over the top. Beware of user controlled defenders sitting in the peek throwing lane, since a smart human defender can bait the quarterback into a bad decision if he shows run fit then jumps the peek route late.
Usage Tips
Check the peek defender pre snap before the snap, usually a linebacker or slot corner, and see if he is shaded to take away the peek route or if he is cheating down to play the run.
Use this play on early downs in run heavy personnel to keep defenses honest, since the RPO tag punishes overaggressive box defenders without needing a full play action shot.
Pair this with RPO Power Peek Slant or RPO Peek Slant later in a series so the defense cannot key on the peek route alone, forcing linebackers to hesitate on every snap.
If the defense shows a two high shell with soft corners, lean toward pulling the ball for Power since the peek route will likely be taken away by depth.
Against aggressive man coverage or blitz heavy fronts, trust the peek route quickly since the numbers advantage on the backside will win before extra rushers arrive.
