Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Zone Peek is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Doubles Offset Wk that combines an inside zone run scheme with a peek route (typically a slant or quick in-breaker) from the backside slot. The quarterback reads the second level defender, usually a linebacker or overhang defender, to decide whether to hand off into the zone run or pull and throw the peek route as a light box beater. This is a true RPO, so it functions as both a zone beater against light boxes and a run play against soft coverage shells.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth pre-snap, if he is sitting shallow in a run fit, expect the QB to pull and throw the peek route. Identify two-high safety shells versus single-high, since two-high often signals lighter boxes that favor the run read. Post-snap, key the flow of the second level defender being read, if he stays home in coverage the run lane opens up for inside zone. Beware of user-controlled defenders sitting in the peek route window, since a disciplined user linebacker can jump the throw and blow up the RPO. Cover 3 with a fast-scraping linebacker and a defensive line that maintains gap integrity tends to shut down both options on this play.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, count the box defenders and check if the defense has six or fewer in the box, which signals you should lean run on the mesh read.
If the linebacker you are reading crashes down on run action, pull and throw the peek route immediately before the flow defender can undercut it.
Use this play on early downs (1st and 2nd and medium) to stay ahead of the sticks and keep defenses honest against both run and pass.
Pair this with RPO Peek Slant and RPO Alert Bubble in the same drive to condition the defense to respect multiple RPO looks off similar formation and mesh action.
Against aggressive man coverage or blitz-heavy defenses, hot route the peek receiver into a quick slant or speed out to counter blitzers before they can close the window.
