Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Zone X Smoke is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Doubles Offset that pairs an inside zone run to the HB with a smoke screen read to the X receiver at the top of the screen. The offensive line executes zone blocking steps while the X runs a quick smoke/hitch and the read defender (usually the flat or overhang defender) determines whether the QB hands off or pulls and fires the smoke. This is a true RPO: it beats aggressive run fits and light box looks, with the primary read progression being run key first (count the box), then flash to the X smoke if the alley defender crashes down on the run action.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat or overhang defender at the snap since he is the direct read key for the QB on this RPO. If the defense shows a two-high shell with soft corners playing off the X receiver, expect the smoke throw since the cushion invites an easy pitch and catch. A hard crash from the slot corner or nickel defender toward the running back's zone action opens the smoke instantly, so user defenders need to sit on that route instead of flowing with run fits. Man coverage on the X with no underneath help gets exposed by the smoke if the corner is playing off, so press coverage or a squatting linebacker in the flat area kills this concept. Blitzes from the edge or off-ball backers stacked near the box tell the QB to trust the run since the smoke throw has no time to develop against pressure, so contain rushers and force the handoff read.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and if the defense has six or more in the box, lean toward pulling the smoke instead of handing it off.
Use the flick or designated hot key to throw the smoke pre-snap read if you see the corner or slot defender bail into a deep zone, since that leaves the smoke wide open.
This play punishes linebackers who key run fast, so if you see linebackers creeping toward the line of scrimmage on tendency, throw the RPO smoke immediately off the snap.
Pair this with Inside Zone and Outside Zone from the same set to sell the run action and condition the defense to bite on run fits, then hit RPO Zone X Smoke when they overcommit.
Mix in RPO Zone Alert Bus or RPO Zone Y Peek after running this a few times so the defense cannot key on the smoke throw alone.
Best used on early downs or short yardage third downs where defenses are more likely to load the box or blitz.
