Playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Zone Peek is an inside zone run paired with a peek route package that gives the QB a pre-snap and post-snap run/pass option. The diagram shows the offensive line executing a zone blocking scheme to the play side while the backside slot receiver runs a quick out and the outside receiver on that side climbs vertically up the sideline as the peek read. The primary progression is run first: the QB reads the box count and if the numbers favor the run he hands off, but if a defender crashes down to fill the run lane he pulls it and hits the peek window based on the flattened defender's leverage.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the linebacker depth and alignment since a linebacker cheating toward the box signals the RPO throw will be live. Watch the slot defender over the peek route side, if he sits flat or crashes down on run action the throw window opens immediately behind him. Man coverage on the backside can be exploited if the cornerback presses hard, since the peek route stems vertical before the QB decision point. Zone shells with a robber or lurking safety over the middle will shut down the peek throw, so the offense should default to the run in that shell. Post-snap, key the defensive end and play side linebacker fit on the zone blocking scheme, if they squeeze hard inside the cutback lane stays open for the run.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and count defenders in the box against your blockers to decide whether the run or the RPO throw is live.
Use this on early downs like first and second and ten to keep the defense honest and force linebackers to respect the run fit.
If the defense shows a single high safety with linebackers stacked tight, lean toward pulling the ball for the peek throw since the underneath defender will likely bite on the zone action.
Pair this call with Inside Zone and Read Option from the same set so the defense cannot key run fits off formation tendency alone.
Hot route the peek receiver into a deeper comeback against off coverage corners to punish aggressive linebacker crashes with a bigger chunk gain.
