Playbooks
RPO Glance Post is a run/pass option out of Shotgun 11 personnel that reads an inside linebacker or slot defender to decide between a give on the run action and a glance route paired with a post concept. The offensive line executes the run blocking scheme (typically inside or split zone) while the slot receiver runs a quick glance and an outside receiver stems a post to attack vertical seams if the defense sells run. This play beats light boxes and man coverage since the glance sits behind linebackers and the post exploits single high safety looks, and the primary read progression is the key defender in the box: if he crashes down on the run fake, pull and throw the glance, if he sits or bails, hand off or hit the post over the top.
Watch the second level defender assigned to the glance route key, if he sits on the line of scrimmage or shows blitz he can jump the throw as soon as the ball is snapped. Pre snap, check safety depth and alignment since a single high safety cheating toward the box signals man coverage or Cover 3, both of which are vulnerable to the post if the corner commits to run support or the glance fake. Man coverage with underneath aggressive linebackers is where this play shines the most, especially if the defense uses a nano blitz package that forces the running back or tight end to be uncovered on the glance. Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties can shut down the post route since a safety will be sitting deep ready to close on any vertical shot, so be ready to check down to the glance instead. If the user controls a linebacker and sits in a shallow zone drop or spies the quarterback, that defender can undercut the glance route, so look off that defender with your eyes before committing to the throw.
Check the box count pre snap and if the defense shows six or more in the box, lean toward throwing the RPO instead of forcing the run. Identify single high safety shells like Cover 1 or Cover 3 before the snap because the post route has explosive potential against those shells if the corner bites on the glance. Use your hot route menu to adjust the post into a deep out or comeback if you see a two high shell rolling to that side, since the post can get squeezed by a deep safety in Cover 2 or Cover 4. This play works best on run downs like second and short or first and ten when defenses are more likely to load the box expecting run, which opens up the glance and post as change of pace throws. Sequence this play after running Mtn Inside Zone Split or Inside Zone Split earlier in the drive so linebackers start cheating downhill, making the RPO read easier and the post more explosive when the safety commits to run support.