Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| SLWR | Left | Slant |
| WR2 | Left | In |
| WR1 | Right | Option Route |
| TE1 | Right | Run Block |
RPO Peek Slant is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Doubles Y Off WK that pairs an inside zone run with a slant route package to the field, giving the quarterback a pre-determined key defender to read at the mesh point. The blocking scheme is inside zone with the offensive line working combo blocks to the second level while the backside slot runs the slant as the throw option. The primary read progression is simple: the QB peeks the alley or box defender flowing to the run, and if that defender crashes down on the zone action, he pulls it and fires the slant behind him. If that read defender stays home or drops into the throwing lane, the QB hands off and lets the zone run develop.
Watch the flow of the second level defenders at the snap, if the linebacker keying the zone run crashes hard downhill, the slant window opens instantly behind him. Cover 3 and Cover 1 with aggressive run support linebackers get shredded by this concept since those fronts are designed to funnel the run and vacate the slant lane. Cover 4 and Cover 2 shells with disciplined linebackers who stay square and read the mesh point can shut this down by playing both phases honestly. User-controlled defenders sitting the slant window or spying the RPO key completely erase this play, so avoid this call against defenders who show a habit of sitting in throwing lanes instead of flowing with run fits. Check the safety alignment pre-snap for two-high shells, since a rotated safety can rob the slant if the quarterback locks onto the RPO key too quickly without checking the deep help.
Pre-snap, identify the alley defender or slot corner you plan to read since the whole play hinges on that one key rather than a full coverage read.
Use this against defenses that show heavy run fits or crash their linebackers hard on zone action, since that flow opens the slant window immediately.
Motion checks are limited here so rely on defender depth and leverage at the snap rather than shifting personnel to diagnose man versus zone.
Pair this with Inside Zone Split and Mtn Inside Zone Split from the same set so the defense has to respect the run fit before you start pulling the ball on RPO Peek Slant.
Use on early downs in the run/pass ambiguous range like 2nd and 5 to 7, since defenses are more likely to sell out on run fits and give up the slant window.
Sequence this after Double Slants or Slants to condition defenders to bite on quick game, then punish overaggressive flow-to-the-ball linebackers with the RPO pull.