Playbooks

RPO Alert Bubble

Shotgun·Doubles Y Off·11
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Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Alert Bubble is a true run-pass option out of Shotgun Doubles Y Off that pairs an inside run scheme with a bubble screen alert to the slot receiver. The quarterback's primary read is the alert defender, typically the flat or slot corner, reading his run fit and leverage before the snap and confirming it post-snap. If that defender crashes down on the run action, the QB pulls and throws the bubble to the slot receiver in space, and if he stays wide or sits in the flat, the QB hands off and lets the run scheme work behind the offensive line.

Defensive Reads

Watch the slot corner or overhang defender pre-snap, if he is aligned tight and shows blitz or run support, expect the QB to throw the bubble immediately Check safety depth before the snap, a single high safety often means the alert defender has run responsibility and will crash, favoring the bubble throw Post-snap, track any user-controlled defender flying downhill on run action, since that leverage triggers the automatic pull and throw This concept struggles against disciplined zone defenses that keep the flat defender wide and sit on bubble routes, taking away the easy throw Man coverage with the slot corner playing tight and physical can disrupt the bubble release, forcing the offense into the run look instead Watch for slot blitzes or nano-style pressure from the alert side, since aggressive edge pressure can beat the run block before the RPO read fully develops

Usage Tips

Identify the alert defender pre-snap by checking how the slot corner or overhang player is aligned relative to the bubble receiver

Use this on early downs like first and second and ten to keep defenses honest against both run and quick pass looks

Against soft or off man coverage on the slot receiver, favor throwing the bubble immediately since the cushion guarantees positive yardage

Pair this call with Mtn RPO Alert Bubble Slant later in a series so the defense has to respect both the bubble and the slant window from the same alert key

Sequence this with straight run calls like HB Toss or Inside Zone earlier in the game so linebackers start cheating toward the run fit, opening up the bubble read

Do not force the throw into a sinking zone defender who is sitting on the bubble concept, take the run instead

Other Plays in Doubles Y Off