Playbooks
RPO Alert HB Flat is a run pass option out of Shotgun Duo Offset that pairs the Duo run blocking scheme with an alert flat route from the HB and a quick access throw for the QB. The offensive line executes Duo blocking to double team the front side defensive tackle while the QB reads the alley defender or overhang linebacker to decide between handing off and pulling to throw the flat route. This is primarily a run beater against light boxes but also functions as a zone beater against off coverage since the flat route attacks space vacated by flowing linebackers. The primary read progression is box count first, then the flat defender or curl to flat zone player second, and the give read on the interior defensive line last.
Watch the flat defender or slot corner pre snap, if he is playing tight run support technique the flat throw will be there as soon as he steps up. Identify the overhang linebacker depth before the snap, a shallow alignment signals run blitz intent and tells the QB to pull and throw immediately. Man coverage with no underneath help on the flat side gets exploited easily since the HB will win versus a linebacker in space. Zone coverage shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 with disciplined curl to flat defenders can shut this down if that defender sits and reads instead of biting on run action. Watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in the flat lane, if he stays home and does not commit to the line of scrimmage take the run read instead of forcing the throw.
Check the defensive alignment pre snap and count the box, if there are six or fewer defenders in the box favor the run side of the RPO.
Use the alert hot route key to throw the flat immediately if you see an overhang defender crash down hard on run flow, this punishes aggressive linebackers and slot corners.
Pair this play with Inside Zone and HB Punch from the same set so the defense has to respect Duo blocking on every snap, making the flat throw hit even harder off tendencies.
Save this play for second and short or first and ten situations where defenses are more willing to sell out against the run, giving you an easy explosive throw to the flat.
Sequence RPO Alert Slant and RPO Alert Bubble alongside this play so linebackers cannot key on the flat alone, forcing conflicted reads on every RPO look from Duo Offset.