Playbooks

RPO Alert Bubble

Shotgun·Duo Slot Open·20
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This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

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Breakdown

RPO Alert Bubble is a run pass option built off inside zone from Shotgun Duo Slot Open, giving the quarterback a pre or post snap alert to bubble screen the slot receiver instead of handing the ball off. The offensive line runs its zone blocking scheme, selling the run action to hold linebackers, while the alerted receiver sits in the bubble to attack space vacated by overaggressive run fits. The primary read progression is simple: identify the alert defender (usually a linebacker or slot corner triggering downhill on run action), and if that defender crashes, pull and throw the bubble immediately, otherwise hand off into the zone run for a conventional gain.

Defensive Reads

Watch the slot cornerback or overhang linebacker pre snap, if he is sitting soft outside expecting the bubble the QB should stay in the run Key the second level linebacker flow at the snap, fast downhill crash on inside zone action is the trigger to pull and throw the bubble immediately Zone coverages with a flat defender staying home shut down the bubble read, forcing the QB into the run every time Man coverage with a press corner on the alert receiver eliminates easy separation, making the run action the better option in that matchup Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in the bubble throwing lane, since a disciplined user can jump the route and turn it into a pick six if the QB throws late

Usage Tips

Use pre snap motion or a quick glance at the slot defender to confirm whether he is sitting on the bubble or crashing on run action before the snap

This play punishes defenses that load the box with eight or nine defenders against 20 personnel, so call it on early downs when you expect run blitzes or aggressive linebacker flow

Pair this with Inside Zone and HB Swing from the same set so the defense cannot key the alert receiver without also respecting the interior run threat

Against man coverage with press corners on the slot receiver, be ready to keep the ball on the ground since the bubble window shrinks fast

Sequence this after a few successful Inside Zone runs to bait linebackers into crashing downhill, then hit the alert bubble for an explosive gain in space

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