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Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
RPO Q Draw Bubble out of Empty Base Flex is a true run-pass option that puts the QB in Shotgun and reads the play side flat defender before deciding to hand the ball off or throw. The diagram shows a QB draw up the middle behind the offensive line as the base run action, while the left slot receiver runs a bubble screen with the outside receiver blocking downfield, and on the right side the outside receiver runs a corner route with the slot releasing underneath as a flat option. The primary read progression is bubble read first (leverage defender on the flat receiver), then draw if the alley is clean, making this an ideal zone and light box beater.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side slot cornerback pre-snap, if he is sitting inside with outside leverage the bubble throw will be there immediately. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they crash down hard on run action the corner route on the backside can be an explosive alert throw. This play struggles against man coverage with an aggressive slot defender jumping the bubble route, so user players should look to squat that flat zone. Blitz packages that send extra rushers up the middle can blow up the draw before it develops, so spy or gap discipline on the interior defensive line is critical. Zone drops from safeties rolling down late can cover both the bubble and the draw lane, forcing the offense into a difficult decision post-snap.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into declaring run or pass before the snap. If the defense shows a two high shell with soft flat defenders, throw the bubble screen immediately for a numbers advantage on the perimeter. Against a light box with off corners, pull the ball on the draw and let your offensive line work up to the second level. Pair this play with QB Draw and RPO Alert Draw Stick in the same series so defenses cannot key on formation tendencies. Best called on second and short or third and manageable when defenses are more likely to sit in zone shells and cheat linebackers underneath.
