Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Q Stick Draw combines an inside zone-style HB draw with a Stick concept read on the backside, giving the QB a pre-snap and post-snap decision based on the box count and linebacker leverage. If the read defender crashes down on the draw, the QB pulls and throws the quick stick combination (flat and speed out), and if the box stays light the give to the HB is the primary read. This is a true RPO that stresses zone defenses and light boxes, since it forces the second level defender to choose between run fit and pass responsibility.
Defensive Reads
Identify the alley defender or the flowing linebacker at the snap, since his reaction determines whether the QB gives or pulls the ball. Zone coverages with linebackers sitting flat-footed in Cover 3 or Cover 4 are vulnerable because the stick concept flat route sits underneath the curl to flat defender. Man coverage with an outside blitz can beat this play by forcing a quick pull read while also collapsing the draw lane, so watch for corner blitzes or nano blitz packages off the edge. A user-controlled linebacker sitting in a lurk position over the stick concept can jump the flat route, so avoid this play if you see that defender cheating toward the trips or stick side before the snap. Safeties rotating down into the box pre-snap signal a run blitz look, which favors pulling the ball and throwing the stick concept immediately off the RPO key.
Usage Tips
Check the box count pre-snap and target this play when there are five or fewer defenders in the box, since that guarantees a numbers advantage for the draw. Use the RPO key indicator or watch the flow of the second level defender at the mesh point to decide whether to pull and throw or let the run play out. This is an ideal call on second and short or first and ten when defenses expect a standard dropback pass and sit in light zone shells. Hot route the backside stick concept receiver into a fade or slant against man coverage if you see a corner playing tight outside leverage. Pair this play with Stick and RPO Alert Draw Stick in the same set so defenses cannot key on formation tendencies, alternating between the give and the quick game to keep linebackers honest.
