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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
RPO Q Screen Draw out of Shotgun Empty Bunch Wide is a run pass option built around a bunch screen to the field and a bail route from the point man, with the QB reading the alpha defender before the snap even fully develops. On the diagram, the outermost bunch receiver bails vertically then breaks flat toward the sideline as the screen target, while the receiver stacked behind him climbs straight upfield as a clear-out/zone beater to occupy the second level defender. The offensive line at the snap shows draw action with the tackle and center working to the play side, while the back releases into the backfield flow on a delayed draw look if the QB pulls it down. This is a hybrid RPO: the primary read is the alpha defender (the overhang or slot corner near the bunch), and if he sits or crashes down on the draw look, the QB pulls and hits the screen; if he widens with the screen, the QB hands off or keeps the draw read.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alpha defender's depth and leverage before the snap; if he is sitting at 5 to 7 yards outside the bunch, he is reading run/screen and will be the deciding factor on this RPO. Man coverage on the bunch receivers is vulnerable to the screen because it removes leverage defenders from the flat, so if you see man match or press alignment on the bunch, expect the QB to favor the perimeter throw. Zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 with a hard-flowing linebacker to the draw side will bite on the run fake, so spy or slow-play your second level defenders instead of flowing hard downhill. User the underneath defender closest to the bunch and manually sit on the screen throwing lane, since AI defenders often widen too late to affect the throw. Disguised blitzes from the play side overhang can blow up both options simultaneously, so if you see a walked-up slot defender crashing at the snap, this RPO loses its advantage and the QB should be coached to progress off it quickly.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing a two-high shell or single-high look, since this concept thrives against light boxes and off man coverage on the bunch side.
Key the alpha defender (the closest defender to the bunch, usually a slot corner or overhang linebacker) before the snap; if he is aligned soft or bailing at the snap, favor the screen, if he is crashing hard downhill, trust the draw.
Use motion sparingly here since the bunch alignment already creates natural picks for the screen, and unnecessary motion can tip your hand to a disguised blitz.
Pair this play with Jailbreak Screen and RPO Screen QB Draw in the same set to condition the defense to respect both perimeter screens and inside run, then hit them with Deep Flood or Post Corner Read once they start jumping the screen action.
Best used on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) to stay ahead of the chains, since both options in this RPO are low risk, low variance gains against aggressive fronts.
