Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Gt Read Screen is a true run-pass option out of Shotgun Normal Flex Snug that pairs an inside zone run action with a running back screen to the flat. The offensive line executes gap blocking to sell the run while a lane blocker sets up in front of the screen receiver, forcing the quarterback to read box count and flow before deciding. The primary read progression is the box defender count at the mesh point: if the defense crashes down on the run fake, pull and throw the screen for blockers in space, if the box stays light or a defender sits on the screen, hand off the inside zone run.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the strength of the defensive front and note if a linebacker or slot corner is shaded toward the screen side, since that defender is the key coverage read for the RPO. Watch for safeties rotating down into the box before the snap, which signals run support and should push your decision toward throwing the screen instead of handing off. Post-snap, key the flow of the linebackers: if they step hard toward the run fake, the screen lane opens up behind them for an easy pitch and catch. This play struggles against disciplined zone defenses that keep a linebacker sitting in the screen area (like Tampa 2 or Cover 3 with a hard-flowing zone defender), so avoid forcing the screen into a sitting defender. Beware of user-controlled defenders spying the running back or jumping the screen route, since a savvy human opponent will bait the run fake and drop straight into the screen lane for a big play.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive box count before the snap and identify if the defense is playing with six or seven in the box, since a light box favors keeping the run while a stacked box tells you to prioritize the screen read.
Use this play on early downs like first and ten or second and short to keep the defense honest, since the dual threat punishes both run blitzes and aggressive man coverage looks.
Hot route the backside receiver into a quick slant or hitch if you see man coverage with no underlying flat defender, giving you an extra answer against Cover 1 or Cover 0 pressure looks.
Pair this call with Inside Zone and PA All In in your play sequence so the defense cannot key on formation tendencies, since all three plays share the same run action look out of this personnel.
Against teams that spam blitz packages, lean on the screen side of the RPO since blitzing linebackers vacate the flat and open up easy yardage after the catch for your back.
