Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Power Alert Bubble is a true run-pass option out of Shotgun 11 personnel that pairs a Power run scheme with a bubble screen alert to the slot receiver. The offensive line pulls the backside guard for a traditional Power blocking scheme while the quarterback keys the alerted defender, usually a flat defender or overhang linebacker, to decide between handing off or throwing the bubble. This play beats aggressive run fits and is a strong answer against zone defenses that crash down on the run gap, since the bubble alert exploits the space vacated when the flat defender bites on run action.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alert defender's initial step at the snap, if he crashes toward the box to stop Power, the bubble screen is open behind him. User the flat defender or slot corner manually in man coverage looks to eliminate the bubble option and force the quarterback to hand off into a loaded box. Zone defenses with linebackers sitting flat-footed at depth can bait the quarterback into throwing the bubble into a waiting underneath zone defender for a big hit or turnover opportunity. Stacked box alignments with safeties rotating down pre-snap signal run support, which should push the read toward the bubble throw if the alert defender bites. Disguised blitzes off the edge can beat this play post-snap since the Power blocking scheme needs time to develop, so watch for overload pressure from the play side.
Usage Tips
Identify the alert defender before the snap, typically the slot corner or overhang linebacker, since his run-pass discipline determines your read all game.
Use this play on early downs in normal down and distance situations where defenses are more likely to sell out against the run.
If the defense shows a two high safety shell with soft corners, lean toward the bubble throw since the numbers favor the perimeter screen.
Pair this call with RPO Peek Slant and RPO Zone Alert in the same set so the defense cannot key on tendencies, since all three plays start with similar Power or Zone run action.
Against defenses that consistently sit on the bubble alert, counter with Inside Zone or Inside Zone Split from the same personnel to punish overcommitted flat defenders.
