Playbooks

RPO Zone Peek

Shotgun·Normal Off Close Wk·11
RPOPass PlayRun Play

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Peek is an RPO built off an outside zone run action out of Shotgun 11 personnel, giving the quarterback a true run-pass conflict read on the play side linebacker or peeking safety. The offensive line executes the zone blocking scheme while a receiver runs a peek route (typically a quick slant or hitch) that the quarterback can throw off the second level defender who steps up to fill the run lane. The primary read progression is: identify the second level defender's reaction to the zone run action first, then peek to the conflict receiver if that defender crashes down, otherwise hand off or pull the ball and run the zone scheme yourself.

Defensive Reads

Watch the play side linebacker's first step after the snap, if he crashes hard toward the line of scrimmage to fill the run gap that confirms the peek throw is open Check the safety shell before the snap, a single high safety with man coverage underneath often leaves the peek route in a favorable one on one matchup against a linebacker Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined linebackers who sit in their zone and do not bite on the run action will shut this play down, since the conflict defender is reading run pass simultaneously User controlled defenders sitting in a shallow lurk zone can jump the peek route if the quarterback stares it down too long, so manipulate their eyes with pump fakes or eye discipline on other reps Look for nano blitz packages or overload fronts on the play side, since a fast edge blitz can beat the zone blocking scheme before the RPO read even develops, making this play risky on money downs

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, check the box count and identify whether the play side linebacker is a run-first or pass-first defender since he is the primary conflict key for this RPO

Use the right stick or hot route to adjust the peek receiver's depth if you are facing a defense that plays soft zone shells, since a deeper route can create more separation against sitting linebackers

This play works best on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage where defenses are more likely to load the box for run support

Pair this play with Mtn Outside Zone and Mtn Y Sit from the same set to keep defenders honest, since the identical zone action on those plays sets up the exact same conflict key for the RPO look

Against defenses that consistently play two high safeties and drop the linebacker into a shallow zone, take the automatic handoff since the numbers favor the run

If the defense shows an obvious blitz pre-snap, hot route the peek receiver into a quick out or hitch to beat man coverage before the pressure arrives

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