Playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Zone Peek is a true run pass option out of Shotgun 11 personnel that gives the quarterback an inside zone handoff read paired with a peek route from the backside receiver. The offensive line executes zone blocking to the play side while the quarterback reads the second level defender, typically a linebacker filling the box, to decide between the handoff and a quick throw. The primary read progression starts with the box count and linebacker flow, then moves to the peek route as the automatic throw window if the defense sells run.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap identify the linebacker depth and box count, since a stacked box with linebackers creeping downhill signals the defense is selling run and the peek throw becomes the better option. Watch for a slot cornerback or nickel defender sitting low in the peek route window, since that alignment is designed to jump the throw and bait a quick pull. Post-snap track the read defender assigned to the mesh point, if he stays home and does not bite on run action the quarterback should pull and throw immediately. This play struggles against disciplined zone defenses that keep linebackers square and do not overcommit to run fits, since that removes the natural throwing lane for the peek route. User controlled lurk defenders sitting in the shallow zone can jump the peek route, so a smart user rotating a safety or linebacker into that window can shut down the pass option entirely.
Usage Tips
Count the box pre-snap and only trust the run side if the defense is at five or fewer defenders in the box, otherwise key the peek throw immediately off the snap.
Use this play on early downs like first and ten or second and short to keep the defense honest and force linebackers to respect both the run fit and the pass option.
If the defense shows a hard down safety or crashes a linebacker on run blitz, pull the ball instantly and hit the peek route before the flow defender can recover.
Pair this call with RPO Zone Alert and RPO Peek Slant in the same set so the defense cannot key run fits or peek tendencies based on formation alone.
Against man coverage look to the peek route as a quick separation throw, and against zone shells trust the zone run since off ball linebackers will widen their drops and open running lanes.
