Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Alert Cheat Cheat Bubble is an RPO out of Shotgun Normal Y Off Close (11 personnel) that gives the quarterback a run/pass alert based on the read defender. Backside, a receiver runs a deep dig/crossing route while the middle stack releases on a shallow drag and an angle route underneath, and to the play side a receiver runs a quick bubble screen with a blocker stepping out to wall off the flat defender. The QB reads the alert defender (usually the overhang or nearest linebacker to the bubble side): if he crashes down on the run action, the ball goes outside to the bubble; if he sits or widens, the QB can work the interior run or hit the crossing route on top of it. This is a run/pass conflict play designed to beat overly aggressive run fits and light box counts, not a true dropback pass concept.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat/overhang defender pre-snap; if he is walked out over the bubble receiver with outside leverage, the run alert is likely the better attack angle. Post-snap, key the alert defender's first two steps: if he flows hard to the line of scrimmage for run support, the bubble screen is already open behind him. Zone coverages with a flat defender sitting still or shuffling outside will shut down the bubble, so look to attack the crossing route or handoff instead. Man coverage with no underneath help on the drag/crosser is vulnerable, especially if the defense shows Cover 1 or Cover 0 with no extra flat defender. User-controlled defenders who jump the bubble route immediately open up the interior run lane, so watch for a jumped read and be ready to hand it off.
Usage Tips
Check the numbers to the bubble side pre-snap; if the defense has fewer defenders than blockers plus the bubble receiver, alert yourself to throw it immediately regardless of the read key.
Use motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into showing blitz or run fit before the snap, since this play punishes overcommitted second-level defenders.
On early downs against base personnel, trust the run alert if the box is heavy, and take the automatic bubble if defenders spin out to cover it.
Pair this call with RPO Alert Out or RPO Zone Alert Omaha in sequence so the defense cannot sit on the same alert key twice in a row.
Best used on first and second down in normal spacing (2nd and short to medium) where defenses are more likely to load the box and leave the perimeter light.
