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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Alert Out is a run pass option out of Shotgun Normal Y Off Close that gives the quarterback a give, throw, or pull decision based on the box count and the alert defender. The diagram shows the outside receiver running a hard out breaking route to the flat, the TE running a shallow drag underneath from in tight, and the backfield player running an angle route out of the backfield to the opposite flat, while the offensive line executes zone run blocking to set up the handoff read. The primary read progression starts with the alert defender for the run key, then works to the out route as the immediate pass alert if that defender widens or crashes down, with the drag and angle routes serving as underneath checkdown options against soft coverage.
Defensive Reads
Identify the alert defender pre-snap, typically a linebacker or slot defender near the line of scrimmage, since his reaction to the snap dictates the run or pass decision. Watch for a hard crashing edge defender or blitzing linebacker, which signals the quarterback should pull and throw the out route quickly before the edge collapses the pocket. Zone coverage with a flat defender sitting on the out route will take away that throw, so check for a cornerback sinking into the flat as a sign to keep the run alive. Man coverage with tight outside corner alignment invites the give since the QB cannot easily separate a receiver deep, but a soft corner shell opens the out throw immediately. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow linebackers crashing downhill open cutback run lanes while deep dropping linebackers signal the offense should trust the pass option.
Usage Tips
Check the alert defender pre-snap by identifying the second level defender aligned over or near the read tackle since his run fit or flat drop determines the give or throw decision.
Use this on early downs in run heavy personnel counts to keep defenses honest, since the out route punishes defenders who bite hard on the run fake.
If the defense shows a hard down safety or heavy box look, pull the ball and throw the out immediately since the numbers favor the pass side.
Pair this with RPO Alert Cheat Bubble or RPO Peek Spot in your play calling sequence so defenses cannot key on the same alert defender every snap.
Against man coverage, key the out route as your first look since it creates natural separation against off corners, while zone shells should push you toward the drag or angle route underneath.
