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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Peek Stick is a run pass option built off the Shotgun Normal Y Off Close set with 11 personnel, giving the QB a give or throw decision based on the second level defenders. The diagram shows the inside receiver running a quick out to the flat while the outside receiver pushes vertically up the seam, forming a two man stick style read on the right side, with the run action staying attached in the backfield as the peek key. The primary read progression is run key on the peeking linebacker first, then flat route underneath, then the vertical route if the corner sinks and a linebacker widens to take away the flat.
Defensive Reads
Watch the second level linebacker who is aligned closest to the run action, he is the peek key that determines run or pass. If the flat defender crashes down on the run fit immediately, the flat route behind him should be open for an easy pitch and catch. Zone shells like Cover 3 and Cover 4 with the corner sitting deep are vulnerable since the underneath defender cannot cover both the flat and the vertical stem. Man coverage with a linebacker matched on the flat route in man to man can bracket the concept, so look for a blitzing defense to sell out and stop the run instead. Post snap track any user controlled lurk defender sitting in the throwing lane to the flat, since a smart human defender can jump this route and bait a pick six.
Usage Tips
Presnap identify the alignment of the flat defender and the box count, if the box is light take the automatic give read on the run action.
Use the peek key on the nearest linebacker to the run action, if he stays home in the box the throw is live to the flat or vertical route.
Hot route the vertical receiver into a quick out if you see press man on the outside corner, this turns the concept into an instant man beater.
Attack Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells since the flat defender has to choose between the run fit and the flat route, creating a natural conflict defender.
Pair this play with RPO Zone Stick or RPO Alert Out from the same set to keep the defense guessing between gap run RPOs and zone run RPOs out of the same formation and personnel look.
