Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Zone Snag is a run pass option out of Shotgun 11 personnel that pairs an inside zone run with a Snag concept to the field, giving the quarterback a true pre and post snap decision. The Snag combo (corner route, flat route, and shallow snag sitting underneath) attacks Cover 3 and other zone shells by overloading the flat and hook defenders while the zone run threat holds the second level linebackers. The primary read starts with the alert defender or overhang key on the RPO conflict, then progresses to the corner route to snag route to flat route if the quarterback pulls and throws instead of handing off.
Defensive Reads
Key the alert or conflict defender pre-snap, usually a linebacker or slot corner sitting over the Snag concept, since his run fit versus pass drop tells you whether to pull or hand off. Cover 3 shells with a hard spinning safety are vulnerable to the corner route sitting over the top of the curl to flat defender, so look for that window immediately after the snap. Man coverage looks with the corner blitzing off the edge should trigger the run since the box count drops in your favor. Watch for user controlled defenders sitting the flat or lurking the snag route, since a smart user rover can jump the underneath throw and turn it into a pick six. Zone blitz packages that bring five and drop a linebacker into the passing lane can bait the quarterback into throwing into a covered window, so recognize disguised pressure before committing to the pass side of the RPO.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the box count to decide if the zone run is the better math play before the ball is even snapped.
If the alert defender (usually the flat or overhang defender) squats on the run fit, pull it and work the Snag concept immediately.
Hot route the flat runner to a burst out route against teams that spot drop hard on the snag to create an easy conversion throw.
This play is best on second and short or third and short since defenses will often stack the box, giving you a clean numbers advantage to run.
Sequence this with RPO Zone Stick or RPO Zone Alert Omaha earlier in a series so linebackers start cheating on the pass and open up the run half of the RPO.
