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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Alert Bubble is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Normal Y Off Wk that pairs an inside handoff read with a bubble screen alert to the slot. The offensive line executes a zone run blocking scheme to the play side while the slot receiver sits into a bubble route as the QB's pre-snap or post-snap alert, and the backside X runs a deep comeback or fade to hold the corner. The primary read progression is quarterback keys the alert defender (usually the slot corner or overhang linebacker) first for the bubble throw, then works down to the run mesh if that defender crashes or covers the flat.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alignment of the slot corner or nickel defender pre-snap, if he is sitting at five yards or deeper the bubble throw is live. Key the near linebacker's first step after the snap, if he flows hard to the run fit the bubble window opens up behind him. Man coverage with the corner pressed on the slot receiver kills the bubble read and forces the quarterback to the run mesh. Watch for a blitzing overhang defender crashing downhill, as this both opens the bubble throw and increases risk of a free run at the mesh point. Zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 that keep the slot defender in a flat zone can jump the bubble route if the quarterback is late on the alert read.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance to identify whether the slot defender is sitting inside or squatting on the bubble before the snap.
If the defense shows a hard box with the alert defender aligned tight, take the give and trust the zone blocking to the play side.
Against soft or bailing corners on the bubble side, pull the trigger immediately since the numbers advantage in space is the whole point of the play.
Pair this with RPO Zone Peek and RPO Power Alert Bubble in the same drive to keep linebackers guessing on run fits versus bubble alerts.
Best called on early downs or in space-friendly situations like second and short where defenses are more willing to sell out against the run.
