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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
RPO Zone Read Bubble is a true run-pass option out of Shotgun 11 personnel that pairs an inside zone run scheme with a bubble screen to the slot receiver. The quarterback reads the numbers to the bubble side pre-snap and post-snap keys the flat defender or overhang linebacker to decide between pulling the ball for the bubble throw or handing off on the zone read. This play beats aggressive run blitzes and man coverage that leaves the bubble uncovered, making it a hybrid zone beater and run play in one call.
Defensive Reads
Watch the slot corner and overhang linebacker at the snap since their reaction determines whether the bubble or the run is open If the defense shows a light box with only five or six defenders, the run read is live and inside zone should hit downhill without needing the bubble A hard crash from the flat defender or slot corner toward the line of scrimmage means the bubble screen is the correct pull, especially against Cover 3 sky or Cover 1 robber shells User-controlled defenders who sit on the bubble route or show a delayed jump on the flat killer this play, so be ready to trust the zone run instead Blitz packages that send extra defenders off the edge or through the A-gap can be neutralized by getting the ball out on the bubble before the pressure arrives Two-high safety shells with squeezed linebackers tend to shut down the interior run lanes, so lean on the bubble read against those looks
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and if the defense has more defenders in the box than you have blockers, key the flat defender immediately for the bubble read
If the slot corner or overhang linebacker crashes down on run action, pull the ball and get the bubble out quickly before the defense can recover
Use this against defenses that show heavy run blitz fronts or Cover 0 looks since the numbers advantage on the perimeter is hard to defend
Pair this call with Fk Leak Outside Zone or Inside Zone earlier in a series so the defense starts keying run fits, then punish overaggressive linebackers with this RPO
Hot route the backside receiver on a quick out if you see a defense selling out to stop both the zone run and the bubble, giving you a third option against disciplined defenses
Stick to early down-and-distance situations like first or second and short to medium since the play loses value in obvious passing downs
