Playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Read WR Screen out of Shotgun Open Flex is a true run/pass option built around a give-read to the HB with a bubble/WR screen alert to the boundary. The diagram shows the offensive line firing out to run block while the HB takes the handoff read, the outside receiver to the right runs a quick screen with his outside receiver blocking downfield, and the backside slot receiver runs a vertical clear-out route to occupy defenders. The primary read progression is quarterback keys the alignment of the flat defender or slot corner before the snap and post-snap reads box count: hand it off if the box is light, or pull and throw the screen if defenders crash down on the run action.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the slot corner or overhang defender crashing down at the snap, that is your key to trigger the screen throw. If the defense shows a stacked box with linebackers sitting flat-footed, take the run and let your line work its blocking scheme. Man coverage on the outside receiver with no underneath help is a green light to pull and throw since the blocker in front will have a clean lane. Zone shells with a cornerback sitting at 5-7 yards can be susceptible to the screen if the flat defender bites on the run fake. Aggressive blitz packages that send extra defenders into the box actually help this play since it forces a quick pull-and-throw before pressure arrives, but watch for a fast-diagnosing user defender jumping the screen route.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive box count before the snap and use the RPO read key (usually the slot defender or overhang) to decide run or screen without hesitation.
If the defense shows a light box with the corner playing off, throw the screen immediately for a numbers advantage on the perimeter.
Use the vertical clear-out route to pull the deep defender away from the screen side, then hit the WR screen if the flat is vacated by a blitzing linebacker.
Pair this play with RPO Read Y Flat and HB Dive from the same set to keep defenses guessing between inside runs, flat throws, and perimeter screens.
Great on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to sell out against the run, opening up the screen option.
