Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Alert Bubble is a run pass option out of Shotgun Slot Right that pairs an inside handoff read with a bubble screen alert to the slot. The diagram shows the offensive line and running back executing an inside run action while the slot receiver runs a bubble route behind the line of scrimmage and the outside receiver releases vertically up the sideline as a clear out. The QB reads the alert defender: if that flat or slot defender crawls inside to fill the run lane, he pulls and fires the bubble, otherwise he hands off and lets the run develop behind the blocking scheme.
Defensive Reads
Watch the slot corner or nickel defender aligned over the bubble receiver, if he crashes down into the box on the snap that is your green light to throw the bubble immediately. Identify two high safety shells versus single high, since two high alignments often leave the flat defender more isolated and more likely to bite on the run fake. Track linebacker depth at the snap, shallow linebackers who step up quickly into the run gap confirm the bubble is open behind them. Look for user controlled defenders flying downhill to jump the run, this is exactly the trigger the RPO is designed to punish with the quick bubble throw. Beware disciplined defenses that stay square and read run action while keeping outside leverage on the bubble receiver, since a well trained defender there can sit and jump the throw.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and identify whether the defense is running an odd or even front to confirm if the run side has a numbers advantage.
Key the alert defender, usually a slot corner or overhang linebacker, and if he sits flat footed or crashes down on the run, snap to the bubble instantly.
Use this on early downs like first and second and ten to keep the defense honest and force LBs and slot defenders to respect both the run fit and the flat.
Pair this with RPO Alert Glance in your play calling sequence so the defense cannot sit on the bubble read without opening up the glance window over the top.
Motion is not shown here but if your version allows a pre-snap shift, use it to bait the alert defender into showing his hand before the snap.
Against aggressive blitz looks, trust the bubble read since the RPO handles the extra rusher by getting the ball out fast before pressure arrives.
