Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Read WR Screen out of Shotgun Slot Right gives the QB a run/pass read tied directly to the box count. The offensive line and TE execute inside zone run blocking while the backside slot receiver stays in to run a quick screen route with a lone blocker setting a pick to the outside, and the outside receiver on the right runs a hitch to hold the corner. The isolated receiver on the far left runs straight upfield as a vertical alert if the defense sells out on the screen. Primary read is the box count and flow of the linebackers: give the ball on the run if the count favors the offense, or pull and throw the bubble/WR screen if defenders crash down on the run action.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify safety depth and count defenders in the box: if the defense stacks the line with 7 or more in the box, expect the QB to pull and throw the screen rather than hand off. Watch for the slot corner or nickel defender sitting outside; if he stays home and does not bite on run action, the screen blocker will struggle to spring the receiver for a big gain. Man coverage on the perimeter receiver is more vulnerable to the screen since the blocker can occlude a single defender, while zone coverage with a flat defender sitting on the screen side shuts down the throw. Post-snap, linebacker flow is the key indicator: fast downhill flow to the run side signals the QB should pull and throw, while slow or lateral linebacker movement means the give read is live. User controlled defenders sitting in the shallow flat or spying the QB can bait a mistimed pull, so respect any user near the line of scrimmage.
Usage Tips
Check the box count pre-snap and count defenders in the tackle box before the snap to decide run or screen. If the defense shows a heavy front with linebackers crashing downhill, pull the ball immediately and hit the WR screen for a numbers advantage on the perimeter. Use the vertical route on the isolated receiver as a hot route alert if the defense rotates a safety down to take away the screen. This play pairs well with RPO Alert Bubble and RPO Glance Post in the same set since all three attack different levels off similar run action, keeping linebackers honest. Best called on early downs (1st and 2nd and short to medium) when defenses are more likely to load the box for run support, giving you the screen as the built in counter.
