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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Mtn RPO Peek Stick is an RPO out of Shotgun Split Slot Offset that gives the QB a run/pass conflict read tied directly to a linebacker or safety fitting the box. Pre-snap motion brings the offset back across the formation into a stick concept on the play side while the backfield executes an inside run action underneath. The read progression starts with the peeking defender in the box: if he crashes down on the run action, the QB pulls and works the stick combo (hitch, flat, and vertical seam) to attack the vacated zone, and if that defender stays home the run hits inside for a clean gap read.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth before the snap, if he is stacked tight to the line he is likely the read key for the run/pass conflict. Post-snap, key whether that linebacker steps up into the run fit or sits back to cover the stick concept, this tells you instantly which side of the RPO the offense will take. This play beats light boxes and zone coverages that rotate a safety away from the play side flat, since the stick combo exploits soft zone spacing underneath. User a defender into the flat or hook zone to jump the stick route, this eliminates the easy answer and forces the QB into the run without a clean handoff read. Man coverage with an aggressive blitz package can shut this down quickly since the peek defender may be replaced by a blitzer, so respect disguised pressure and be ready for the ball to come out immediately.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify the second level defender the RPO is designed to read, usually the play side linebacker or a nickel defender cheating into the box.
Use the motion to force a rotation and confirm whether you are facing man or zone before the snap, since a defender running with the motion man signals man coverage.
Hot route the flat runner into a quick out if you see a corner sitting low in a zone shell, this gives an instant answer against Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells.
Pair this play with Mtn RPO Peek Swing in your call sheet so the defense cannot key run fits based on backfield action alone.
Best used on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when defenses are more willing to sell out on the run look, giving you a favorable numbers advantage on the perimeter.
