Playbooks

Mtn RPO Peek Stick (standardspacing)

Shotgun·Split Slot Offset·20
RPOStickStick ConceptMotionPass PlayRun Play

Quick Reference

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Breakdown

Mtn RPO Peek Stick is a run pass option built off the Shotgun Split Slot Offset set that pairs an inside run action with a Stick concept to the passing strength, giving the quarterback a peek read before he ever commits to the handoff. The blocking scheme flows toward the run action while the slot and outside receivers work the Stick combo (flat, out, and curl at different levels) to attack the underneath defenders who have to choose between crashing the box or sitting on the route. This is a true RPO and man/zone beater in one, and the primary read progression starts with the quarterback peeking the second level defender (usually a linebacker or slot corner) before deciding to pull and throw the stick or hand off the run.

Defensive Reads

Watch the play side linebacker or nickel defender at the snap, since his first step tells you whether he is spilling to the run fit or sinking to cover the flat and stick routes. Zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 struggle with this concept because the flat defender is forced to widen for the run fake, opening the stick window behind him. Man coverage with an aggressive blitz package can be the best answer, since a nano blitz or overload pressure can beat the run fit before the quarterback finishes his mesh point read. Look for user controlled defenders sitting in the shallow window trying to jump the stick route, and counter by resetting to the flat or checking down to the run if you see him bite early. Two high safety shells with soft corners invite the run read, so if you see MOFO (middle of field open) alignment pre-snap, lean toward pulling the trigger on the handoff rather than forcing the throw.

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, count the box defenders and check if the defense is showing a two high shell or single high look, since a light box with two high safeties is your green light to hand it off while a stacked box tells you to peek the stick immediately.

Use the peek read discipline: if the flat defender or nearest linebacker widens with the flat route, throw the curl or out behind him, and if he sits, hit the flat man for an easy access throw.

Hot route the backside receiver into a quick slant or drag if you are facing man coverage across the board, since the stock Stick concept can get grabby against tight man corners.

This play pairs well with Mtn RPO Peek Swing and Mtn RPO Read Swing in the same set, since all three show similar run action but attack different horizontal stress points, keeping second level defenders guessing.

Best used on early downs (first or second and manageable) when you want a low risk conflict play, but it also works on third and short since the stick route alone is a reliable conversion tool if the run read is taken away.

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