Playbooks

RPO Split Alert Screen

Shotgun·Split Slot Offset·20
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This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense

Breakdown

RPO Split Alert Screen is a run/pass option built off the split slot offset backfield look, giving the quarterback a pre-snap and post-snap alert to bail into a screen if the box is loaded against the run. The blocking scheme mirrors the run action up front while the screen alert releases a receiver or back into the flat with lead blockers building a wall, making this a zone beater against teams that crash linebackers downhill. The primary read progression starts with the box count and second level flow: if the linebackers step up to defend the run fit, the QB pulls the ball and works the screen alert as the first and only read.

Defensive Reads

Watch linebacker depth at the snap since fast flowing linebackers who crash the run fit open up the screen alert lane Identify if the defense is in a run blitz or heavy box look pre-snap, which is the biggest green light to throw the screen immediately Beware disciplined zone shells like Tampa 2 or Cover 3 sky where linebackers sit and read the mesh point, since these shut down the screen alert and force the QB into a tougher handoff decision User controlled defenders who spy the backfield or lurk in the screen lane can jump the throw, so scan for a user flashing down before pulling the trigger Cover 2 man under with an aggressive slot corner can also blow up the screen since the underneath defender has a shorter path to the flat

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and count defenders in the box versus your run blockers to decide if you are handing off or pulling for the screen alert

Use this on early downs like first and second and ten to keep defenses honest since it punishes teams that key run flow with linebacker blitzes or fast flow

If the defense shows a heavy blitz look with linebackers creeping to the line, pull the screen alert immediately instead of trusting the run fit

Pair this play with RPO Counter Read or RPO Read Cntr in the same set so the defense has to respect both gap run RPOs and the screen alert off similar backfield action

Hot route the screen receiver's blockers if you see a defender sitting directly in the screen lane, and avoid calling this against disciplined zone teams that keep linebackers at home reading the mesh point

Other Plays in Split Slot Offset