Playbooks

Mtn RPO Alert QB Counter

Shotgun·Split Slot Open·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

Mtn RPO Alert QB Counter is a run-pass option built off a QB Counter action out of Shotgun Split Slot Open, giving the quarterback a pre-snap alert read on a mountain (Mtn) concept before the ball is even snapped. The blocking scheme pulls the backside guard and uses a lead blocker to seal the edge for the counter run, while the RPO tag gives the QB a quick peek at a hitch or slant read if the alert defender crashes down. The primary read progression starts pre-snap with the alerted defender or overhang, then post-snap the QB decides between handing off the counter or pulling to throw the RPO peek based on that key defender's reaction.

Defensive Reads

Watch the play side linebacker and overhang defender pre-snap, if they cheat outside or blitz off the edge the RPO peek should be pulled immediately. Identify single high versus two high shells before the snap, single high with a stacked box favors staying with the counter run since the alley defender is occupied. Post-snap, key any user controlled linebacker flying downhill to spy or blitz through the counter lane, that aggression opens the peek throw behind him. This play struggles against disciplined zone defenses that sit their read defender and refuse to bite on the counter action, since the RPO key never triggers. Nano blitzes and fast interior pressure packages can beat this before the counter develops, so be ready to check the peek route quickly rather than holding for the run.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or the alert key to bait the overhang defender into showing his run fit before the snap, since the whole play hinges on that read.

Call this on early downs like first and second and short to medium distance runs where defenses are likely to sit in base run fits instead of dropping extra defenders into coverage.

If the defense shows a two-high shell with light box counts, lean toward pulling the ball and hitting the RPO peek route immediately instead of forcing the counter into a stacked front.

Pair this with Mtn Flood or Mtn Y Cross from the same set to keep the defense guessing between run fits and vertical route concepts after showing the same Mtn formation look.

Sequence this behind Mtn HB Mid Screen or Mtn HB Slip Screen to slow down aggressive edge defenders who key run first, making the counter hit even harder later in the series.

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