Playbooks

RPO Zone Peek

Shotgun·Split Slot Open·20
RPOPass PlayRun Play

Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Peek is a run pass option out of Shotgun Split Slot Open that pairs an inside zone run scheme with a peek route from the slot receiver, giving the quarterback a true conflict read on the second level defender. The blocking scheme sends the offensive line on standard zone tracks while the QB reads the flow of the alley defender or linebacker to decide between handing the ball off or pulling and throwing the peek window. This is an RPO and zone run beater, punishing linebackers who crash down on run fits by opening a throwing lane behind them, and it also gives you a built in answer versus light boxes when defenses sell out to stop the ground game.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safety shells since single high defenses often bring an extra run defender into the box, making the peek read more valuable. Watch linebacker alignment depth, defenders lined up tight to the line of scrimmage are run keys that will likely crash on the zone action and vacate the peek lane. Post-snap, track whether the play side linebacker steps up to fill the run gap or hangs back in zone drop, since a hanging linebacker signals a disciplined defense that eliminates the peek throw. This play struggles against defenses that stay home with linebackers in zone coverage while still fitting the run with defensive line gap control, since that eliminates both options at once. Man coverage with aggressive underneath defenders can also take away the peek route quickly, so be ready to trust the run fit if the peek receiver is blanketed at the snap.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and if the defense is in a light box with six or fewer defenders, lean toward pulling and throwing the peek instead of forcing the run. Look at linebacker depth pre-snap, if they are sitting shallow near the line of scrimmage they are more likely to crash on run action and open the peek window immediately. Use this play on early downs in normal down and distance situations where defenses expect balance, since the RPO look keeps second level defenders honest. Pair this call with Mtn RPO Peek Swing and RPO Peek Slant later in a series so the defense cannot key on one specific peek concept, forcing linebackers to hesitate on every snap. Against user controlled linebackers who bait the run read, hold the ball an extra beat post snap to see if they commit to the box before making your final decision.

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