Playbooks

RPO Zone Peek

Shotgun·Split Y Off·21

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Peek is a run pass option out of the Shotgun Split Y Off set with 21 personnel, built off an inside zone blocking scheme with the HB. The quarterback's primary read is the second level defender (typically the play side linebacker or peeking safety), reading whether he steps up to fill the zone run or widens/drops to cover the peek route attached to the TE or slot. If the second level defender bites on the run fake, pull and throw the peek window behind him, if he sits or drops into coverage, hand the ball off and let the zone blocking work. This play is designed to be a light box beater against zone and man coverage shells that overcommit numbers to stop the run.

Defensive Reads

Watch the play side linebacker depth before the snap, if he is sitting at five yards or deeper he is likely reading run first and will be late to the peek route. Identify single high versus two high safety shells, single high (Cover 3 or Cover 1) leaves more room in the peek window since the extra defender is occupied deep, while two high shells can rob the peek with a shaded safety. Key the slot or nickel defender's first two steps after the snap, if he crashes toward the line to stop zone action that confirms the peek throw is open behind him. This play struggles against disciplined zone defenses that stay square and read run/pass simultaneously without overcommitting, since the second level defender will not bite and the peek window closes fast. Be alert for a delayed blitz or contain defender crashing off the edge, since that can disrupt the mesh point and force a bad decision before the QB can read the peek.

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, count the box defenders and check the leverage of the second level defender you are keying, if he is stacked tight to the line of scrimmage that is your green light to pull and throw the peek. Use this play on early downs like first and ten or second and short so defenses respect the run action and bite on the fake, which opens the RPO window. Hot route the peek receiver into a quick out or speed cut if you are facing aggressive man coverage with tight press corners, this gives you a faster access point outside of the natural peek window. Pair this call with Read Option and Mtn Triple Option Lt earlier in a drive so the defense keys run action, then dial up RPO Zone Peek to punish linebackers who are flowing hard to stop the zone run. Against teams that show heavy blitz pressure pre-snap, snap the ball quickly and rely on the peek throw since the run lane will likely be crashed and clogged.

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