Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Read Screen out of Shotgun Spread Flex lines up with a bunch-style right side where the outside WR sets a pick for the slot WR running a quick screen underneath, while the left side runs a shallow drag that bends flat toward the sideline off a receiver at the top of the screen. The offensive line pass sets to protect the RPO mesh point, with the RB checking into the box on the give read. This is a run-pass option and screen play in one, designed to attack overaggressive linebackers and light box counts, with the primary read being the box count and flow of the second level defenders before deciding between the handoff and the bubble screen to the right.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flow of the linebackers at the snap since aggressive run fits toward the mound will open up the perimeter screen instantly. Key the slot cornerback and safety alignment on the screen side pre-snap, since a hard outside shade or squatting corner is a sign the screen is being sat on and jumped. Look for user controlled defenders flashing toward the screen designers, especially a spy or a defensive back sinking underneath the bubble concept. Man coverage with tight press on the outside receivers tends to get beat by the blocking numbers on the screen, while zone coverage that keeps linebackers home in short zones can blow this play up if they read it fast. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge are usually neutralized by the screen since blockers release outward, but disciplined defenses that stay home on the RPO run fake will force a difficult throw read.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive box count before the snap and if you see six or more defenders crashing downhill, pull the ball and throw the screen immediately. Use this on early downs like first and second and ten to keep defenses honest and prevent them from selling out on the run. Pair this with Outside Zone and Y Stick from the same formation so the defense has to respect both the perimeter screen and the interior run threat without changing your pre-snap look. Hot route the shallow drag receiver into a quick out if you see man coverage sitting on the flat to create an easy underneath completion. Snap it quickly against defenses that show heavy blitz indicators since the screen action naturally slips outside the rush lanes.
