Playbooks

RPO Alert Screen

Shotgun·Spread Y-Flex Wk·11
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Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense

Breakdown

RPO Alert Screen is a run-pass option out of 11 personnel that packages an inside zone run look with a screen alert to the perimeter. The quarterback reads the box count and second level defenders after the snap, giving the ball on the give read if the run alley is clean or pulling and firing the screen if defenders crash down hard on the run action. This play is a true RPO and doubles as a zone beater since it punishes linebackers and slot defenders who bite on the run fake and vacate their screen assignment.

Defensive Reads

Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they flow hard toward the running back on the zone action, the screen lane will be wide open behind them. Identify if the defense is in man coverage with press corners, since man coverage often leaves the screen blocker matched up favorably against a blitzing or crashing defender. Look for a user linebacker spying the running back or sitting in a shallow zone, this is the primary lurk threat that can jump the screen route and blow up the play. Check safety alignment pre-snap, a single high safety usually means more defenders are committed to the box, which favors the screen read over the inside run. Beware of defenses that call an aggressive edge blitz or nano blitz, since those pressures can disrupt the screen setup blocking before it develops and force a quick checkdown or throwaway.

Usage Tips

Check the box count pre-snap and count defenders in the tackle box before deciding whether you plan to run or throw the screen post-snap.

Use the RPO alert screen on early downs like first or second and short to medium distance so both the run and screen stay live options against the defense.

If the defense shows a heavy run blitz look with linebackers stacked close to the line, lean toward pulling the ball for the screen since the alley will be occupied.

Pair this call with RPO Read Bubble or RPO Peek Slant earlier in a drive so the defense has to respect both the perimeter bubble concept and the zone run action, making the screen hit even bigger when defenders overcommit.

Avoid calling this on third and long since the screen concept loses value if the defense is playing off coverage and can rally quickly to the flat.

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