Playbooks

RPO Zone Alert Screen

Shotgun·Spread Y-Flex·11
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Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Alert Screen pairs an inside zone run action with a bubble or quick screen alert to the perimeter, giving the quarterback a true run-pass conflict based on the alignment of the second level defenders. The blocking scheme up front works zone steps for the run while the screen side receiver sets up outside with blockers releasing to convoy. This is an RPO at its core, so the primary read progression is presnap numbers and box count first, then postsnap key on the flowing linebacker or slot defender: if he crashes down on the run action, pull and throw the screen, if he sits or widens to the alert, hand off the zone run.

Defensive Reads

Presnap, check safety depth and box count, since a stacked box with safeties creeping down signals the screen read is live. Key the flow of the play side linebacker or slot defender immediately after the snap, since his crash toward the line hands you the screen throw and his width or drop hands you the run. Watch for user controlled defenders sitting in shallow zones or lurking near the screen target, since a smart user can jump the route and blow up the play before it develops. This concept beats light boxes, spread zone looks, and defenses that overcommit linebackers downhill on run action. It gets shut down by disciplined zone defenses that keep linebackers home in coverage or by aggressive blitzes that collapse the pocket before the screen blockers can get set.

Usage Tips

Count the box presnap and identify if the defense is in a light box with six or fewer defenders, which favors pulling the zone hand off every time.

Watch the flow of the alley defender or slot corner at the snap since his leverage tells you instantly whether to throw the screen or ride the run action.

Use this play on early downs to stay ahead of the chains, since both the run and screen options are designed to be efficient rather than explosive.

Sequence this call after running Inside Zone or HB Draw from the same formation so the defense starts cheating run fits, then hit the screen alert for a numbers advantage on the perimeter.

Avoid calling this against heavy blitz packages that bring extra defenders off the edge, since the screen blocking needs time to set up and the run lanes get muddied by penetration.

Pair with RPO Alert Screen or RPO Read Screen later in a series to keep defenders guessing on which side the alert screen will hit.

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