Playbooks

RPO Zone Peek

Shotgun·Spread Y-Slot·11
RPOPass PlayRun Play

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Peek is a true run-pass option out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot that pairs an inside zone run with a peek read for the quarterback to a bubble or slant look on the perimeter. The offensive line and HB execute the zone run scheme while the QB reads the second level defender (usually a linebacker or slot corner) to decide whether to hand off or pull and throw the peek route. This play beats light boxes and overaggressive linebackers, making it both a run play and a zone/man beater depending on which key the QB reads post-snap.

Defensive Reads

Watch the second level pre-snap alignment of the linebackers, if they are creeping toward the line of scrimmage or showing blitz, expect the QB to pull and throw. Man coverage on the slot receiver with a linebacker shaded inside is a strong indicator the run will hit since the peek route has no easy window. Zone coverage with a linebacker sitting in a shallow hook zone can jump the peek throw if the user flows correctly, so spy the flow of the play with your Mike backer rather than crashing immediately. Cover 3 and Cover 1 with aggressive fill linebackers are the most vulnerable shells since the run read gets triggered and creates cutback lanes. Match coverage or Cover 4 with disciplined linebacker eyes on the QB shuts this down by taking away both the bubble window and the interior run lanes simultaneously.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and if there are six or more defenders in the box, lean toward pulling and throwing the peek route immediately. Identify whether the slot defender is playing off man or zone since a hard downhill linebacker or blitzing slot corner is your green light to throw. Use hot routes to adjust the peek receiver into a quick out or hitch against press corners who are jumping the bubble read. This play works best on early downs (1st and 10, 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to sell out against the run. Pair it with straight Inside Zone or Jet Inside Zone earlier in a drive to condition the defense to crash down, then hit RPO Zone Peek or RPO Peek Slant later to punish that aggression.

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