Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Zone Alert Omaha is a true run-pass option out of the Shotgun Stack Y Off set that pairs an inside zone run scheme with a quick alert pass concept read by the quarterback at the mesh point. The offensive line executes zone blocking while the quarterback keys a second level defender, typically a linebacker or nickel, to decide between handing off or pulling and throwing the quick game route to the alert receiver. This is a zone beater by design since the passing element attacks light box counts and flowed linebackers, and the primary read progression starts with the box count pre-snap, then shifts to the alert defender's run fit before the ball is snapped into the mesh.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth before the snap, if they are sitting shallow and crashing hard on run action they are vulnerable to the alert route beating them outside. Identify single high versus two high safety shells, single high alignments often mean the defense is selling run support which opens up the quick pass window. Track the nickel or slot defender's leverage, if he is playing tight to the line for run support the RPO throw should be automatic against that look. User-controlled defenders who stay home and refuse to bite on the run fake shut this play down, so avoid forcing the throw if the alert defender sits in coverage. Look for blitz packages that send extra defenders through the alert defender's gap, since that pressure can beat the quarterback to the mesh point before the read develops.
Usage Tips
Count the box pre-snap and if there are six or fewer defenders in the box, lean run and let the zone hit downhill through the mesh point.
Key the alert defender immediately after the snap, if he crashes down on the run fit, pull the ball and throw the quick route into the vacated space.
Use this play on early downs and short yardage to stay ahead of the chains while keeping the defense honest against both run and pass.
Pair RPO Zone Alert Omaha with RPO Trap Alert Omaha in the same set since both share a similar mesh point look but attack different alert defenders, forcing the defense to guess.
Mix in PA Jet Sweep from this set as a change of pace after establishing the RPO run action, since the jet motion and outside stretch look mirrors the pre-snap picture defenders expect from the zone scheme.
