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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Peek Slant out of Shotgun Tight Slots HB Wk gives the quarterback a true run pass conflict read on the play side. The backside receiver runs a deep go route to hold the corner while the play side slot runs a vertical seam and the outside receiver breaks on a quick slant, giving you a two level man beater on that side. The HB runs an angle route out of the backfield as a checkdown/peek option while the line executes an inside zone run scheme, so the QB is reading the flow of the play side linebacker or nickel to decide between handing off or peeking the slant. Primary read progression is: read the box defender for run/pass conflict first, then peek the slant, then work to the seam route if the slant window closes.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, count the box defenders and check safety depth, a light box or two high shell favors the run side of this RPO. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker's first step, if he attacks downhill into the run fit, the slant window is wide open behind him. User the underneath defender closest to the slant route to sit in the throwing lane and bait the quarterback into a pull that a spy or lurk defender can jump. Watch for corner blitzes or nano blitz packages off the edge, since the quick game side of this RPO can get the ball out before extra pressure arrives, so time your blitz to hit as the mesh point occurs. Against man coverage, trail technique on the slant defender and physical press on the vertical route can disrupt both options and force a low percentage throw.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the box count to confirm the run fits before the snap, since this play thrives when the defense is light in the box.
Key the play side linebacker or slot defender immediately at the snap, if he crashes down on the run lane, pull and throw the slant for an easy conversion.
Against man coverage, the slant window opens fast so get the ball out on time rather than waiting for the seam to clear.
Against zone shells with a hard flat defender, check the HB angle route as a built in checkdown instead of forcing the slant into a sinking linebacker.
Pair this play with Inside Zone and Read Option from the same set to keep defenders honest on the run fit, then hit this RPO once they start cheating up to stop the ground game.
