Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Zone Alert Omaha is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Tight Y Off Wk that pairs an inside zone run look with a single outside read route. The offensive line and TE execute zone-blocking steps to the play side while the backfield flow mirrors a zone run, and the lone outside WR runs a stick-and-go style route that breaks flat then vertical up the sideline. The primary read is the alert defender, if that defender sits on the run fit you throw off the RPO to the outside vertical, if he stays wide you hand off and let the zone run develop.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defender or overhang corner pre-snap, if he is aligned with outside leverage and shallow depth he is likely reading the run fit Post-snap, key the alert defender's first two steps, if he crashes toward the line of scrimmage the throw window opens immediately on the vertical break Zone coverages like Cover 3 or Cover 4 that keep the corner deep will take away the RPO throw and force you to trust the run block up front Man coverage with no help over the top is vulnerable since the outside route can win vertically once the corner commits to run support User-controlled defenders sitting the underneath flat zone can jump the route, so avoid this if you see a defender clearly spying the RPO throw pre-snap
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the alert defender (usually the flat corner or overhang) is cheating inside toward the box or staying disciplined outside
If the corner presses or bails deep, favor the run since the flat should be open for the RB to work through the zone gaps
Use this against defenses that load the box against shotgun run looks, since the RPO read punishes an extra defender crashing downhill
Pair this call with RPO Zone Alert Glance or RPO Zone Alert Snag to keep the defense guessing between the vertical shot, the glance and the snag off the same run action
Best on early downs (1st and 2nd and short-to-medium) where defenses are more willing to sell out against the run
