Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Zone Alert Bubble is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Tight Y Off that pairs an inside zone run scheme with a bubble screen alert to the slot receiver. The quarterback's primary read is the alert defender, usually the flat or slot corner defender, before the snap he identifies the numbers advantage and the run box count, then post-snap he keys that alert defender to decide between handing off the zone run or pulling and firing the bubble screen. This play is both a run play and an RPO, functioning as a zone beater and numbers-based conflict play rather than a straight man beater since it attacks light boxes and off-coverage on the perimeter.
Defensive Reads
Watch the slot defender's depth and leverage before the snap, if he is playing off with soft outside shade he is conceding the bubble throw and daring you to run into a loaded box. Identify whether the defense is in a two high shell or single high shell, Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with flat defenders sitting at five yards or deeper are prime bubble throws. Key linebacker depth and run fits post-snap, if linebackers are flowing hard to the play side the zone run lane may close quickly, favoring the bubble pull instead. User-controlled defenders who jump the bubble route immediately are tipping their hand, that opens up the inside zone run since the alert defender has abandoned run support. Beware disguised blitzes where the slot defender crashes down as a nano blitz piece, this eliminates both the run lane and the bubble window simultaneously, forcing a quick check to an alert route like glance or omaha.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, count defenders in the box versus defenders in the alert zone to decide your read before the ball is even snapped, if the box is light hand it off, if the slot defender sits soft or flat footed pull and throw the bubble immediately. Use this against teams that run heavy zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 since the alert defender's cushion tells you everything about the numbers advantage in the flat. Hot route the bubble receiver deeper or motion them pre-snap to manipulate the alert defender's leverage if you are getting predictable jumps from user defenders. Sequence this play with RPO Zone Alert Glance and RPO Zone Alert Omaha from the same set so the defense cannot key on the bubble alone, forcing them to respect both the seam shot and the perimeter throw. This play shines on early downs and short yardage third downs where defenses are more likely to sell out on the run, making the bubble read a free explosive gain.
