Playbooks

RPO Zone Peek

Shotgun·Tight Y Off·11
RPOPass PlayRun Play

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Peek is a true run pass option out of Shotgun Tight Y Off, pairing an inside zone run scheme with a peek route from the slot or TE that gives the quarterback a pull read on the play side conflict defender. The offensive line executes zone blocking rules while the quarterback reads the second level defender (usually a linebacker or box safety) to decide between handing off the run or pulling and throwing the quick peek route into the vacated space. This is a zone beater at its core, punishing defenses that crash linebackers down on run action, and the primary read progression is run first, then peek route, with the flow of the conflict defender determining the decision.

Defensive Reads

Read the linebacker depth pre-snap, if the Sam or Will is sitting shallow and square to the line expect him to crash the run fit, which opens the peek throw. Watch for a single high safety shell like Cover 3 or Cover 1, these shells often leave the peek window open because the underneath defender is reading run keys. Beware two high shells with the safety rotating down into the box, this can signal a run blitz that still leaves the peek route open behind the crashing defender. Key on user controlled linebackers who spy the peek route instead of respecting run action, if you see the user sit and stare at the slot or TE without stepping up, take the handoff instead. Look for the corner playing off coverage on the peek side, this usually means the flat and peek throw window will be tight, so favor the run if the corner is sinking early.

Usage Tips

Check the box count pre-snap and if the defense is playing with six or more in the box, lean toward pulling and throwing the peek route immediately rather than testing the run. Identify your conflict defender before the snap, typically the Sam or Will linebacker aligned closest to the peek route, and watch his first step after the snap to make your run or pass decision. Use this play on early downs in the run and pass mixed zone, especially first and ten or second and short, since the balanced play call keeps defenses honest. Hot route the peek receiver into a quick out or speed cut against man coverage if you diagnose man pre-snap, since the stock peek route works best against zone drops. Pair this play with Inside Zone and Read Option from the same set so the defense sees identical run action shells, then hit them with the RPO peek concept once they start jumping the run fits.

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