Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Alert Screen out of Shotgun Trey Offset shows a run action to the backfield with the QB reading the alert screen tag on the perimeter. The offensive line pass sets to protect the screen while the two receivers to the left run off routes to clear space, and the running back releases toward the flat as the designated screen target. This is an RPO built to punish overaggressive run fits, giving the QB a run key first and an instant screen alert if the defense crashes downhill.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check linebacker depth and box count. Six or more defenders crowding the line is exactly what triggers the screen alert for the offense. Watch for a cornerback or slot defender sitting flat-footed near the screen side. If he reads run and steps up, the screen will hit for a big gain. Man coverage with no underneath help defenders near the flat is vulnerable, since the blockers can get a clean release on the perimeter defender. Sniff out the screen by keying the running back's release. If he stays in to fake pass pro then leaks out late, jump the throwing lane with a user linebacker. Zone coverages with a linebacker or safety spying the flat area can blow this play up before it develops, so disguise your run blitz look and drop that defender late.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is stacking the box or showing run blitz looks, since that is your trigger to pull and throw the screen instead of handing it off.
Use the hot route menu to adjust the two clearing receivers into deeper vertical releases if you are seeing aggressive underneath zone drops that could sit on the screen.
This play works best on early downs (1st and 2nd) when defenses are more likely to load the box expecting run.
Pair this with Inside Zone and HB Counter from the same personnel to condition the defense to bite on run action, then punish that tendency with the screen alert.
Mix in RPO Zone Alert WR Screen and RPO Zone Alert Stick from this set to keep defenders guessing between perimeter screen, stick, and inside run reads.
