Playbooks

RPO Zone Peek

Shotgun·Trey Open HB Str·11

RPO Pass Play Run Play In Option Route Slant

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Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetTrey Open HB Str

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Peek is an inside zone run paired with a peek route from the backside receiver, giving the QB a true run pass conflict read. The offensive line executes zone blocking to the play side while the QB reads the alert defender (usually the backside linebacker or overhang) to decide between handing off and pulling to throw the peek route. This is a zone beating RPO that punishes light boxes and aggressive run fits, with the primary read progression being box count first, then the isolated defender's reaction to the zone flow before checking the peek throw.

Defensive Reads

Check the linebacker depth before the snap, if they are sitting shallow and crowding the line of scrimmage, the run read is likely to get shut down and the QB should prioritize the peek throw. Identify single high versus two high safety shells, single high alignments tend to bring an extra run defender into the box which opens the peek throw as the better option. Look for the alert defender's first step after the snap, a defender who steps up hard into the run gap is vacating peek route coverage and should be exploited immediately. User controlled lurk defenders sitting in the peek route's throwing lane can bait the QB into a turnover, so if you see a defender hovering unnaturally in that area, abandon the peek read and stick with the run. This play struggles against disciplined zone defenses that stay square and read run first without overcommitting, since those defenses take away both the run gap and the peek window simultaneously.

Usage Tips

Count the box pre-snap and if the defense has six or fewer defenders in the box, lean toward giving the ball on the zone run since the numbers favor the offense.

Watch the alert defender assigned to the peek route responsibility, if he crashes down hard on the run fake, pull the ball immediately and hit the peek route before the window closes.

Use this play on early downs like first and second and ten to stay ahead of the chains, since it gives you a low risk conflict read without committing to a straight dropback pass.

Pair this with RPO Zone Peek Bubble and RPO Peek Slant in the same set to keep linebackers guessing between bubble, slant, and peek reads off the identical zone run action.

Hot route the peek receiver into a quick out if you are getting a hard squeeze from a slot corner in man coverage, since the natural peek window can get taken away against tight man leverage.

Avoid this play against heavy blitz looks with extra defenders stacked in the box unless you have a hot route answer dialed in, since the run read becomes a loser and the peek throw needs enough time to develop.