Playbooks

RPO Zone Peek

Shotgun·Trey Open Offset·11
RPOPass PlayRun PlayBubble ScreenSlant

Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Peek is a true run pass option built off an inside zone run scheme from Shotgun Trey Open Offset. The quarterback reads the box count and the flow of the second level defender (usually the play side linebacker or overhang) to decide between handing off the zone run or peeking to a quick pass window attached to the backside or slot receiver. This is a zone beater at its core since the RPO read punishes linebackers who crash down on run flow, leaving the peek window open behind them, while the run itself attacks light boxes and gap integrity on the defensive front.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, look at the safety alignment: a single high shell with the play side linebacker at normal depth tells you the run is live and the box is manageable. Watch for a linebacker cheating toward the peek window pre-snap or a nickel defender walked down into the box, this usually signals the defense is sitting on the RPO read and baiting the quarterback. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker's first step: if he attacks the line of scrimmage hard, the peek throw behind him should be open, if he hangs or shuffles, trust the run. Man coverage with no underneath help funnels this into an easy give since the run fit rarely has extra defenders sitting on the peek route. Watch for a disguised blitz where the play side backer or slot corner times an A gap or B gap blitz, this can blow up both the run and the quick game read simultaneously, so have a hot route or check ready.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and count defenders in the box against your blockers to decide if the give is live or if you should be hunting the peek throw immediately.

Identify the play side linebacker depth pre-snap, if he is sitting at depth or showing blitz intent, lean toward the pass side of the RPO instead of forcing the zone run into a stacked box.

Use the hot route menu to adjust the peek receiver's route depth if you are seeing a hard sink from a deep zone defender, a shallow drag or slant conversion can open up easier throwing lanes.

This play works best on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage situations where defenses are still respecting run personnel out of 11 personnel.

Pair RPO Zone Peek with Inside Zone and RPO Peek Slant in the same set to keep linebacker eyes locked on run fits, then hit them with Y Stick or Curls Dig later in a series once they start cheating on the RPO key.

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