Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Zone Peek out of Shotgun Trey Y-Flex Str pairs an inside zone run with a peek route tied to the Y (TE), giving the quarterback a true run-pass conflict read. The offensive line executes zone blocking steps while the running back presses the hole, and the QB reads the play side second level defender to decide whether to hand off or pull and throw the peek. This is a true RPO built to punish linebackers who crash down on the run fit, with the primary read progression being the run key defender first, then the peek route as the throw option if that defender bites.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth before the snap, if he is sitting shallow near the line of scrimmage he is likely keying run and will be there for the peek throw window. Check safety alignment for one high versus two high shells, one high usually means heavier box counts and more conflict for the run fit defender. As the user defender, do not bite hard on the zone run action, stay disciplined and shuffle while reading the quarterback's eyes to jump the peek route. Man coverage on the peek receiver with no help over the top is the easiest way to shut this down, so bracket or double the TE if you suspect RPO tendencies. Blitzes that send extra defenders through the play side gap can beat the run look but leave the peek route wide open if the conflict defender vacates too fast, so match blitz packages with sound zone drops behind them.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify the play side linebacker or overhang defender who is responsible for reading run fits, since he is your entire conflict key. Use this on early downs like first and second down when defenses expect run and are more likely to trigger downhill on the zone action. If the defense shows a two high shell with light box counts, favor the give since you have numbers in the run fit. If you see a single high safety with stacked box defenders, key the peek route immediately off the snap since the conflict defender will likely be forced into run support. Sequence this with Inside Zone and RPO Peek Slant from the same set so the defense cannot sit on the peek key, forcing linebackers to freeze and creating natural running lanes on your standard handoff plays. Hot route the peek receiver into a quicker breaking route against aggressive man corners if you anticipate a blitz look presnap.
