Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Alert Bubble is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Trio HB Wk with 11 personnel that pairs an inside run fake with a bubble screen alert to the boundary. On the play side, the receiver runs a quick out-and-up read while the outside receiver stems into a deep comeback route, giving the quarterback a run-key based on the second level defender's flow. The alert bubble tag pulls the slot receiver into a bubble screen behind the line of scrimmage, so the primary read progression is: check the flow of the alerted defender first for the bubble, then work outside to the comeback route if that defender sits, with the inside run as the true base if the box count favors it.
Defensive Reads
Watch the slot defender's initial step at the snap, if he sits or hesitates on the run fake, the bubble screen is your immediate answer for a guaranteed short gain. Man coverage with the corner playing tight on the outside receiver signals you should stay away from the comeback route and rely on the run or bubble alert. Zone shells with a flat defender sinking underneath the bubble alert receiver can jump the screen, so keying the flat defender's depth pre-snap is critical before pulling the trigger. Overloaded box counts with extra defenders crashing downhill mean the quarterback should immediately key the alert defender for the pass option rather than hand off into a losing numbers battle. Blitz packages that send the slot defender on a run-through can be exploited since his aggressive path leaves the bubble wide open with no immediate threat.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the slot defender to identify if he is crashing down on run flow before the snap, since that dictates the bubble read instantly.
This play punishes aggressive linebackers and safeties who bite on run action, so call it after establishing Inside Zone or Wide Zone earlier in the drive to condition the defense.
On third and short or second and medium, lean on the run key since defenses often stack the box, opening up the bubble or comeback route as a free access throw.
Pair this play with RPO Buck Read Bubble or RPO Read Buck Bubble in the same set to keep defenders guessing on which alert route triggers the perimeter throw.
Hot route the comeback route receiver to a quick out if you see press man coverage, since the comeback needs cushion to be effective against tight corners.
