Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Buck Read Bubble is a run-pass option out of Shotgun 11 personnel built off the Buck sweep zone action, reading the play side linebacker or force defender to decide between the handoff and a bubble screen to the slot receiver. The blocking scheme is inside zone flow with the offensive line working combo blocks toward the second level, while the backside slot bubbles out for a quick horizontal throw against overplayed run fits. This is a zone beater at its core, since it punishes linebackers who crash downhill on run flow or sit too flat in their zone drop, leaving the bubble window open for an easy pitch and catch. The primary read progression is pre snap numbers check to the bubble side first, then post snap key on the read defender: if he widens or blitzes, pull and throw the bubble, if he stays home or sinks into the run fit, hand the ball off.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth at the snap, if he creeps into the box or shows blitz the bubble read opens up instantly for an easy pitch and catch. Identify the slot cornerback or nickel alignment before the snap, if he is playing off with outside leverage the bubble throw has room to work, if he is pressed tight or aligned inside it signals man coverage that can jump the screen. Post snap, track whether the read defender widens with the bubble receiver or stays disciplined in his run fit, disciplined linebackers who stay home take away both the handoff lane and the bubble throw. Look for a user controlled defender lurking in the shallow zone near the bubble, aggressive users will jump this route and bait the RPO read, so have a hot route or check ready if you see the same defender consistently sitting there. Base zone defenses with sound linebacker discipline and a hard-flowing safety to the run side are the toughest shells to beat, since they take away the easy read and force you into a contested handoff against a stacked box.
Usage Tips
Check the box count to the bubble side before the snap, if the defense has two or more defenders outside the slot receiver do not force the throw and lean run.
Use this play on early downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short to keep the defense honest and build tendencies before hitting them with Buck Sweep Read Opt out of the same formation.
Motion is not needed here since the concept already stresses horizontal spacing, but watch for a defender following your slot receiver which signals man coverage and a tougher bubble throw.
If the linebackers are showing run blitz or crashing the C gap pre snap, key the bubble read immediately since the alley defender will not have time to recover.
Pair this play with RPO Alert Buck and RPO Buck Peek in the same set to keep defenders guessing between inside run, backside bubble, and the peek route without changing your formation or personnel look.
