Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Pin Alert Bubble is a run-pass option built off inside zone action, giving the quarterback a pre-snap and post-snap read against the box count. The diagram shows the offensive line and TE working a zone blocking scheme to the left while the running back arrows into a bubble screen behind the trips side, with the slot receiver sitting as the bubble target and outside receiver blocking or releasing vertically to occupy the corner. The read progression starts with the run key: if the box is light the QB hands off the zone run, and if an extra defender crashes down or the slot corner sits inside, the QB pulls and throws the bubble to the flat for a numbers advantage on the perimeter.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defender or slot corner assignment on the trips side, if he sits at the snap the bubble is the correct pull read for the offense. Count defenders in the box pre-snap, six or fewer favors the run and seven or more should trigger the pull to bubble. Beware of user-controlled defenders spying the bubble lane, a fast trigger from a linebacker or nickel corner can blow this up if the QB throws on autopilot. Look for Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells where the corner is playing off, this gives the bubble receiver room to catch and turn upfield. Man coverage with no help underneath is vulnerable since the flat defender has no support if he bites on run action.
Usage Tips
Check the box count pre-snap and count defenders inside the tackles before the snap to decide if the zone run is live.
Look at the alignment of the slot corner over your trips bunch, if he is sitting inside or crashing hard the bubble read is automatic.
Use this play on early downs to stay ahead of the chains since both the run and the bubble threat punish aggressive fronts.
Pair this with HB Power or Inside Zone from the same set so linebackers respect the run fake and widen for the bubble.
Combine with RPO Read Bubble later in a series once the defense adjusts to selling out on the bubble read, forcing them to defend both options equally.
