Playbooks

RPO Zone Alert Bubble

Shotgun·Trips TE Offset·11

RPO Pass Play Run Play

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Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetTrips TE Offset

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 7 playbooks

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Alert Bubble is a true run pass option out of Shotgun Trips TE Offset that pairs an inside zone run with a bubble screen alert to the trips side. The quarterback reads the flat defender or overhang linebacker on the trips side: if that defender crashes down to fill the run lane, the QB pulls and fires the bubble to the slot receiver for a numbers advantage in space, and if the defender stays wide to cover the bubble, the QB hands off into the zone run lane created by the vacated box defender. This is primarily a zone beater since it attacks light boxes and overhangs that widen out of their run fits, punishing defenses that sacrifice gap integrity to cover the bubble concept.

Defensive Reads

Watch the flat defender or slot cornerback on the trips side before the snap: if they are lined up tight to the line expecting run support, the bubble should be open post-snap. Identify single high versus two high safety shells, since single high (Cover 3 or Cover 1) often leaves the overhang defender in conflict, making this play very effective against those shells. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker's first step: if he steps up into the run fit, pull the ball immediately for the bubble before a user-controlled defender can drop into the throwing lane. Beware of defenses that sim pressure or drop a spy into the bubble lane, since a disciplined zone defender who stays wide and deep can jump the screen and create a turnover opportunity. Heavy blitz packages that send extra defenders off the edge can beat this play if the offensive line loses a one on one block, so respect free rushers and be ready to hand the ball off quickly rather than holding for the read.

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, count the box defenders and identify whether the defense has a true overhang or flat defender assigned to the trips bubble look, since an extra hat in the box means you should lean run.

Use motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into showing blitz or man alignment before the snap, which clarifies your alert read immediately.

Hot route the backside single receiver into a slant or quick out if you expect man coverage rolled away from trips, giving you a third option beyond the bubble and zone run.

This play works best on early downs (1st and 2nd, or 3rd and short) where defenses are more willing to sell out against the run, opening up the bubble read.

Pair this call with RPO Trap Alert Bubble and RPO Zone Alert WR Screen later in a series so defenders who adjust to stop the bubble get gashed by the alternate run scheme, and vice versa.