Playbooks

RPO Zone Alert WR Screen

Shotgun·Trips TE Offset·11
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Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Alert WR Screen is an inside zone run paired with a bubble/WR screen alert to the trips side, giving the QB a pre-snap and post-snap decision based on the numbers and leverage of the defense. The offensive line executes a zone blocking scheme reading the play side flow, while the trips receivers set up a screen with the outside WR blocking and the slot bubbling out for the quick throw. The primary read progression is: identify the defender responsible for the alert receiver (usually the second or third level defender flowing to the box), hand off if that defender crashes down on the run fit, and pull to throw the screen if he widens or the box is outnumbered.

Defensive Reads

Watch for a hard crash from the flat defender or slot corner, if he sells out on the run every time this is your cue to hot route or pull for the screen alert. Zone coverages like Cover 3 or Cover 4 that widen the overhang defender tend to open the screen lane, since the flat defender is forced to respect deep routes instead of jumping the bubble. Man coverage with an aggressive nickel defender pressing the slot can blow up the screen, since he can read the blocker release and jump the throw for a big play against you. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if the second level linebackers step up hard on run action the zone hand off is there, but if they sit and read they can rally to both the run fit and the screen. User controlled lurk defenders sitting in the shallow zone are the biggest threat to this play, since they can bait the RPO read and jump the screen route for a pick six if the QB stares it down.

Usage Tips

Count the box pre-snap and compare it to your run blockers, if the defense is outnumbered in the box on the zone side hand it off immediately rather than forcing the screen read.

Check the alignment of the flat defender or overhang on the trips side before the snap, if he is sitting inside or blitzing off the edge the screen alert becomes an easy pull and throw.

Use this play on early downs in run heavy personnel to keep defenses honest, since the RPO tag punishes linebackers who key the run fit too aggressively.

Pair this with straight Inside Zone or Speed Option from the same set so defenses cannot sit on the screen tag, forcing them to respect both the run action and the perimeter throw.

If the CPU or user defender shows blitz pre-snap with the slot defender crashing, pull immediately and get the ball out on the screen before the edge defender can drop and cover it.

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