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Breakdown
RPO Alert Bubble out of Shotgun Trips TE is a run pass option built off an inside zone look with the QB reading the alley defender over the bubble screen to the slot. The offensive line executes zone blocking to the playside while the outside receiver on the trips side stalks his defender and the inside slot receiver runs the bubble route behind the line of scrimmage. The lone receiver on the backside runs an out breaking route that settles at the sideline, giving the QB a pre-snap alert throw if that defender is removed from the box. Primary read progression starts with the alert (backside out breaker) if the corner is off, then the QB reads the numbers advantage and flat defender to decide between handing off the zone run or pulling and throwing the bubble.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alley defender or force player on the trips side, if he crashes down on run flow the bubble is wide open behind him. Identify the backside corner depth before the snap, soft coverage signals the alert throw should be live and the QB will likely take it immediately. Key the second level linebackers post snap, if they scrape hard to the run action the offense will pull and throw instead of handing off. This concept struggles against aggressive nano blitzes that get instant penetration since the mesh point can be blown up before the RPO read develops. Sim pressure or cover 3 sky with a hard flat corner squatting on the bubble neutralizes the perimeter throw and forces the QB back to the zone run into a loaded box.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and use this as your answer to overloaded fronts since the bubble attacks light boxes instantly.
If the defense shows single high safety with the corner playing off the backside receiver, take the alert throw right at the snap for a free access completion.
Use the hot route flexibility to motion the bubble receiver for a jet sweep look presnap, this forces linebackers to declare and clarifies your run key.
Pair this play with Read Option and Read Option Bubble from the same set so defenses cannot sit on the mesh point or the perimeter throw, keeping linebacker flow honest.
Best called on early downs or short yardage since both the run and bubble threat convert manageable third and short if the defense guesses wrong.
