Playbooks

RPO Alert Mtn Screen

Shotgun·Trips TE·11
Screen PassRPOMotionPass PlayRun Play
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.
Play diagram for RPO Alert Mtn Screen from Shotgun Trips TE in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

Not in any team playbook.

Breakdown

RPO Alert Mtn Screen is a run pass option out of Shotgun Trips TE that pairs an inside run action with a mountain screen (Mtn) to the backfield or slot area on the right side. The diagram shows two receivers on the boundary running a quick two man mesh (a hitch and a shallow drag/comeback combo), while the read defender on the right triggers the screen throw with blockers releasing into space ahead of the runner. This is a run pass option built to attack overaggressive linebackers and light boxes, with the primary read progressing from the alert key defender: if he sits on the run, throw the screen instantly, if he widens or crashes on the screen alert, hand off or pull the ball for the RPO run element.

Defensive Reads

Identify the alert defender pre-snap, usually a linebacker or slot defender aligned near the line who determines run or screen. If the defense shows a heavy box with linebackers crashing downhill immediately after the snap, expect the screen to hit for a big gain, so spy the screen with a defensive back instead of committing the whole front. Man coverage on the two receiver mesh at the top can be beaten with a rub, so user a defender to jump the shallow route rather than staying locked in man technique. Zone shells with linebackers sitting in short hook zones are the best counter, since they can read the screen action and undercut the blockers in space. Watch for lurk defenders sitting in the middle of the field who can read the quarterback eyes and jump the screen throw before blockers get set.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to force the alert defender to declare before the snap so you already know whether to hand off or throw the screen.

Watch the box count and the flow of the second level defender assigned to the mountain screen key, if he crashes downhill on run flow, get the ball out fast to the screen.

This play punishes aggressive man coverage and blitz heavy calls since the screen blockers get numbers in space, but zone drop teams that sit their linebackers can shut down both options.

Pair this with Mtn RPO Read Flat or Mtn Bench earlier in a series so the defense has to respect both the flat and the screen action out of the same formation shell.

Best called on early downs or third and short when defenses are geared up to stop the run, since the screen naturally counters overpursuit.

Other Plays in Trips TE