Playbooks
In 20 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Zone Alert Bubble out of Shotgun Trips TE is a true run-pass option that gives the quarterback a pre-determined read on the play side linebacker or nickel defender while the offensive line and running back execute an inside zone scheme. The trips side runs a bubble screen concept to the slot receiver as the alert, giving the quarterback a fast horizontal outlet if that flat defender bites on the run fake. This play is a zone beater at its core, punishing linebackers who crash downhill on run action or defenses that leave the bubble flat uncovered, and the primary read progression starts with the alert defender's reaction before the quarterback decides to hand off, throw the bubble, or pull and scramble.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker or slot defender depth at the snap, if they stay in run fits without sinking to the bubble receiver the quarterback should throw it immediately Check safety alignment before the snap, a two high shell often means lighter boxes and favors keeping the ball on the zone run Man coverage on the bubble receiver with no underneath help is a signal to pull and throw since the receiver will have room after the catch Defenses that use a scraping linebacker who reads the mesh point and stays disciplined can shut down both the run and the bubble read, forcing a checkdown or scramble User controlled defenders who jump the bubble route early can be beaten by trusting the zone run since that same aggression usually opens up an inside running lane
Usage Tips
Presnap identify the number of defenders in the box and locate the flat or nickel defender aligned over the trips bubble concept since that is your alert key
If the defense shows a light box with six or fewer defenders, lean toward keeping the ball on the inside zone read for a positive gain
If the alert defender sits flat footed or crashes toward the line of scrimmage on the snap, pull it immediately and hit the bubble for an easy access throw
Use this in early down and distance situations like first and ten or second and short to keep defenses honest and set up heavier run calls later in the series
Pair this with Read Option Bubble and RPO Alert Bubble from the same set to keep the defense guessing on which alert receiver and which run scheme you are using
Against aggressive man blitz teams, sequence this after Slants or Slot Quick Flat so defenders start cheating toward the flat, opening up the zone run lane
