Playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Alert Bubble is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Trips that pairs an inside zone handoff read with a bubble screen alert to the trips side. The offensive line and running back execute the zone blocking scheme to the play side while the backside trips receiver runs a vertical release, the middle trips receiver sits as the bubble screen target, and the outside receiver stalk blocks or clears space for the bubble. The primary read is the alert key defender (usually the flowing linebacker or overhang defender near the bubble): if he crashes down on the run, pull and throw the bubble screen, if he sits or widens out to cover the bubble, hand the ball off on inside zone.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a linebacker or slot defender cheating up into the box pre-snap, which signals he is keying run fit and is vulnerable to the bubble screen if you pull the ball. If the defense shows a two high safety shell with soft corners playing off the trips receivers, expect the alert key defender to sit on the bubble, which favors the inside zone handoff. User controlled lurk defenders sitting flat footed in the throwing lane to the bubble receiver can jump the screen for a big hit or pick six, so avoid the bubble throw if you see a defender squatting there post-snap. A crashing edge defender or blitzing linebacker off the snap that ignores the bubble receiver entirely is the green light to throw immediately, since the numbers advantage outside is unblocked. Man coverage with the nickel or slot corner pressed tight on the middle trips receiver can disrupt the bubble timing, so lean run in those alignments unless you have a clean release read.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify the numbers advantage to the trips side before deciding whether you plan to throw or hand off, since the bubble only wins if you have a blocker or leverage on the alert defender.
Check the depth and alignment of the slot corner or nickel defender over the bubble receiver, if he is sitting inside at five yards or less he can jump the screen, so lean toward the inside zone handoff instead.
Use the RPO key defender as your true read post-snap rather than guessing pre-snap, watch his first two steps after the snap to decide between pulling the bubble or letting the run play out.
Pair this play with RPO Alert Screen and RPO Zone Alert Screen in the same set so the defense sees identical formation and backfield action but has to defend different alert reads, which slows down linebacker and defensive back trigger reads over a series.
Run this on early downs or short yardage to stay ahead of the chains, since the built in bubble alert punishes overly aggressive run fits without forcing a difficult downfield throw.
