Playbooks

RPO Read Flat

Shotgun·U Off Trips·12

RPO Flat Pass Play Run Play

Play diagram for RPO Read Flat from Shotgun U Off Trips in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetU Off Trips

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

In 3 playbooks

Redskins OffenseOffense Shotgun OffenseOffense NFL Live Redskins OffenseOffense

Breakdown

RPO Read Flat is an RPO built from Shotgun U Off Trips with 12 personnel, giving the QB a run/pass conflict read based on the flat defender or a designated second level defender. The offensive line and TE execute an inside zone run scheme to the left while the backside receiver runs a flat route and the two remaining outside receivers stack vertical releases, one running a corner route and the other a go up the numbers. The primary read progression is run first: the QB reads the box count and the flat defender, handing off if the numbers favor the run, and pulling the ball to hit the flat route if that defender crashes down or if the numbers are off.

Defensive Reads

Watch the flat defender or overhang linebacker before the snap, if he is sitting soft in a zone shell the flat throw will be there all game. Identify single high versus two high safety alignment, single high shells often bring an extra run defender into the box which favors the give read for the offense. Post snap, track whether the flat defender crashes down on the run fake or stays home, since a disciplined defender who holds his zone or spies the flat kills this RPO. Look for user controlled defenders flying downhill on the run action, as an aggressive user jump on the fake opens a big throwing window to the flat. Beware of blitz packages that send extra defenders off the edge, since a fast blitz can beat the zone run before the RPO mesh point resolves.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and count defenders in the box against your blockers to decide whether the give is live.

Key the flat defender immediately after the snap, if he sits on the run fake or blitzes downhill, pull and throw the flat route for an easy conversion.

Use this in run heavy down and distance situations like second and short or first down to keep defenses honest and force them to respect both the zone run and the quick flat throw.

Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or slant against man coverage if the defense shows single high pre snap, since the flat route alone can be sat on by disciplined zone defenders.

Pair this with Read Option and Inside Zone from the same set to sell the same run action, then mix in RPO Alert Bubble or RPO Alert X Gift to attack defenses that start keying the flat run conflict too hard.