Playbooks
Mtn RPO Read Y Flat is a run pass option built off the inside zone run scheme in this set, giving the quarterback a pull key on the play side linebacker or curl to flat defender. The offensive line and running back execute the zone blocking scheme while the Y (tight end) releases to the flat as the primary pass read, with the running back's zone path serving as the give option. The quarterback's progression is: read the box count and linebacker flow first, if the defender sits or crashes down on the run then pull and throw the flat route to the Y, if the linebacker widens or bails to cover the flat then hand off the zone run behind it.
Watch the play side linebacker depth and flow at the snap, if he steps up to fill the run lane the flat throw to the Y is wide open behind him Presnap, check safety alignment, a single high safety often means the underneath defenders are more aggressive against the run which opens the flat throw Cornerback press alignment on the perimeter can signal man coverage rules, meaning the flat defender is more likely to be a linebacker without deep help This play struggles against a hard edge blitz or nano blitz that gets immediate penetration before the quarterback can read the box, since it disrupts both the mesh point and the pull decision Zone drops from a Tampa 2 or Cover 3 shell with a disciplined curl to flat defender can shut this down by sitting on the flat route while the linebacker crashes the run, forcing a tough decision on the quarterback
Check the box count before the snap, if there are six or fewer defenders in the box this play leans run heavy and favors handing it off
Identify whether the defense is showing man or zone shells presnap, against man coverage the flat route from the Y creates an easy pitch and catch since the defender covering him is often out leveraged
Use this play on early downs like first and ten or second and short to stay balanced and keep defenses honest about run versus pass
Pair this with Mtn Inside Zone and Mtn RPO Alert Power in the same drive so the defense cannot key on run fits without opening up the RPO flat throw
If the linebacker sits in the flat and takes away the easy throw, get comfortable pulling the ball down and trusting the zone blocking up front since the numbers favor the run at that point
Motion the Y presnap if your version of the play allows it to get a free read on man versus zone before the snap