Playbooks
Mtn RPO QB Power is a designed QB run out of Shotgun that pairs a power run scheme with a pre-snap motion to help identify the numbers advantage. The offensive line pulls to create a lead blocker for the quarterback while the RPO element gives him a quick pass alternative if the read defender crashes down on the run action. The primary read progression is motion first to declare man or zone, then the box count and the RPO key defender: if that defender steps up on the power run, pull and throw the hot route, if he stays home, hand it off to the QB run action and follow your pulling guard.
Watch the read defender assigned to the RPO key, usually a defensive end or outside linebacker, and see if he sits or crashes on the snap. Check safety depth pre-snap, two deep safeties signal an RPO throw window while a single high safety means the box is loaded for the QB run. Track the motion defender's reaction, if a linebacker or corner follows the motion man across the formation that confirms man coverage and opens throw windows underneath. Look for a user-controlled defender spying the quarterback, this is the biggest threat to the QB Power run and forces you to rely on the RPO throw instead. This play struggles against disciplined defenses that stay home with linebackers and play assignment-sound zone shells, since the QB run lane gets clogged and the RPO window closes fast.
Use the pre-snap motion to bait linebackers and confirm whether you are facing man or zone before the snap.
Count the box defenders after motion clears, if the count favors the run, stay committed to the QB Power design.
Hot route the RPO receiver into a quick out or slant against man coverage cornerbacks who follow the motion man.
This play hits best on early downs (1st and 10, 2nd and short) when defenses are playing base personnel and not expecting a designed QB run.
Pair this with Mtn RPO QB Draw and Counter Y in the same set so defenses cannot key on pulling linemen or QB run tendencies, then mix in Curls or Mtn Z In off the same formation to keep the defense honest against play-action beaters.