Playbooks
Mtn RPO QB Power is a designed QB run RPO out of Shotgun 11 personnel that pairs a power run scheme with a pre-snap motion to help identify the numbers advantage before the snap. The offensive line pulls a blocker to seal the edge while the QB reads a run/pass key defender, typically a slot defender or overhang linebacker, to decide between keeping the ball on the power run or pulling it for the attached quick pass option. This is a run first play with a built in RPO conflict read rather than a straight drop back concept, so the primary read progression starts with the motion defender's reaction, then shifts to the alignment of the second level defender responsible for the pulling guard before the QB commits to running downhill or throwing the RPO route.
Watch the safety alignment before the snap, a single high safety shell with the box stacked tells you the defense expects the run and the RPO throw is the smarter option. Track the cornerback assigned to the motion man, if he trails across the formation it confirms man coverage and the power run lane should hold up against light box counts. Read the linebacker depth at the snap, linebackers who step up hard to fill the power gap are leaving the RPO conflict route wide open underneath. Look for a user controlled lurk defender sitting in the throwing lane of the RPO route, since a smart human defender will often sit on this exact conflict read to jump the quick throw. This play struggles against disciplined zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 where the conflict defender can play run first without abandoning his zone responsibility, and it can get blown up by nano blitzes that attack the pulling guard before the power run develops.
Use the pre-snap motion to bait the defense into showing man or zone leverage before the snap, since a defender following the motion man across the formation confirms man coverage and opens up the power run lane.
Key the alignment of the second level defender assigned to the RPO conflict route, if he sits inside to help against the power run, immediately pull the ball and throw the quick option rather than forcing the run into a stacked box.
This play is best called on second and short or third and manageable distances where defenses are more likely to sell out against the run, letting the RPO element punish overaggressive linebackers.
Pair this call with HB Draw and Inside Zone Split earlier in a drive to condition the defense to bite on inside run action, then hit Mtn RPO QB Power to attack the same gap with added QB run threat and RPO deception.
If the defense shows heavy blitz pressure off the edge, hot route the RPO receiver into a quick out or slant to give the QB a faster answer against overload fronts.