Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
RPO Power Peek is a true run pass option out of 12 personnel that pairs a Power run scheme with a quick peek route to the backside receiver. The offensive line pulls the backside guard for a traditional Power blocking concept while the QB reads a designated second level defender to decide between the handoff and the quick throw. This play is a run first RPO with a built in zone beater peek route, and the primary read progression starts with the QB keying the alley defender or first inside linebacker to the peek side before eyes go to the running lane if the box stays clean.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alley defender or the linebacker aligned over the peek side receiver before the snap, since his depth tells you if he is playing run support or sitting in coverage. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 with deep safeties and the flat defender crashes down on run action, the peek route wins immediately behind him. Man coverage with press corners on the peek receiver is the best way to shut this down, since it removes the easy RPO read and forces the offense into a strict run or a contested throw. Watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in the peek throwing lane, commonly called a lurk defender, because he can jump the route if the QB throws on autopilot without checking his eyes. A hard crashing safety or an overloaded run blitz on the Power side is the biggest threat to the run element, so the QB must pull the RPO trigger quickly rather than staring down the handoff.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hot route check to see if the defense shifts a linebacker toward the peek receiver, since that confirms the throw is live. This play shines on early downs like first and second and ten when defenses are still guessing run or pass. If the defense shows a light box with six or fewer defenders, trust the Power run and let your lead blocker work the edge. Pair this call with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Zone Peek from the same set to keep the peek concept live while varying the run look, forcing linebackers to freeze on every snap. Against aggressive user blitzers, the peek throw is nearly automatic since the RPO key defender is usually the one shooting gaps, so get the ball out fast before the pocket collapses.
