Playbooks
RPO Peek Post is a run pass option out of the Shotgun Wing Slot Offset WK set that pairs an inside run action with a post route from the slot as the peek element, giving the quarterback a true dual threat look. The blocking scheme reads like a standard zone run up front while the QB keys the second level defender, most often a linebacker or nickel defender flowing to the run fill, to decide whether to hand off or pull and throw the post. This play is best classified as a hybrid RPO that beats both light boxes for the run and single high safety looks for the post shot, with the primary read progression being box count first, then flowing defender reaction to the run fake, then the peek post window over the middle.
Pre snap, identify if the defense is showing a single high shell like Cover 3 or Cover 1, since these leave the post window vulnerable if the safety bites on the run fake. Watch the second level defender assigned to the run fit, if he commits hard downhill on the play fake, that is your green light to pull and throw the post immediately. Post snap, key any user controlled safety or lurking linebacker sitting in the middle of the field, if he stays disciplined and does not bite on the run action, the post throw becomes risky and you should take the handoff instead. This play struggles against two high safety shells like Cover 2 or Cover 4 since there is help over the top on the post, favor the run side of the RPO in these situations. Be wary of interior blitz packages and nano blitzes that crash the box pre snap, these can blow up the run fit before the RPO logic has time to develop, so check hot route protections or check to a quick pass if you see stacked fronts.
Count the box pre snap and if there are six or fewer defenders in the box, lean run and let the RPO logic take over naturally.
If you see a single high safety or the nickel defender crashing hard on run action, pull the ball immediately and throw the peek post before the safety can rotate over the top.
Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or drag if you are facing heavy man coverage, this gives you a checkdown when the post window is taken away by a lurking safety.
Use this play on early downs like first and ten or second and short so defenses respect the run fake, which opens up the post read against overaggressive linebackers.
Pair this call with Bounce Inside Zone Lt and Outside Zone earlier in a series so the defense keys run fits, then hit this RPO once they start crashing hard to stop the ground game.