Playbooks

RPO Alert Bubble

Shotgun·Wing Slot Offset·12

RPO Pass Play Run Play

Likely unavailable in the playbook builder

This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Play diagram for RPO Alert Bubble from Shotgun Wing Slot Offset in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetWing Slot Offset

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

Breakdown

RPO Alert Bubble is a run pass option out of Shotgun Wing Slot Offset that pairs an inside zone hand off with a bubble screen read to the slot. The diagram shows the running back taking the zone track behind the offensive line while a slot receiver runs a quick bubble route to the flat as the alert throw. This is a numbers based zone beater against light boxes, with the QB reading defender count in the box first before deciding to hand off or pull and throw the bubble to the flat.

Defensive Reads

Watch the slot defender assigned to the bubble receiver, if he sits flat footed or bites on the run fake the bubble throw is there. Check box count before the snap, defenses with soft boxes and off coverage on the slot are prime targets for the bubble alert. Fast flowing linebackers who crash the run lane hard open up cutback lanes for the zone run if the QB decides to hand it off. Man coverage on the outside with no underneath flat defender leaves the bubble wide open for an easy explosive gain. Aggressive slot blitzes or nano blitz packages can disrupt the mesh point timing, so be ready to identify pressure and get the ball out fast.

Usage Tips

Count the box pre snap and if you see six or fewer defenders in the box, keep the run alive and let the back work through the zone lanes.

If a defender crashes down hard on the snap or a slot defender bites on run action, pull the ball immediately and hit the bubble for a quick easy gain.

Use this play on early downs in normal or nickel personnel matchups where defenses are geared to stop the run first.

Pair this with RPO Zone Alert Bubble and RPO Zone Alert Hitches in the same set to keep defenses guessing between different alert throws off similar run action.

Mix in Inside Zone and Inside Zone Split from this set as pure run calls so defenses cannot key on RPO tendencies based on formation alone.