Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Buck Sweep Peek is a run-pass option built off the Buck Sweep action in the Shotgun Wing Slot Wk set, using 12 personnel to sell outside zone flow with pulling linemen while the quarterback peeks a quick throw off the run fake. The blocking scheme pulls the backside guard and tackle to lead the HB sweep to the edge, and the RPO tag gives the QB a pre-snap or post-snap alert to a hitch or slant read based on the numbers count in the box. This is a true dual-threat play design that beats overpursuing linebackers on the ground and light slot coverage through the air, with the primary read being the box count and second-level flow before deciding to hand off or pull and throw the peek route.
Defensive Reads
Identify the linebacker flow direction immediately after the snap, if both linebackers flow hard to the sweep side, the peek throw window is wide open behind them. Check safety depth and rotation pre-snap, a single high safety often signals man coverage on the perimeter which makes the sweep the better decision over the peek throw. Key the flat or slot defender assigned to the peek route, quick outside jumps or press alignment tell the QB to stay on the ground and trust the sweep blocking. User the play side linebacker as the human defender since this is the primary threat that can either spill the sweep for a loss or sit in the peek throwing lane to jump the route. Defenses that show a nano blitz off the edge or crash a slot defender hard into the backfield can blow up the sweep before it develops, forcing the QB into a rushed peek decision.
Usage Tips
Count the box pre-snap and if the defense shows six or fewer defenders in the box, favor pulling the ball and throwing the peek route immediately off the snap.
Watch the play side flat defender and slot corner leverage, if they crash hard on run flow or sit inside, the peek throw window opens up wide for an easy pitch and catch.
Use hot routes to convert the peek receiver into a slant or fade if the defense shows press man on the perimeter, since the base peek concept struggles against tight man coverage with no separation built in.
Call this on early downs in run heavy personnel to keep defenses honest, then sequence into RPO Peek Slant or RPO Peek Post from the same formation to attack defenders who start jumping the sweep action.
Avoid calling this against defenses that consistently show two high shells with fast flowing linebackers, since they can both spill the sweep and rob the peek throw with underneath zone drops.
