Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Power Peek out of the Shotgun Wing Slot Wk set is a true run-pass option built off the Power blocking scheme with a peek read (usually a slot receiver on a quick in-breaking route) attached as the throw option. The offensive line pulls the backside guard for a traditional Power run to the play side while the quarterback reads a designated second level defender, often the flowing linebacker or overhang defender, to decide between handing off or pulling and throwing the peek route into the vacated window. This play punishes teams that key hard on the run action and is most effective as a light box beater rather than a pure man or zone beater since the decision hinges on flow, not coverage shell alone.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth pre snap, if he is stacked tight to the line expecting run he becomes the peek key that dictates the throw Identify single high versus two high shells before the snap since single high defenses tend to bring an extra man into the box making the peek throw more available Look for a user controlled defender sitting in a shallow lurk or spy position near the peek route, that is the primary defender who can jump the throw and turn it into a pick six Key the defensive line gap integrity against the Power run, if the backside is a hard C gap exchange or the play side has a fast flowing 3 technique the run hand off gets shut down quickly Man coverage on the slot receiver with no help underneath signals a favorable peek throw, while zone drops with a linebacker sitting in the peek window signal you should stick with the handoff
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and only trust the Power run hand off when you count six or fewer defenders in the box
Read the play side linebacker or slot defender flow at the snap, if he crashes down on the pulling guard immediately pull and throw the peek route behind him
Use this against aggressive run blitz teams that like to send extra defenders downhill since the RPO read punishes overcommitted linebackers
Pair this with RPO Power Peek Slant and RPO Power Alert Bubble in the same drive so the defense cannot key run fits without opening a peek or bubble window
Best called on early downs, first and second and short to medium yardage, where defenses are more likely to sell out against the Power run look
