Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Orbit RPO Peek Y Flat is an RPO out of Shotgun Wing Trio that pairs a give read with a quick pass option to the flat. Pre-snap motion sends a receiver in an orbit across the backfield, and at the snap the offensive line executes zone run blocking to the left while the QB reads the peeking flat defender: the tight end runs a short flat route while a receiver on the opposite side sneaks a shallow crosser underneath, and the far outside receiver runs a vertical stem to hold the deep defender. The primary read progression is run key first (peek the flat defender or force player), then quick throw to the flat/shallow crosser if that defender bites on the run action, with the vertical route serving as a low-percentage clear-out.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defenders following the orbit motion pre-snap; if a linebacker or slot defender shadows the motion man, you are in man coverage and should stay in run fit discipline. Key the flat defender or force player at the snap since this is the exact defender the RPO reads; a disciplined defender who stays home on the flat while still fitting the run neutralizes both options. Sit a linebacker in the underneath flat/curl zone in a Cover 3 or Cover 4 shell to take away both the flat route and the shallow crosser, forcing the QB to hand the ball off into a loaded box. Blitzing off the edge on the run side can beat this play before the RPO read even develops, since it disrupts the zone blocking scheme and forces a quick, uncomfortable decision. User the flat defender manually to jump the tight end's route the instant you see zone run blocking up front, since that action is the primary tell that the RPO throw is live.
Usage Tips
Use the orbit motion pre-snap to identify if the defense is in man or zone; if a defender follows the motion man across the formation you know you are facing man coverage and can key the flat route as a quick winner.
Peek at the flat defender or the second level defender assigned to the run fit before deciding whether to pull the ball; if he sits inside or crashes down on the run action, throw the flat route immediately.
Best used on 2nd and short to medium yardage situations since the run threat is legitimate and the RPO keeps linebackers honest.
Pair this play with Inside Zone or GT Read Option earlier in a series so the defense respects the run fit, making the flat throw even more open when they overplay the run look.
Hot route the shallow crosser into a quick out or speed out against teams that sit hard underneath in zone to create more explosive yardage after catch.
