Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn RPO Dive is a true run-pass option out of Shotgun Y Off Trips Wk that pairs an inside dive with a mountain (vertical stack) route concept to the trips side. Up front the offensive line runs its dive blocking scheme while the quarterback reads the second level defender, typically the play side linebacker or overhang, to decide between handing off or pulling and throwing off the RPO tag. This is a pure numbers and leverage play, not a straight man or zone beater, since it exploits whichever side the defense declines to defend, making the primary read progression box count first, then the alert defender's reaction at the snap.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check the box count and safety depth, a light box with two high safeties tells you the dive is the higher value read. Identify the alert defender, usually the second level player closest to the dive alley, since his first step decides whether you hand off or throw. Post-snap, watch for a user-controlled linebacker sitting in the RPO throwing lane, a smart human defender will shuffle to take away the mountain read and dare you to run into a loaded box. Cover 3 and other single high shells with an aggressive run fit linebacker are vulnerable to the pass side of this RPO since that defender is forced to choose. Blitz packages that send extra defenders through the dive alley can blow this up quickly, so if you see pressure alignment or a nano blitz look pre-snap, be ready to get the ball out fast on the mountain side instead of trusting the dive.
Usage Tips
Count the box pre-snap and if there are six or fewer defenders in the box, plan to hand it off unless the read defender crashes hard down the run alley.
Watch the play side linebacker or slot defender at the snap, if he sits on the dive or steps up, pull and throw the mountain concept behind him.
Use the motion to identify man versus zone before the snap, if the defender follows across the formation it is man coverage and you can lean toward the pass side with confidence.
This play works best on early downs (first and second and short to medium) where defenses are still honoring the run, keeping the RPO conflict alive.
Pair this call with Mtn Y Cross or Mtn PA Portland later in a series so the defense sees the same trips look and mountain shell but has to respect both the play-action boot and the RPO dive, creating hesitation in the run fit.
