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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Alert Mtn Dive is a true run/pass option out of Shotgun Y Off Trips Wk that reads a second level defender to decide between a dive handoff and a quick flare route. The diagram shows the HB running the dive through the middle of the line behind interior double team blocks, while the trips receiver runs a shallow flare that bends upfield into a corner route as the zone beater, and the backside X sits on a vertical release to hold the deep defender. Motion into the backfield sets the RPO read before the snap, and the QB progression starts with the alert defender in the box, then works to the flare/corner combo if that defender crashes down on the dive.
Defensive Reads
Key the alert linebacker or slot defender immediately after the snap since his run/pass conflict determines whether the QB hands it off or throws the flare. Zone coverage with a linebacker sitting on the flare route can shut this down by taking away the easy RPO throw and forcing the QB to give on the dive into a stacked box. Man coverage on the trips side can be exploited by the flare to corner combo since it creates natural separation as the route bends vertically upfield. Watch for a user controlled defender lurking in the shallow flare zone, since a good user read can jump the RPO throw before the QB commits. Blitzes that bring extra numbers into the box without accounting for the flare release tend to gift a big gain on the perimeter, so identify pre-snap blitz indicators like walked up safeties or crashing d-linemen.
Usage Tips
Watch the alert defender pre-snap and identify if he is a linebacker sitting in the box or walked out over the slot, since his post-snap movement is the entire trigger for this RPO.
Use the backfield motion to force the defense to declare man or zone before the snap, giving you a cleaner presnap read on whether to key run or pass.
If the defense shows a heavy box with the backside safety rotated down, pull the ball and hit the flare to corner combo for an easy pitch and catch against light coverage.
Pair this play with RPO Alert Bubble Dive and RPO Alert Split Bubble in the same set so the defense cannot sit on one specific RPO conflict defender.
Best called on early downs or manageable third and short situations where defenses are more likely to sell out against the dive and open up the perimeter throw.
