Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Thunder Bubble is a run pass option out of the Shotgun Y Off Trips Wk set that pairs an inside run scheme with a bubble screen to the trips side, giving the quarterback a pull or give decision based on the alignment of the second level defender. The blocking scheme works as a standard inside zone or dive look, while one of the trips receivers sits down in the bubble as the throw option if the flat or slot defender crashes down on the run fit. The primary read progression starts with the read defender assigned to the box count, and if that defender stays home the quarterback should immediately fire the bubble before the flat defender can recover.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and rotation since a single high safety usually means the box is loaded and the bubble read favors the throw. Watch the slot cornerback or nickel defender over the trips bunch, if he presses or blitzes the run lane opens up for the give. Post-snap, identify any user controlled lurk defender sitting in the shallow flat zone, as this play struggles against a disciplined user who stays home on the bubble instead of crashing. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with aggressive flat defenders get exposed by the bubble read, while true Cover 2 with a sinking corner can rob the bubble throw. Look for run blitzes from the second level, since if the linebacker keying the mesh point fires downhill immediately, the quarterback must pull and throw the bubble on time.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and count defenders in the box against your run blockers to decide if the give is live.
Look at the slot or flat defender in the trips bunch, if he sits at the snap the bubble is open and should be thrown fast without hesitation.
This play punishes defenses that spin a safety down into the box or run heavy man coverage on the outside since the flat defender has no help on the bubble.
Pair this play with Mtn RPO Dive or RPO Zone Dive in the same set to keep the defense guessing between different RPO run fits and force linebackers to freeze.
Use this on early downs in normal personnel situations to stay ahead of the chains, since a clean read either gets positive yards on the ground or a free access throw to the flat.
