Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Counter Peek is a run pass option out of Shotgun Y Off Trips 11 personnel that pairs a Counter run with a two man peek concept to the backside. The offensive line and lead blockers pull to execute Counter to the strong side while the QB reads a backside peek route: one receiver runs an in breaking cross underneath while the other clears out over the top on a deep post style break. The primary read is run first, peek second, meaning the QB should give the RPO key defender (usually a flowing linebacker or overhang) a beat to declare before deciding to hand off Counter or pull and throw the peek window behind him.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check the backside linebacker depth and shade, if he is stacked tight to the box he is likely the RPO key and will get tested by the peek throw. Post-snap, watch for a user controlled defender sitting in the peek throwing lane, since a smart human defender will often abandon run fits to jump the crosser. Man coverage on the backside receivers with no safety help over the top is the biggest bust window for the deep breaking peek route. Zone shells with a linebacker who flows hard downhill on the Counter action typically get gashed either on the ground or through the peek throw behind him. Fast flow blitzes from the play side can void the backside peek lane entirely, so if you see backside safety rotation late, expect the peek throw to be defended and lean into the Counter run instead.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to see if the backside linebacker cheats toward the trips side before the snap, since that tells you the peek window will be open.
This play thrives on early down and medium distance situations like 1st and 10 or 2nd and 6 where defenses are still respecting balanced run and pass looks.
If the defense shows a two high shell with soft backside support, key the flowing linebacker and pull the peek throw immediately instead of milking the run fake.
Pair this call with Inside Zone or Duo earlier in a series so linebackers start flowing hard on run action, which sets up the peek throw to hit behind them later in the same series.
Hot route the underneath crosser into a quicker sit route against man coverage if you see the corner pressed and aligned inside, giving the QB a faster peek answer versus blitz.
