Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
RPO Read WR Screen out of Shotgun Y Trips Offset gives the quarterback a true run/pass conflict read tied to the box count. The offensive line and running back execute the inside run action while the backside trips receiver runs a vertical release stem into a WR screen with the two outside receivers on that side blocking to spring him, and the isolated receiver on the opposite side runs a straight vertical stem as a hot read against man coverage. The primary read is the play side second level defender: if he steps up to fill the run gap, pull and throw the screen, if he sits or widens, hand the ball off. This is an RPO built to punish overaggressive linebackers and light boxes, functioning as both a run play and a zone/man beater screen depending on the leverage of the flat defender.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side outside linebacker or slot corner pre-snap, if he is aligned tight to the trips bunch he can jump the screen and blow it up for a loss. Post-snap, key the Mike linebacker's first step, disciplined defenders who stay square and read the mesh point will be in position to rally to the screen or fill the run gap. Zone coverage with an underneath defender sitting in the throwing lane on the trips side is the primary counter, since he can undercut the screen route before the blockers get set. User-controlled defenders who spy the running back and stay patient rather than crashing on the fake take away the RPO's core conflict and force the quarterback into a longer decision. Man coverage with tight press on the trips receivers actually helps the offense here since it clears width for the screen blockers, so look for teams to play off coverage or zone drops underneath to combat it.
Usage Tips
Presnap, count the box defenders on the trips side before the snap and if there are only four in the box with no extra defender flowing to that side, lean run.
Use the flick of the stick to check the linebacker depth immediately after the snap, if he crashes downhill on the run fake pull it out instantly for the screen.
This play pairs perfectly with RPO Bubble Y Pop and RPO Glance Post from the same set since all three start with identical run action, forcing the defense to respect every level of the field before committing.
Against man coverage on the backside isolated receiver, consider a fade or slant hot route to punish a cornerback playing with outside leverage.
Best used on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to load the box, since the screen naturally punishes overcommitted run fits.
