Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn RPO Base Alert Smash is an RPO out of Shotgun Y Trips Wk that reads a run key up front while giving the QB a smash concept to the boundary. The backside X runs a corner route that breaks outside toward the sideline while the flat defender is occupied by an underneath crosser sitting at the sticks, creating a natural high low smash look. To the strong side the slot receiver runs a vertical seam read against the alley defender, giving the QB a run/pass alert if the box count is light. Primary progression is run key first, then work the smash combo (flat to corner) if the linebacker or safety triggers down into the box.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth pre-snap, if he is sitting shallow expecting the run key trigger the pass side of the RPO immediately. Spy the flat defender after the snap, if he sinks under the crosser the corner route behind him is open all game. Identify single high versus two high safeties before the snap, Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with aggressive corners can jump the corner route so be ready to check the run. Man coverage with no underneath help lets the crosser sit in a natural pick zone, look for a linebacker trailing late and throw before he closes. User controlled defenders sitting on the corner route can be baited by pump faking then hitting the shallow crosser for the easy conversion.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or more in the box pull it and throw the flat to corner smash concept immediately.
Use this on second and short or third and short since the run alert and quick flat throw both convert manageable distances.
Against Cover 2 shells, target the corner route over the flat defender since the cornerback has to respect the underneath crosser sitting in the flat.
Pair this call with HB Base or Inside Zone earlier in a series so the defense starts keying run fits, then come back to this RPO to punish overcommitted linebackers.
Hot route the shallow crosser into a spot route if you are facing heavy zone drops that squeeze the flat, that keeps the timing intact without changing the run read.
