Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Power Alert Screen out of Singleback Trey is a run pass option built off a Power run scheme with an alert screen tagged to the backfield. The offensive line and TE work their double team and down block combos to seal the point of attack for the Power run, while the read defender (yellow arrow) triggers whether the QB hands off or bails into the screen. The two receivers on the left run short stem routes to occupy underneath defenders and clear space for the alert screen, making this a run first RPO with a built in zone beater outlet rather than a true man beater. Primary read progression starts with the alert defender: if he sits or crashes down on the run fit, throw the screen immediately, otherwise hand off and let the Power scheme work downhill.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alert defender assigned to the run pass conflict, since his first step tells you run or pass every single snap. Base 4-3 and 3-4 fronts that play the run honestly with linebackers stepping up are the easiest to beat with the screen since it leaves the perimeter uncovered. Man coverage on the back tends to lose leverage on the screen if the defender crashes on run action, so look for the throw the instant your slot defenders occupy the underneath zone. Zone defenses with disciplined linebackers who stay square and read the mesh point can sit on the screen and blow it up for a loss, so respect a Cover 3 sky or Cover 4 shell that keeps outside linebackers patient. Blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge can be gashed by the Power run since the alert defender is often pulled out of the box, but if the defense shows a screen sniffing linebacker spy, take the handoff instead.
Usage Tips
Presnap identify the alert defender the game highlights and decide before the snap whether you are running or throwing based on his depth and leverage. If the defense shows a heavy box with 8 or more in the box, lean toward pulling the screen since the numbers already favor the pass side. Use this on early downs in normal or base personnel looks since it disguises run and pass equally well and does not tip your hand. Pair it in a sequence with HB Dive and HB Zone Wk from the same Trey set so the defense sees the same backfield action and personnel, then catch them overcommitting to the run fit when you pull the RPO screen. Avoid forcing the screen against fast flow linebackers who play run first, since they can blow up the edge before the screen sets up.
