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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
RPO Stretch Alert Lookie combines an outside zone stretch run with a pre-determined pass alert, giving the QB a true run-pass option out of Singleback Trey 11 personnel. The offensive line and fullback zone block the stretch action to the play side while the QB reads the alerted defender (typically an overhang or box safety) to decide between handing off the HB stretch or pulling and throwing the quick Lookie route in the flat or hitch area. This is a numbers and leverage based RPO, not strictly a man or zone beater, and the primary read progression is: check the alert defender's run fit at the snap, then throw if he crashes down on the run action or hand off if he stays wide or sits in coverage.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, count the box defenders and note the alert side defender's depth and leverage, a defender sitting inside the tackle box signals he may be the run key the offense is targeting. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 1 with an aggressive strong safety flying downhill on run action, expect the QB to pull and throw the Lookie route quickly, so user that flat or shallow defender to jump the throw. Zone shells like Cover 2 or Cover 4 with disciplined linebackers sitting in their run fit gaps and not overreacting to zone flow will neutralize both the handoff and the quick pass read. Watch for a delayed edge blitz or nano blitz off the alert side, since a fast off ball linebacker crashing before the QB reads him can blow up the stretch run before the RPO throw window even opens. On the backend, a user controlled defender lurking near the flat or hitch area post snap can bait the QB into throwing then jump the route, so respect disciplined lurk positioning as a key counter to this concept.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a formation shift to identify if the defense is playing base personnel or has an extra hat in the box before deciding whether to key the run or pass side of this RPO.
Watch the alert defender exclusively after the snap since the entire concept hinges on his run fit discipline, if he attacks downhill throw immediately to the alerted receiver before he can recover.
This play excels on early downs in run heavy sets when opponents start cheating linebackers into the box to stop HB Stretch and HB Zone Wk, since that aggression opens the quick throw.
Pair this call with HB Stretch and HB Zone Wk earlier in a drive to condition the defense to crash down on zone action, then hit them with the alert throw once they bite.
Avoid calling this against light boxes or two high shells with disciplined safeties, since the defense can simply sit on both options and take away the free access read.
