In modern football, the RPO, or Run-Pass Option, has become a popular offensive strategy that blends flexibility with unpredictability. An RPO allows the quarterback to choose between running the ball or passing it based on the defensive setup and how players react after the snap. This play design adds an element of surprise and can keep the defense off balance, making it harder for them to anticipate the offense’s next move. But what exactly is an RPO in football, and how does it work? Let’s break down this innovative play concept and explore how it impacts the game.
Understanding the Basics of an RPO
The RPO, or Run-Pass Option, is a play where the quarterback has the option to either hand the ball off to a running back, keep it for a pass, or, in some cases, run the ball themselves. The decision is typically made after the snap, as the quarterback reads the defense and determines the best course of action.
What makes the RPO unique is that the offensive line often blocks as if it’s a running play, creating lanes and pushing defenders downfield. This setup can trick defenders into committing to stopping the run, which opens up passing options for the quarterback. The RPO has gained popularity at every level of football, from high school to the NFL, because it provides the offense with multiple ways to exploit defensive tendencies on a single play.
The Mechanics of an RPO Play
Pre-Snap Read
Before the play begins, the quarterback assesses the defense to identify potential weaknesses or determine which players to watch. Common targets include defensive ends, linebackers, and safeties, as these players are often responsible for reacting to either the run or pass. By identifying which defender will be the “read key” (the player whose movement will determine the play), the quarterback prepares to make a quick decision after the snap.
Post-Snap Read
After the snap, the quarterback watches the read key to see if they react to the run or stay back in coverage. If the defender commits to the run, the quarterback is likely to keep the ball and look for a passing option. Conversely, if the defender drops into coverage, the quarterback might hand the ball off to the running back to capitalize on the defense’s focus on the pass.
For example:
- If the read key crashes toward the line of scrimmage, indicating a commitment to stopping the run, the quarterback may pull the ball back and look for a quick pass.
- If the read key stays back or moves laterally to defend the pass, the quarterback can hand off the ball to the running back, taking advantage of the run lane created by the offensive line.
Decision-Making and Execution
The success of an RPO hinges on the quarterback’s ability to make fast, accurate decisions. RPO plays unfold quickly, requiring the quarterback to read the defense and execute the correct option almost instantaneously. The offense must be coordinated, with receivers running precise routes and the running back ready to take the handoff if the quarterback decides to hand it off.
The quarterback has to maintain a strong grip on the ball and make a seamless transition whether handing it off, keeping it for a pass, or even choosing to run. This demands a combination of awareness, athleticism, and decisiveness, all of which are essential for running the RPO successfully.
Types of RPO Plays
There are several types of RPO plays that allow offenses to leverage different options based on the defensive setup. Here are a few common variations:
Inside Zone RPO
The Inside Zone RPO involves a basic inside running play with the option for a quick pass. In this play, the offensive line blocks for a run up the middle, while receivers typically run short routes, such as slants or quick outs. If the linebacker moves forward to defend the run, the quarterback may pull back and throw a quick pass to the receiver.
Outside Zone RPO
In an Outside Zone RPO, the running back aims to run toward the outside, using blocks on the edge to create space. The quarterback reads the defenders on the edge—usually a defensive end or outside linebacker. If they commit to stopping the outside run, the quarterback has the option to throw to a receiver, often in the flat or on a quick route.
Bubble Screen RPO
A Bubble Screen RPO gives the quarterback the option to hand off the ball or throw a quick pass to a receiver lined up wide, who then attempts to gain yards after the catch. This play is effective against defenses that have stacked the box, as it forces the defense to spread out and cover multiple receivers. If defenders are positioned to stop the run, the quarterback can throw the screen to the outside receiver, allowing them to make a play in open space.
Read Option RPO
The Read Option RPO combines a traditional read option with a pass play. In a read option, the quarterback decides to either keep the ball or hand it off to the running back based on the defensive end’s movements. However, in a Read Option RPO, the quarterback also has the option to throw a quick pass, often to a slot receiver or a tight end. This three-way choice makes the play highly versatile and difficult for defenses to predict.
Why Do Teams Use RPOs?
Keeps the Defense Guessing
One of the biggest advantages of the RPO is that it forces defenders to react rather than anticipate. Because the play contains both a run and a pass option, defenders are forced to choose which aspect of the play to defend, often leaving them vulnerable to the option they didn’t cover. This unpredictability keeps the defense off balance and can make it difficult for them to react effectively.
Maximizes Offensive Flexibility
RPOs allow the offense to adapt on the fly to whatever the defense presents. Instead of being locked into a predetermined play, the quarterback can make a quick decision based on the defensive alignment and reaction. This flexibility can lead to more efficient plays, as the offense can exploit specific weaknesses in the defense.
Exploits Defensive Tendencies
Because RPOs rely on reading a specific defender, they are an effective way to exploit defensive tendencies. For example, if a team’s linebackers are aggressive against the run, the RPO can take advantage of this by pulling back for a quick pass, catching the linebackers out of position. Over time, as the offense continues to execute RPO plays, it may force the defense to play more conservatively, opening up opportunities for other types of plays.
Increases Big Play Potential
RPOs can create mismatches and open up the field for big plays. By catching defenders out of position or over-committing, the offense can find open receivers downfield or running lanes for significant yardage. This potential for explosive plays makes the RPO a valuable tool for offenses looking to capitalize on defensive mistakes.
Challenges of Running an RPO
Timing and Execution
RPO plays require precise timing and seamless coordination between the quarterback, running back, and receivers. A split-second decision can mean the difference between a successful gain and a negative play. Players must be well-trained in RPO execution, as any hesitation or miscommunication can lead to incomplete passes, fumbles, or even interceptions.
Potential for Penalties
Since offensive linemen block as if it’s a running play, they sometimes end up too far downfield, especially if the quarterback decides to pass. This can result in a “lineman downfield” penalty, which occurs when offensive linemen move beyond the line of scrimmage before the ball is thrown. Staying aware of these restrictions is essential for avoiding costly penalties.
Defensive Adjustments
As RPOs have become more popular, defenses have adapted by designing specific strategies to counter them. Some defenses use delayed blitzes or zone coverage schemes to disguise their intentions and confuse the quarterback. Defenders may also try to bait the quarterback into making a certain decision, such as feigning a commitment to the run before dropping back into coverage.
RPOs in the NFL and College Football
The RPO has gained popularity at both the college and professional levels. Many NFL teams now incorporate RPOs into their playbooks, following their successful use in college football. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens have used RPOs to create dynamic and unpredictable offenses, taking advantage of the quarterback’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions.
College football is where the RPO truly shines, as it complements the athleticism and creativity of many college quarterbacks. The fast pace of college offenses pairs well with RPO strategies, making it challenging for defenses to keep up. In fact, the success of the RPO in college has influenced NFL coaches to adopt similar concepts, leading to an increase in RPO usage in recent years.
FAQs
What is the difference between an RPO and a play-action pass?
An RPO gives the quarterback the option to run or pass after the snap, while a play-action pass is a fake run designed to look like a running play before the quarterback throws a pass. In a play-action pass, the quarterback does not have the option to hand off the ball, while an RPO allows for multiple decisions based on the defense’s reaction.
Do all teams run RPOs?
While many teams incorporate RPOs into their playbooks, not all teams rely on them heavily. RPOs are more commonly used by teams with mobile quarterbacks who can make quick decisions, as this play style takes advantage of the quarterback’s ability to read defenses and execute either a run or pass.
Can a quarterback run the ball on an RPO?
Yes, in certain RPO designs, the quarterback can keep the ball and run if the play allows for it. This usually depends on the specific RPO design and the quarterback’s athleticism. However, more traditional RPOs involve either handing the ball off to the running back or passing it.
What is a “read key” in an RPO?
A “read key” is the defensive player that the quarterback focuses on to determine whether to run or pass the ball in an RPO. The read key is typically a defensive end, linebacker, or safety. Based on the read key’s reaction after the snap, the quarterback decides which option to execute.
Are RPOs effective against all types of defenses?
While RPOs can be effective against many defenses, certain defensive schemes can make them more challenging to execute. Zone defenses, in particular, can limit the effectiveness of RPOs by positioning defenders to cover multiple areas, reducing the options available to the quarterback.
How do defenses counter RPOs?
Defenses counter RPOs by disguising their intentions and using zone coverages or delayed blitzes. By not committing to the run or pass immediately, defenders can force the quarterback into making a more difficult decision. Some defenses also attempt to bait the quarterback into a particular choice by faking movements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the RPO is an innovative and versatile offensive strategy that combines the elements of a run and a pass in a single play. By giving the quarterback the ability to make a quick decision based on the defense’s reaction, the RPO keeps defenders guessing and adds an extra layer of complexity to the offense. With the right personnel and precise execution, the RPO can become a powerful tool for gaining yards, controlling the tempo, and creating big plays on the field.
