Offense · RPO
RPO — Run-Pass Option
An RPO combines a running play with a passing option. After the snap, the quarterback reads a defender and decides whether the offense should run the football or throw it.
Start Here
What Is It?
RPO stands for Run-Pass Option.
The offense combines a running concept with a passing concept on the same play. The quarterback reads a specific defender and uses that defender's reaction to decide where the football should go.
The easiest way to understand an RPO is:
RUN
The offense has a called run.
QB READ
The quarterback watches a conflict defender.
PASS
If the defender takes away the run, a pass may be available.
The quarterback isn't simply choosing whatever play he wants. The run and pass options are built into the play, and the offense has identified what the quarterback should read.
Football Watching 101
How It Works
Imagine the offense calls an inside running play while a receiver also has a quick route behind a linebacker.
That linebacker can become the conflict defender.
Linebacker attacks the run
THROW
If the linebacker steps aggressively toward the running back, he may leave open space behind him for the receiver.
Linebacker stays in coverage
RUN
If the linebacker stays back to protect the passing lane, the offense may have a better numbers advantage for the run.
The offense is putting that defender in a bind.
If he helps stop the run, he may open the pass. If he protects the pass, he may make the running game easier.
This is different from Read Option.
A traditional read option commonly gives the quarterback a choice between handing the ball to the running back or keeping it himself.
An RPO pairs a run with a passing option.
Simplified RPO
Pass Option
Conflict Defender
Run
QB Read
The quarterback reads the conflict defender. If that defender attacks the run, the passing lane may open behind him. If he stays in coverage, the run may have the advantage.
Simplified example — RPOs can use different run schemes, routes and read defenders
The Reason
Why Teams Use It
Football is a numbers game.
A defense wants enough defenders near the line of scrimmage to stop the run while also keeping enough players in coverage to defend the pass.
An RPO can attack the defender who is being asked to help do both.
Instead of trying to physically block that defender, the offense can use his movement against him.
RPOs can also punish aggressive defenses. If linebackers immediately charge toward the line whenever they see a run action, quick passes can appear in the space they leave behind.
If those linebackers begin hesitating because they are worried about the pass, the running game may benefit.
The goal is the same idea we've seen throughout the Playbook: create conflict, then attack the space the defense gives you.
Remember These
RPO Concepts You'll Hear About
Conflict Defender
The defender the quarterback reads. The offense is trying to make that player choose between helping against the run and defending the pass.
Run Read
If the quarterback gets the defensive reaction the offense wants for the running play, he completes the handoff.
Pull & Throw
If the read defender attacks the run, the quarterback can pull the ball away from the running back and throw the attached pass.
Slant RPO
A quick slant can be paired with a running play, attacking space behind or inside a defender who reacts aggressively to the run.
Bubble RPO
A run can be paired with a quick throw to a receiver near the sideline when the offense has favorable numbers outside.
Stick / Glance Routes
Quick routes can give the quarterback an immediate passing answer when a linebacker or safety moves toward the run.
Pre-Snap RPO Read
Sometimes the alignment of the defense gives the quarterback useful information before the snap, such as an obvious numbers advantage outside.
Post-Snap RPO Read
Other RPOs require the quarterback to watch a defender after the ball is snapped and make the run-or-pass decision from his movement.
Watch The Game Differently
What Should I Watch For On Saturday?
RPOs can be difficult to identify live because a completed handoff may look exactly like a normal running play.
Start by watching the quarterback at the handoff point.
Does he appear to have his eyes on a linebacker or safety instead of simply watching the running back?
Then watch that defender.
Defender attacks the run
Look for the quarterback to pull the football and throw into the space the defender abandoned.
Defender stays back
Look for the quarterback to complete the handoff and let the called running play continue.
Also watch the receivers on plays that become runs. If a receiver immediately runs a quick route even though the ball was handed off, that can be a clue that a passing option was attached.
Your sequence is: Find the QB → Find the conflict defender → Watch the defender move → See whether the QB runs the called run or throws.
You won't identify every RPO from the television angle, and sometimes only the coaches know exactly what options were built into the play. The goal is to start recognizing the clues.
Keep Learning
Related Concepts
Lesson 07
Passing Concepts
Now move beyond individual routes and learn how offenses combine receivers to attack specific areas of a defense.