RPOs either fix a numbers issue in the box or they attack open space in the passing space regardless of the box. The latter isn’t necessary but the argument for the first being necessary is strong. The type of run certainly matters — an outside run is sometimes easier to account for too many defenders in the box since it can get so wide and away from an extra fitter that you can leave him unblocked. However, if the defense fits seven and the offense only has six to block, issues are more likely to arise than if you had a hat for a hat.
So in contrast to yesterday where we looked at Alabama dealing with extra fitters by using good offensive design that allowed them to dictate that the extra fitter can from distance through good scheme and good blocking, today we will look at more good offensive design from the Washington Huskies who fixed the numbers problem by throwing the ball on the RPO.
Play 1
In this first example, Washington is in 11 personnel but they are involving the TE in the screen concept so that leaves six gaps for the defense to figure out how to defend. The Huskies motion to a WR swing screen for their pass option and are running zone as their run option. The Ducks are playing MOFO and because of the tight formation, have seven defenders near the box. However, the motion and the screen pull one of those defenders out, leaving six — still one too many for the offense to block.
I’m not sure who exactly QB Michael Penix Jr. is reading, but he fixes the numbers problem. Oregon brings the farthest defender in the flat on a pressure and Penix throws around him to the WR on the screen. Oregon has three defenders over three WRs, but one of those defenders is deep (space disadvantage for the defense). This play is interesting because it seems like Penix is just dealing with the numbers and not reading a particular defender. If he is, I don’t know who — Oregon’s disguised pressure makes it hard to read just one guy.
For this play to work, either Penix knows that if any of those defenders covering the WRs fits the run or pressures, he’ll have an advantage in the passing game or he knows that if any of those defenders pressures he’ll have issues in the run game. My guess is he knows the former and the latter being true as well is a sign of good offensive design.
Play 2
On this play, Washington is in 11 personnel running a Pin & Pull concept with the WRs are in a bunch away from the run running some sort of stick concept. Oregon is showing sevenish defenders as potential run fitters. The cornerback is standing out there, the safety is sitting there, and a linebacker is apexing the bunch. Any two of those defenders fitting would be an issue.
The offense knows the cornerback will be a part of the fit because the TE isn’t going for a route. Likewise the safety will be able to come from distance too since there is no pass threat. So the offense must account for the immediate threats — the two linebackers. If the apexed linebacker comes, then Penix needs to get rid of the ball as he will be the seventh fitter and then the boundary safety who will most likely fit late and be the eighth fitter is still left unaccounted for.
Once again, this is excellent offensive design that gives the QB answers to the numbers problem. Penix sees the apexed linebacker pressure and gets the ball out fast, a critical skill for RPOs to be successful. The defense still has three defenders over three WRs, but the space advantage is present still for the offense as the Ducks are in a MOFO structure. The result, a 17 yard gain after a broken tackle.
Conclusion
Both yesterday and today are examples of two different approaches to the run game, but both being effective due to good design and good execution. The numbers problem isn’t the end of the world for the offense, but if left unchecked it can cause undue strain on the run game. RPOs become necessary to mitigate this strain and play offense — that is attack the defense rather than be attacked by the defense.
The other reason RPOs can be effective is if the defense gives up space to the passing option — the most aggressive type. Regardless of the numbers issue, if a QB can identify this space advantage in the pass option and get the ball out fast, the RPO can be effective. But that is for another day.
Until tomorrow,
Emory Wilhite
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