RPO (Run-Pass Option): How Modern Offenses are Using This Strategy to Confuse Defenses

In the ever-evolving landscape of American football, offenses are constantly adapting, innovating, and finding new ways to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. One of the most impactful strategies in recent years is the RPO, or Run-Pass Option. Originally developed in college football, the RPO has found a firm footing in the NFL, where it has become a staple in many teams’ offensive playbooks. This hybrid style of play is designed to keep defenses on their toes, forcing them to make split-second decisions while the offense remains fluid, adaptable, and unpredictable.

What is an RPO?

At its core, an RPO is a play in which the quarterback (QB) has the option to either hand the ball off for a run or throw a pass, depending on how the defense reacts. The quarterback reads a specific defensive player, usually a linebacker or safety, and based on that player’s movement, decides whether to execute a run or pass.

The genius of the RPO lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It merges the traditional running game with the passing game, making it difficult for defenses to commit to one without being exposed to the other. This split-second decision-making forces defenders to think rather than react, which gives the offense an advantage.

The History of RPO

While the RPO is relatively new to the NFL, its roots can be traced back to college football, where spread offenses and read-option plays have been popular for years. Coaches in the collegiate game began to blend run and pass concepts to take advantage of defensive schemes that overcommitted to stopping the run or pass.

One of the early pioneers of the RPO was Rich Rodriguez, who integrated elements of the zone read into his offensive schemes at West Virginia University. However, it wasn’t until Chip Kelly’s tenure at Oregon that the concept began to receive national attention. Kelly’s fast-paced offense and RPO-based play-calling set the stage for the RPO’s future in both college and professional football. Eventually, NFL coaches took notice, realizing the strategic benefits of putting constant pressure on defenses.

How Does the RPO Work?

An RPO play typically involves three key components:

  1. The Run Option: At the heart of any RPO is the run option. The offensive line blocks as if it’s a running play, and the running back (RB) prepares to take the handoff. The key here is that the offensive line must remain close to the line of scrimmage and cannot venture too far downfield, as doing so would result in an illegal man downfield penalty if the play becomes a pass.
  2. The Pass Option: Simultaneously, receivers run routes as if it’s a passing play. The quarterback reads the defense to decide if the pass option is more advantageous. This is often determined by reading a specific defender—known as the “conflict” player. If the conflict player crashes down to stop the run, the quarterback can pull the ball and throw it to an open receiver.
  3. The Read: The most critical aspect of the RPO is the quarterback’s ability to make the right read. The QB must quickly assess the conflict player’s reaction. For example, if a linebacker or safety bites on the run, the quarterback will pull the ball and throw to an uncovered receiver. If the defender stays back in pass coverage, the quarterback hands the ball off to the running back.

Types of RPO Plays

There are several variations of the RPO, and teams can tailor them to fit their personnel and offensive scheme. Some of the most common RPO concepts include:

  • Zone Read RPO: This is one of the most traditional RPO concepts. The offensive line blocks for a zone running play, and the QB reads a defensive end or linebacker. If the defender crashes towards the running back, the QB keeps the ball and throws a quick pass to a receiver.
  • Bubble Screen RPO: In this variation, the QB reads the defense’s alignment. If the defense is stacked to stop the run, the QB pulls the ball and throws a quick screen pass to a wide receiver, usually positioned in the slot. This play takes advantage of a defense that overcommits to stopping the run between the tackles.
  • Slant RPO: In this variation, a wide receiver runs a quick slant route while the QB reads a linebacker or safety. If the defender steps up to play the run, the QB throws the slant to the receiver. This play is often highly effective in the red zone, where defenders are more aggressive in stopping the run.
  • Inside Zone RPO: This variation mirrors the inside zone running play. The QB reads the movement of linebackers or safeties. If they bite on the run, the QB can throw a quick pass, often a hitch route, to an open receiver.

Why is the RPO So Effective?

There are several reasons why the RPO has become such a potent weapon in modern offenses:

  1. Defensive Confusion: The RPO thrives on creating uncertainty for defenders. Linebackers and safeties, in particular, are put in a bind because they have to make decisions without fully knowing whether it’s a run or pass. If they react too quickly to the run, they leave passing lanes open. If they hesitate, the offense can gain yardage on the ground.
  2. Adaptability: The RPO allows offenses to adapt on the fly. Rather than being locked into a specific run or pass play, the QB has the flexibility to exploit whatever weakness the defense presents. This makes the offense harder to predict and defend.
  3. Versatility with Personnel: The RPO is not limited to mobile quarterbacks. While quarterbacks with good mobility can add another dimension to the RPO (as they can become a running threat themselves), pocket passers can also thrive in RPO systems by making quick, accurate reads and delivering passes.
  4. Mismatch Creation: RPOs are designed to force defenses into making unfavorable decisions. For example, if a defense loads the box to stop the run, the QB can throw to a receiver in single coverage. Conversely, if the defense stays back to guard against the pass, the offense can gain yardage on the ground.
  5. Quick Decision Making: The fast pace of RPOs can wear down defenses. Plays develop quickly, and defensive players are forced to react in a matter of seconds. This can lead to mental fatigue, especially when offenses run RPOs in rapid succession.

RPO in the NFL

While the RPO gained prominence in college football, it has now made its way into the NFL, where teams have embraced it to varying degrees. Some of the most notable teams that have successfully implemented the RPO include:

  • Philadelphia Eagles: Under head coach Doug Pederson, the Eagles used RPOs to great effect during their Super Bowl LII run. Quarterback Nick Foles executed RPO plays with precision, keeping defenses off-balance and leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory.
  • Kansas City Chiefs: Led by offensive mastermind Andy Reid, the Chiefs have incorporated RPOs into their high-octane offense. Patrick Mahomes, with his quick decision-making and arm strength, has been able to take advantage of defenses by executing RPOs and finding open receivers in stride.
  • Baltimore Ravens: With a dynamic quarterback like Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ offense is tailor-made for the RPO. Jackson’s ability to keep the ball as a running threat, combined with his ability to make quick throws, makes the Ravens one of the most dangerous RPO teams in the league.
  • Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers has also utilized RPOs effectively, blending his exceptional passing ability with the Packers’ ground game. The Packers’ offense keeps defenses guessing with a mix of RPO plays that can lead to big plays both through the air and on the ground.

Challenges Defenses Face Against the RPO

Defending against the RPO is no easy task, and defensive coordinators have been forced to come up with creative solutions to counter its effectiveness. Some of the key challenges include:

  • Assignment Discipline: Defenders must stay disciplined in their assignments. Overcommitting to either the run or pass can leave the defense exposed. Linebackers, in particular, are often the conflict player and must be able to read the play correctly.
  • Speed of Execution: RPOs develop quickly, which means defenders have less time to react. Defensive linemen must be able to apply pressure on the QB quickly to disrupt the timing of the play.
  • Versatility of the Offense: RPOs force defenders to account for multiple options on each play. This can lead to hesitation, which offenses can exploit. It’s also harder to disguise coverages and blitzes without tipping off the offense, which limits defensive flexibility.

The Future of the RPO

As offenses continue to evolve, it’s clear that the RPO is not a passing trend. It has become a key part of modern football strategy and is likely to remain a fixture in offensive playbooks for years to come. Defenses will need to keep adapting, finding new ways to limit the effectiveness of the RPO while offenses continue to push the envelope with new variations and wrinkles.

Whether you’re a fan of the high-scoring, fast-paced nature of modern football or a defensive purist who enjoys watching strategic chess matches, there’s no denying that the RPO has changed the game. It’s a testament to the creativity of coaches and players alike, and it will be fascinating to see how this strategy continues to shape the future of football.

The RPO is a game-changer. By blending the run and pass into a single option, offenses have found a way to keep defenses guessing at every turn. Whether it’s a quick slant, a bubble screen, or a zone run, the RPO’s ability to make defenders hesitate is its greatest strength. In an era where football strategies evolve rapidly, the RPO stands as one of the most innovative and impactful tactics in the modern game, and its influence shows no sign of slowing down.

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