The Lions Playbook Ep. 5: The Screen Game

Run Pass Option

The Run Pass Option, or RPO is used in all areas of football and predominately in the screen game. It is two plays built into one, with a focus on numbers and match-ups. Sounds confusing, but it’s easy. Kind of.

The concept is that the play called is a run play. Whether it be a zone option, power run with a pulling guard, or an off tackle play its just a strong side run. On the back side of the play, you will see two receivers lined up wide.

The quarterback will then see the matchup and what you are looking for on the back side is even numbers, If he sees the defense lined up in with 3 or more defenders in close proximity to the play, then you will hand the ball off and call it a day. But, in the event that there is an isolated 2-on-2 situation then the quarterback, at the snap, will just turn and throw the screen. In order to avoid a defensive adjustment, the quarterback usually won’t make an audible call. The play is designed so the receivers know it is coming based on the number matchup and the screen is thrown.

Confused? Let’s use this play against the Rams for example.

The Lions have a power run setup with 13 personnel (1 running back, 3 tight ends). LA responds with 8 men in the box, 4 down linemen, two edge rushers and 2 linebackers who are shifted over the strong side tackle and the center. At the top of the screen, we see a two receiver set with two corners who are both 5 yards off the line of scrimmage. Yeah, I can’t explain why the safety is 20 yards off the ball.

Assuming the edge rusher on the weak side crashes down, we see a two-on-two match-up. Stafford throws the screen as Marvin blocks the outside corner while right tackle Riley Reiff absolutely crushes inside corner. The common denominator here is just how athletic this line in their ability to get down field and make a block.

The common denominator here is just how athletic this line in their ability to get down field and make a block.