RPO 2.0: How Run-Pass Options are Still Shaping Modern NFL Offenses

In a Week 12 showdown, Patrick Mahomes, facing a stacked box, subtly altered the play at the line, turning a seemingly obvious run into a quick slant to Travis Kelce for a crucial first down. This wasn’t just improvisation; it was RPO 2.0 in action – a testament to how run-pass options continue to evolve and dominate the modern NFL landscape.

The Genesis of the RPO

The run-pass option, at its core, is a play where the quarterback makes a split-second decision to either hand the ball off or throw a quick pass based on the defense’s alignment and reaction [16]. It’s a concept that has trickled down from college football, where rule changes allowed for more freedom in offensive line blocking schemes, paving the way for the RPO’s integration into the NFL [2, 3].

Initially, RPOs were relatively simple, often involving a basic inside run paired with a quick slant or bubble screen. The quarterback would read the box count or the movement of a specific linebacker to determine the best course of action. However, as defenses adapted, offenses needed to innovate, leading to the emergence of RPO 2.0.

RPO 2.0: Layers of Complexity

The modern RPO is far more sophisticated than its predecessor. It incorporates multiple layers of reads, pre-snap motion, and diverse route combinations to keep defenses guessing. Here’s how RPO 2.0 is reshaping NFL offenses:

Pre-Snap Reads and Adjustments: Quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts are now adept at identifying defensive vulnerabilities before the snap. They use pre-snap motion to influence linebacker positioning or reveal coverage shells, allowing them to make informed decisions about whether to run, pass, or even change the entire play [7].
Second and Third Level Reads: RPOs are no longer limited to reading just one defender. Quarterbacks are now trained to read multiple defenders at the second (linebackers) and third (safeties) levels [16]. This allows for more nuanced decision-making and the ability to exploit mismatches downfield.
Advanced Route Combinations: The passing element of the RPO has evolved beyond simple slants and screens. Offensive coordinators are now incorporating more complex route combinations, such as option routes, double moves, and crossing patterns, to create more opportunities for explosive plays.
Integration with Play Action: The lines between RPOs and play-action passes are becoming increasingly blurred. Teams are using similar formations and personnel groupings for both types of plays, making it harder for defenses to decipher the offense’s intentions.

The Impact on Player Performance

The rise of RPO 2.0 has had a significant impact on the skill sets required for quarterbacks and running backs.

Quarterback Versatility: Quarterbacks are now expected to be dual-threats, capable of making accurate throws while also possessing the athleticism to run the ball effectively. Players like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes exemplify this versatility, using their legs to extend plays and create opportunities in the running game.
Running Back Receiving Skills: Running backs are no longer just ball carriers; they are also integral parts of the passing game. They need to be able to run routes, catch passes out of the backfield, and block effectively in pass protection. Christian McCaffrey’s receiving ability makes him a dangerous weapon in the RPO game [18].

Defensive Adaptations and Counter-Strategies

As offenses have embraced RPO 2.0, defenses have been forced to adapt. Some of the key counter-strategies include:

Hybrid Defenders: Defenses are prioritizing smaller, faster “hybrid” players who can effectively defend both the run and the pass [5]. These players, often linebackers or safeties with cornerback-like skills, are crucial for containing the RPO’s versatility.
Two-High Safety Looks: Defenses are increasingly employing two-high safety coverages to limit explosive plays and force offenses to work their way down the field [8, 15]. This strategy aims to take away the quick, easy throws that are a staple of the RPO game.
Disguising Coverages: Defenses are becoming more sophisticated in disguising their coverages before the snap, making it harder for quarterbacks to read the defense and make accurate pre-snap adjustments.

RPO 2.0 in Action: Key Examples

Several teams have successfully implemented RPO 2.0 into their offensive schemes:

Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid has long been an innovator in offensive football, and his use of RPOs with Patrick Mahomes is a prime example of RPO 2.0. The Chiefs use a variety of pre-snap motions, route combinations, and quarterback reads to keep defenses off balance.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles’ offense, under the guidance of Nick Sirianni, has also embraced RPOs. Jalen Hurts’s ability to run and throw makes him a perfect fit for this system, and the Eagles have used RPOs to create a dynamic and unpredictable attack.
Miami Dolphins: With offensive mind Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins use motion at the snap to influence the defense and create favorable matchups for their skill players [7]. Their creative use of RPOs has helped them become one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

The Future of RPOs

The RPO is more than just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in offensive philosophy. As offenses continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more sophisticated RPO concepts emerge. Some potential future developments include:

Increased Use of Analytics: Teams will likely use data analytics to identify the most effective RPO plays and route combinations against specific defensive schemes.
Virtual Reality Training: Quarterbacks may use virtual reality to simulate game situations and improve their decision-making skills in the RPO game.
Further Blurring of Run and Pass: The lines between traditional run plays and pass plays will continue to blur, with offenses using more creative formations and personnel groupings to keep defenses guessing.

RPO 2.0 is not just about running or passing; it’s about creating options and forcing defenses to react. It’s a chess match between offensive and defensive coordinators, with the quarterback serving as the key decision-maker. As the game continues to evolve, the RPO will undoubtedly remain a central component of modern NFL offenses.