RPO Revolution 2.0: How Run-Pass Options are Still Dominating NFL Playbooks in 2025
The roar of the crowd, the clash of helmets, and the strategic dance between offense and defense – NFL football in 2025 is as captivating as ever. But beneath the surface of highlight-reel plays and game-winning drives lies a tactical evolution that continues to shape the modern game: the Run-Pass Option, or RPO. In Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Eagles, led by a dominant offensive line and a stable of workhorse running backs, showcased the power of a strong running game, a testament to the evolving offensive landscape where power running makes a comeback.
The Enduring Appeal of the RPO
In 2025, the RPO isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental element of many NFL offenses. This dynamic play style, which gives quarterbacks the flexibility to choose between a run or a pass based on the defense’s alignment and reaction, has become increasingly sophisticated. According to NFL analyst Brian Baldinger, “The RPO has evolved from a simple read to a complex chess match, forcing defenses to account for multiple possibilities on every snap.”
The beauty of the RPO lies in its adaptability. As vIQtory Sports explains, RPOs are designed to put defensive players in conflict, forcing them to commit to either the run or the pass, but not both. This constant state of uncertainty keeps defenses on their heels and creates opportunities for offensive exploitation.
Quarterbacks at the Forefront
The success of any RPO-heavy offense hinges on the quarterback’s ability to make quick, accurate decisions. Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs remains a prime example of a quarterback who thrives in this system. His ability to read defenses, anticipate movements, and deliver the ball with precision makes the Chiefs’ offense one of the most explosive in the league.
However, the landscape of RPO quarterbacks is ever-changing. The 2025 NFL Draft saw a new wave of talent enter the league, with players like Jaxson Dart (New York Giants) and Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans) being touted for their RPO skills. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pellissero, Ward was considered the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft, largely due to his proficiency in the RPO game. The Giants, meanwhile, were drawn to Dart’s athleticism and ability to run the football, making him a natural fit for their RPO-focused offense.
RPO Variations and Defensive Adjustments
The RPO isn’t a monolithic concept; it comes in various forms, each designed to exploit specific defensive weaknesses.
- Pre-Snap RPOs: These involve the quarterback making a decision before the snap based on the defensive alignment. For example, if the defense is light in the box, the quarterback might call a run. Conversely, if the defense is heavily stacked against the run, a quick pass to a receiver is the call.
- Post-Snap RPOs: These require the quarterback to read a specific defender after the snap. If the defender crashes down to stop the run, the quarterback pulls the ball and throws. If the defender stays back in coverage, the quarterback hands the ball off.
Defensive coordinators are constantly devising new strategies to counter the RPO. One popular approach is to utilize hybrid defenders – players who possess the skills to defend both the run and the pass effectively. These versatile athletes can disrupt the quarterback’s reads and make it more difficult to predict the offense’s intentions.
The Impact on Offensive Line Play
The RPO has also influenced the way offensive lines operate. Linemen must be athletic enough to block for both the run and the pass, often in the same play. This requires a unique blend of strength, agility, and intelligence. As noted in “Top 10 Trends Shaping American Football in 2025,” NFL and college teams are prioritizing offensive and defensive linemen like never before, recognizing that controlling the line of scrimmage is key to winning games.
RPO and the Modern NFL Offense
The RPO has become so ingrained in the NFL that it’s hard to imagine the league without it. It has influenced everything from quarterback development to offensive line strategy to defensive personnel decisions.
- Pistol Offense: More teams are adopting the Pistol formation, blending elements of shotgun and single-back formations to create a more unpredictable, balanced attack, enhancing play-action opportunities.
- Dual-Threat Quarterbacks: Quarterbacks who can both pass and run effectively are now a necessity. Teams are designing offenses around mobile QBs who can escape pressure, extend plays, and keep defenses off balance.
The Future of the RPO
As the game evolves, so too will the RPO. Expect to see even more creative variations of the play, as well as new defensive strategies designed to neutralize its effectiveness. However, one thing is certain: the RPO is here to stay. It has revolutionized the way football is played, and its impact will be felt for years to come. Chip Kelly’s innovative approach to football has reshaped offensive strategies across various levels of the game, with the implementation of the read option and run-pass option (RPO).