The run-pass option (RPO) is a type of designed option play in American football in which the offensive team has the ability to either rush or pass the ball depending on the alignment and actions of defensive team.[1][2][3] Like the standard read-option, the quarterback is responsible for viewing the actions of a particular defender (the "read man") and makes a decision to hand the ball off to their running back depending on how that defender chooses to act after the snap of the ball.[4] However, unlike the read-option, the quarterback is responsible for making a decision regarding whether or not to throw a play-action pass to a receiver running a designed route, rather than simply the decision to keep the ball and run with it.[4][5]
- ^ Sampath, Kaushik (September 18, 2022). "Stanford Film Study: Glance Tunnel RPO". The Stanford Daily.
- ^ Ruiz, Stephen (September 6, 2019). "A casual NFL fan's guide to RPOs". For the Win.
- ^ Galina, Seth (May 14, 2021). "Why NFL offenses needs to expand their RPO packages ahead of the 2021 NFL season". Pro Football Focus.
- ^ a b Dubin, Jared (August 7, 2018). "Ravens' Eric Weddle says RPOs are a fad that will be gone from football in five years". CBS Sports.
- ^ Marcovitch, Max (August 21, 2019). "Film Breakdown: Shea Patterson, RPOs and the offensive key". The Michigan Daily.