I have not really studied RPO much. I was wrong in my thought that it involved the QB heavily involved personally in the run option. Didn’t like that idea. See Nebraska and the injuries the QB. Kind of ignored it. Your explanation helped me. It is consistent with what I have read about the real RPO, I think.
More recently, I actually look at RPO as a variation of the play action concept with much quicker, specific, limited reads. Play action does not allow the option, but relies on successful running plays to set up the pass. PA also relies more on the QB ultimately scanning the field and selecting options 1-3 on his reads. Tough on the QB and the O line. I think on the mark. To me, the RPO is very similar to play action with a different look. Play action is meant to freeze defenders, get the DL into run fits, and set up run plays, which hopefully slows the defenses reactions or at least makes them commit fewer players to the run. With RPO, it's very similar. There are different things that can be done out of the same look so the defense can't sell out as much as the straight dropback/gun with no backs or 2 backs and 2 TE. RPO can also help attack weaker defenders or one that aren't as disciplined. Our PA seems to be to set up a short pass or a flood with a short receiver and an intermediate receiver. I didn't see that with Lester's offense.
So, I would bet my next social security check that KF knew damn well what he was getting from Tim. The marriage of RPO and PA is a natural. Simple addition, I think. I am convinced we will see RPO on the field in 2024. A lot. Mix it in with PA. I like that. Opponents won’t. Completely agree. What I'm anxious to see is how we utilize our TE's. Lester didn't do much of that at WMU. I think you're right that the PA will fit in nicely with the RPO and it will help get the TE's the ball. RPO will do that too. I wonder how much we'll go under center. Lester's offense rarely does.
BTW, I have argued unsuccessfully that we count numbers to determine directions on running plays. Short side, wide side, doesn’t matter. Just count. Duh. I gave up trying but I know I'm right. I got it from a source that pretty close to the situation...KF. I heard him talk about it multiple times. I just keep my mouth shut.
I am a Packer fan. I read and listen to what they do offensively under Matt with apologies to Shannahan. I understand that he wants his QB to throw the damn ball, not run unless it presents itself. He relies heavily on inside/outside zone, which HN posters often complain about. I don't think a lot of posters understand IZ and OZ, what they do, and the purpose of it. A couple of years ago, the Bears led the league in rushing yards and rushing plays using zone blocking. There's a pretty good correlation between the two. This year, 4 of the top 9 rushing teams are the top 4 in plays using zone blocking (Bears--81%, Falcons--79%, Dolphins--75%, and 49ers--75% Packer’s run game uses counter, cut back action, man on man variations, including some vicious trap blocking. So does Iowa. I have argued long and hard that Iowa and the Pack have mirror offensive schemes. But, we were missing RPO. Now we are not. Go Hawks!
BTW, I coached for lots of years at CR Prairie and even longer at CR Kennedy. Mostly offensive backs. So I get O and blocking schemes.
Finally: I am not really good on coaching points for receivers and route selections. Enjoyed your views. Would be good to hear from you on this post. Criticism/corrections welcome.
