What Does RPO Stand for in Football? And Why Does It Make Defenses Question Their Life Choices?

Football is a game of strategy, athleticism, and, occasionally, utter confusion. One of the most intriguing and increasingly popular concepts in modern football is the RPO, or Run-Pass Option. This offensive scheme has taken the sport by storm, leaving defenses scratching their helmets and wondering if they should have just taken up chess instead. But what exactly is an RPO, and why does it seem to make defensive coordinators lose sleep at night? Let’s dive into the world of RPOs, explore their impact on the game, and maybe even question why we’re all so obsessed with a sport where grown men chase an oddly shaped ball.

What Is an RPO?

At its core, an RPO is a play that allows the quarterback to decide, after the snap, whether to hand the ball off to a running back or throw a quick pass. The decision is based on how the defense reacts. If the defense commits to stopping the run, the quarterback can opt for a pass. If the defense drops back into coverage, the quarterback can hand the ball off for a run. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more sweat and fewer dragons.

The beauty of the RPO lies in its simplicity and its ability to exploit defensive weaknesses. It forces defenders to make split-second decisions, often leading to mistakes. For example, a linebacker might bite on the run fake, leaving a receiver wide open for an easy completion. Or a defensive back might hesitate just long enough for the running back to burst through the line for a big gain. It’s a chess match, but the quarterback is playing 4D chess while the defense is still figuring out how the knight moves.

The Evolution of the RPO

The RPO isn’t exactly new. Its roots can be traced back to college football, where innovative coaches like Gus Malzahn and Chip Kelly began experimenting with the concept in the early 2000s. However, it wasn’t until the mid-2010s that the RPO truly exploded onto the NFL scene. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, led by head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Carson Wentz, used RPOs to great effect during their Super Bowl LII run. Since then, the RPO has become a staple of modern offenses, with nearly every team incorporating some version of it into their playbook.

The rise of the RPO can be attributed to several factors. First, the increasing emphasis on passing in the NFL has made quick, high-percentage throws more valuable than ever. Second, the athleticism of modern quarterbacks has made it easier to execute these plays effectively. Finally, the complexity of NFL defenses has forced offenses to find new ways to create mismatches and exploit weaknesses. The RPO does all of that and more, making it a weapon of choice for offensive coordinators across the league.

Why Defenses Hate RPOs

If you’ve ever watched a defensive coordinator on the sidelines during an RPO-heavy game, you’ve probably seen a mix of frustration, confusion, and existential dread. That’s because RPOs are designed to put defenders in impossible situations. Here’s why:

1. They Create Conflict for Defenders: The key to a successful RPO is creating “conflict” for a specific defender, usually a linebacker or a safety. This defender is responsible for both stopping the run and covering a potential pass, which is like asking someone to juggle flaming chainsaws while riding a unicycle. If the defender commits to the run, the quarterback throws the ball. If the defender stays back in coverage, the quarterback hands it off. Either way, the defense is at a disadvantage.

2. They Slow Down the Pass Rush: RPOs often involve quick, short passes that neutralize the pass rush. Defensive linemen can’t just pin their ears back and go after the quarterback because they have to account for the possibility of a run. This hesitation can give the quarterback just enough time to make a play.

3. They Exploit Aggressive Defenses: Some defenses thrive on aggression, using blitzes and stunts to disrupt the offense. But against an RPO, that aggression can backfire. A well-timed RPO can turn a blitz into a big play, leaving the defense vulnerable and the defensive coordinator questioning his life choices.

The Future of RPOs

As with any trend in football, the RPO will eventually face countermeasures. Defenses are already adapting by using more hybrid players who can handle both run and pass responsibilities. Some teams are also experimenting with “simulated pressures,” where they show blitz but drop into coverage, hoping to confuse the quarterback. However, as long as offenses continue to innovate, the RPO will remain a potent weapon.

In the end, the RPO is more than just a play—it’s a philosophy. It represents the ongoing battle between offense and defense, the constant push and pull that makes football so fascinating. And while it may drive defenses crazy, there’s no denying its impact on the game. So the next time you see a quarterback fake a handoff and fire a quick pass, take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of the RPO. And maybe spare a thought for the poor defender who just got turned inside out.

Related Q&A

Q: Can any quarterback run an RPO?
A: While most quarterbacks can execute basic RPOs, the best RPO quarterbacks are those with quick decision-making skills and the ability to read defenses effectively. Athleticism also helps, as it allows the quarterback to extend plays if needed.

Q: Are RPOs only used in the NFL?
A: No, RPOs are widely used at all levels of football, from high school to college to the NFL. In fact, many NFL quarterbacks first encountered RPOs during their college careers.

Q: Do RPOs work against every type of defense?
A: RPOs are most effective against defenses that play man coverage or aggressive schemes. Against zone defenses, the effectiveness of RPOs can be diminished, but creative play-calling can still create opportunities.

Q: Why don’t defenses just ignore the run and focus on the pass?
A: If defenses completely ignore the run, the offense can simply hand the ball off and gash them for big gains. The RPO is designed to keep defenses honest, forcing them to account for both the run and the pass.